Finding background apps on Windows 11 can help you identify which programs are running and potentially using up your system’s resources without you knowing. By following a few simple steps, you can quickly see which apps are running in the background and manage them to improve your computer’s performance.
How to Find Background Apps on Windows 11
In the following steps, we’ll walk you through how to find and manage background apps on your Windows 11 computer.
Step 1: Open Settings
First step, open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard.
This keyboard shortcut is a quick way to access the settings without having to navigate through the start menu. It brings you directly to the settings menu where you can manage various system preferences.
Step 2: Go to “Privacy & security”
Second step, from the Settings menu, click on “Privacy & security” in the left-hand sidebar.
This section houses various settings related to your privacy and the security of your system. It’s also where you’ll find options to manage your background apps.
Step 3: Click on “Background apps”
Third step, under the “App permissions” section, click on “Background apps.”
Here, you’ll see a list of all the apps that have permission to run in the background. This is where you can start managing which apps you want to keep running and which you want to disable.
Step 4: Manage your background apps
Fourth step, toggle the switches next to each app to allow or prevent them from running in the background.
Disabling background apps can free up system resources, like CPU and memory, which can make your computer run more smoothly. Be cautious though, some apps might need to run in the background to function properly.
Step 5: Check Task Manager for running apps
Fifth step, open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc and go to the Processes tab.
This will show you all the apps and processes currently running on your system, including those in the background. It provides a more detailed view compared to the Settings menu.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a better understanding of which apps are running in the background on your Windows 11 computer. You can then choose to disable the ones that you don’t need, which can help improve your computer’s performance.
Tips for Finding Background Apps on Windows 11
- Be selective with background apps: Only allow essential apps to run in the background.
- Regularly check Task Manager: Make it a habit to review Task Manager to see what’s running.
- Use antivirus software: Some background apps could be malware; antivirus software can help detect them.
- Keep your system updated: Updates often include performance improvements and security patches.
- Monitor system performance: Use built-in tools like Resource Monitor to keep an eye on CPU and memory usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I see all the apps running in the background?
You can see all running apps by going to Settings > Privacy & security > Background apps and by checking Task Manager.
Will disabling background apps speed up my computer?
Yes, disabling unnecessary background apps can free up system resources, which can improve your computer’s performance.
Can I re-enable background apps if I need them later?
Absolutely, you can always go back to the Background apps settings and toggle the switches back on.
Do all apps need to run in the background?
No, not all apps need to run in the background. Only allow essential apps that require background activity to function properly.
Is it safe to disable all background apps?
Generally, it is safe, but be cautious. Some apps need to run in the background for features like notifications and updates.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to “Privacy & security”.
- Click on “Background apps”.
- Manage your background apps.
- Check Task Manager for running apps.
Conclusion
Managing background apps on Windows 11 is a simple yet effective way to ensure your computer runs smoothly. By taking the time to review and disable unnecessary background processes, you can free up valuable system resources. This can lead to improved performance, faster response times, and an overall better user experience.
Remember, it’s not just about turning off all background apps; it’s about being selective and understanding which apps are essential and which aren’t. Regularly checking your Task Manager and keeping your system updated are good practices to maintain optimal performance.
If you found this guide on how to find background apps on Windows 11 helpful, stay tuned for more tips and tricks to get the most out of your technology. Happy computing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.