Want to speed up your computer and save battery life? Stopping background apps in Windows 11 can help. By following a few simple steps, you can easily stop unnecessary apps from running in the background. This guide will walk you through the process, making it quick and simple.
How to Stop Background Apps in Windows 11
Stopping background apps in Windows 11 will help your computer run faster and last longer on battery. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Open Settings
Click on the Start menu and select “Settings.”
The Settings menu is your one-stop shop for tweaking various aspects of Windows 11, including managing background apps. First, click on the Start menu, the Windows icon on the taskbar, and then click on “Settings,” which looks like a gear icon.
Step 2: Go to Privacy & Security
Navigate to the “Privacy & Security” section.
Once in the Settings menu, look for the “Privacy & Security” option on the left-hand sidebar. Clicking on it will open a new set of options specifically focused on keeping your data secure and managing app permissions.
Step 3: Click Background Apps
Select “Background apps” from the list.
In the “Privacy & Security” menu, scroll down until you find the option labeled “Background apps.” Clicking on it will show you a list of all the apps that are currently allowed to run in the background.
Step 4: Turn Off Background Apps
Toggle the switch next to each app to turn it off.
You’ll see a list of apps with toggles next to them. To stop an app from running in the background, simply flip the switch to the “Off” position. This simple action will prevent the selected app from using resources when you’re not actively using it.
Step 5: Review Special App Permissions
Check if any apps have special permissions and adjust as needed.
Some apps might have special permissions to run in the background even if you’ve turned off the general setting. Make sure to review these and adjust their permissions if necessary.
After you complete these steps, your computer will no longer run the apps you selected in the background. You might notice an improvement in performance and battery life.
Tips for Stopping Background Apps in Windows 11
- Regularly check for updates: Make sure your system and apps are updated as updates can optimize performance.
- Use Task Manager: Open Task Manager to see which apps are consuming the most resources.
- Enable Battery Saver: This mode automatically restricts background activity to save power.
- Uninstall Unnecessary Apps: If you don’t use certain apps, consider uninstalling them altogether.
- Use Lightweight Alternatives: Some apps are resource hogs; look for lighter alternatives if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stopping Background Apps in Windows 11
Why should I stop background apps?
Stopping background apps can improve your computer’s performance and extend battery life.
Will stopping background apps affect notifications?
Yes, stopping background apps may prevent you from receiving notifications from those apps.
Can I stop all background apps at once?
No, you need to toggle each app individually in the “Background apps” settings.
How often should I check my background apps?
It’s a good idea to review your background apps every few months or after installing new software.
Can I re-enable background apps later?
Yes, you can always go back to the settings and turn the background apps back on.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security.
- Click Background Apps.
- Turn Off Background Apps.
- Review Special App Permissions.
Conclusion
Stopping background apps in Windows 11 is a simple but effective way to boost your computer’s performance and save battery life. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly and efficiently stop unnecessary apps from draining your system’s resources.
Remember, you can always go back and re-enable these apps if needed. Regularly checking and updating your app settings will ensure that your computer runs as smoothly as possible. If you found this article helpful, consider exploring other ways to optimize your Windows 11 experience, like uninstalling unused programs or upgrading your hardware.
Taking control of your background apps not only makes your computer run faster but also provides you with a more streamlined and efficient user experience. Whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned pro, these tips and steps are easy to follow and make a noticeable difference. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy a faster, more efficient Windows 11 experience.
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.