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Background apps on your Windows 11 Surface can slow down your device and drain battery life. Closing these apps helps improve performance and speed. It is easy to manage background apps once you know where to look.

This guide will walk you through simple steps to close background apps safely. No technical skills are needed, and you can do it quickly.

By following these steps, you can free up system resources and enjoy a smoother experience on your Surface device. Let’s get started.

Closing apps running in the background is one of the best ways to boost your Windows 11 Surface’s performance.

Quick Note Before You Begin

• Make sure your Surface is plugged in or has enough battery to avoid interruptions.
• Save any important work before closing apps to avoid losing data.
• Understand that some apps need to run in the background for notifications or updates.
• You can always reopen apps later if needed.

Step 1: Open the Task Manager

The Task Manager lets you see all the apps and processes running on your device. To open it:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard simultaneously. This opens the Task Manager directly.
2. Alternatively, right-click the Start button (Windows icon) on the bottom left and select Task Manager.
3. If the Task Manager opens in a simple view, click More details at the bottom to see all running apps.

Task Manager is important because it shows exactly which apps are using resources.

Step 2: Identify Background Apps

In Task Manager, look under the Processes tab. You will see a list of apps, background processes, and Windows processes.

• Apps running in the foreground will be under the Apps section.
• Background apps appear under Background processes.

Look for apps that you do not need open or that are using a lot of CPU, memory, or disk resources.

Step 3: Close Background Apps

To close a background app:

1. Click on the app or process you want to close to select it.
2. Press the End task button at the bottom right of the Task Manager window.

This will immediately stop the app or process, freeing up system resources.

Note: Be careful not to close system processes labeled as Windows processes, as these are important for your device’s stability.

Step 4: Manage Background Apps via Settings

You can also control which apps are allowed to run in the background through the Settings app:

1. Click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
2. Go to Apps on the left menu.
3. Select Installed apps or Apps & features.
4. Find the app you want to manage and click the three dots next to it.
5. Choose Advanced options.
6. Scroll to the Background apps permissions section.
7. Choose Never to prevent the app from running in the background.

This method helps prevent apps from automatically starting in the background, saving battery and CPU.

Alternative Method: Use Battery Saver Mode

Windows 11 has a Battery Saver feature that limits background activity automatically:

1. Click the battery icon in the taskbar.
2. Turn on Battery saver.

When Battery Saver is enabled, Windows restricts background apps, helping extend battery life and improve performance without manual intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I close all background apps without any risk?

It’s best to avoid closing essential system processes or apps you rely on for notifications. Focus on apps you recognize and don’t need running.

Why does my Surface still feel slow after closing apps?

Other factors like updates, disk health, or malware may affect performance. Closing apps is one step to improve speed.

Will closing background apps affect notifications?

Yes, some apps need to run in the background to send notifications. Disable background activity only for apps you don’t need notifications from.

How often should I close background apps?

Doing this weekly or when you notice slowdowns is usually sufficient.

Can I automate closing background apps?

There are third-party tools that help manage background apps, but use them carefully to avoid closing important processes.

When Nothing Works

If closing background apps does not improve your Surface’s performance, try these final steps:

• Restart your device: This refreshes system resources and can fix temporary issues.
• Run Windows Update: Ensure your system is up to date for best performance and security.
• Scan for malware: Use Windows Security or a trusted antivirus to check for harmful software.
• Reset your Surface: As a last resort, you can reset Windows 11 to factory settings. Back up your data first.
• Visit the Microsoft Surface Support page for official help and tools.

Conclusion

Closing background apps on your Windows 11 Surface is a simple but effective way to improve system performance and save battery life. Using Task Manager and Settings, you can identify and stop unnecessary apps from running.

Remember to be cautious when closing processes and only stop apps you recognize. Using Battery Saver mode also helps manage background activity automatically.

By following this guide, you can keep your Surface running smoothly and enjoy a better overall experience.