Turning off background apps in Windows 11 can help boost your computer’s performance by freeing up system resources. You can get this done in just a few steps. First, access your settings, navigate to the apps section, and select the specific apps you want to stop from running in the background. By doing so, you’ll help reduce the load on your CPU and RAM, making your PC run smoother.
How to Turn Off Background Apps in Windows 11
By following these steps, you’ll be able to manage which applications can run in the background on your Windows 11 device. This will not only help optimize performance but also conserve battery life on laptops and decrease unnecessary data usage.
Step 1: Open Settings
Click on the Start menu and select the Settings gear icon.
This action takes you to the Windows 11 Settings menu, where most of your system configurations can be managed. It’s the central hub for personalizing your Windows experience.
Step 2: Navigate to Apps
In the Settings menu, click on the “Apps” section located on the left sidebar.
The Apps section gives you an overview of all installed applications and allows you to manage their settings, including whether or not they can run in the background.
Step 3: Select Apps & Features
Choose “Apps & Features” from the Apps menu.
Here, you’ll see a list of all the apps installed on your system. It’s like your toolbox where each tool is an app waiting for your command.
Step 4: Choose an App
Locate the app you want to stop from running in the background and click the three-dot menu next to it.
Selecting an app brings up options specific to that particular application, making it easy to customize its behavior.
Step 5: Adjust App Permissions
Click “Advanced Options,” then scroll to the “Background Apps Permissions” section and select “Never” from the dropdown.
By choosing “Never,” you effectively stop the app from utilizing system resources when it’s not actively in use, saving power and improving performance.
After completing these steps, the selected apps will no longer operate in the background, freeing up resources for other tasks and potentially improving the overall speed and efficiency of your device.
Tips for Turning Off Background Apps in Windows 11
- Check App Necessity: Before turning off background apps, consider whether an app needs to run for updates or notifications.
- Monitor Battery Life: On laptops, reducing background apps can significantly save battery life.
- Review Regularly: Periodically review which apps are running in the background as new updates might change their behavior.
- Use Built-in Tools: Windows 11 comes with built-in tools like Task Manager to monitor and manage resource usage.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with Windows updates, as Microsoft often introduces new settings that could affect background app behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I turn off background apps?
Turning off background apps can improve computer performance, save battery life, and reduce data usage.
Can I stop all apps from running in the background?
Yes, but it’s essential to allow necessary apps, like antivirus software, to run to ensure your system remains secure.
Will turning off background apps affect notifications?
Yes, some apps will not be able to send notifications if they are not allowed to run in the background.
How can I tell which apps are running in the background?
Use the Task Manager to view which processes and applications are running in the background.
Can turning off background apps improve gaming performance?
Yes, reducing background processes can free up system resources, providing a smoother gaming experience.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Apps.
- Select Apps & Features.
- Choose an App.
- Adjust App Permissions.
Conclusion
In today’s fast-paced digital world, optimizing your computer’s performance is key to getting the most out of your technology. By learning how to turn off background apps in Windows 11, you’re taking a proactive step towards ensuring your device runs efficiently and effectively. Not only does this help conserve battery life, but it also enhances overall system performance by freeing up valuable resources.
If you’re a multitasker or a gamer looking for every edge, managing background apps is a simple yet powerful way to ensure your device meets your demands. Remember, technology is a tool meant to serve you, not the other way around. So, take control, explore your settings, and make your Windows 11 experience uniquely yours. If you’re interested in further optimizing your PC, consider researching additional Windows settings that can be fine-tuned for performance. The key is to stay informed and keep exploring – there’s always something new to learn in the ever-evolving world of tech.
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.