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Background apps in Windows 11 can use system resources even when you are not actively using them. Disabling these apps can help improve your computer’s performance and save battery life on laptops. This guide will walk you through the process of turning off background apps in simple steps.

You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow these instructions. Each step is explained clearly, so you can easily understand why it matters. By the end of this article, you’ll know how to manage background apps to make your Windows 11 PC run smoother.

Whether you want to free up memory or reduce unnecessary CPU usage, disabling background apps is a great place to start. Let’s get started with the basics.

Remember, some apps need to run in the background for notifications or updates, so it’s important to choose carefully which ones to disable.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before disabling background apps, consider the following:

• Save your work: Some apps may stop updating if background activity is disabled.
• Check app importance: Essential apps like antivirus or messaging apps may need to run in the background.
• Windows updates: Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date for the best experience in managing apps.

How to Disable Background Apps in Windows 11: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

Click on the Start button (Windows icon) on the bottom-left corner of your screen. Then click the Settings icon, which looks like a gear. Alternatively, you can press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Settings directly.

This is important because Settings is where you control all system preferences, including app permissions.

Step 2: Navigate to Privacy & Security

In the Settings window, look at the left sidebar and click on Privacy & security. This section manages what apps can access and do in the background.

Step 3: Select Background Apps Permissions

Scroll down until you find the App permissions section. Under this, click on Background apps. This is where you will see the list of apps that can run in the background.

Step 4: Turn Off Background Apps Individually

Here, you will see a toggle switch next to each app. To stop an app from running in the background, simply toggle it to the Off position.

• This action prevents the app from using system resources when you are not actively using it.
• Disabling unnecessary apps can reduce CPU and memory usage, improving overall performance.

Tip: If you want to disable all background apps at once, some versions of Windows 11 may have a master switch at the top. Use this with caution, as it might affect important apps.

Step 5: Confirm Your Changes

After turning off the toggles, you can close the Settings window. The changes take effect immediately, so you don’t need to restart your computer.

Alternative Method: Using Battery Settings to Manage Background Apps

If you want to save battery life and improve performance, you can also manage background apps through Battery settings.

1. Open Settings and go to System > Power & battery.
2. Scroll down to find Battery usage by app.
3. Click on the arrow next to an app to see detailed info.
4. From here, you can configure the app’s background activity to Restricted to limit its use.

This method is helpful if you want to control apps based on power consumption rather than turning them off entirely.

FAQs About Disabling Background Apps in Windows 11

Q: Will disabling background apps stop notifications?

A: Yes, in most cases, disabling background apps means you won’t receive notifications from those apps until you open them again.

Q: Can I re-enable background apps later?

A: Absolutely. You can turn background activity back on anytime by following the same steps and toggling apps back on.

Q: Does disabling background apps improve gaming performance?

A: Usually, yes. Stopping unnecessary apps from running in the background can free up system resources, which can help games run more smoothly.

Q: Are there any risks to disabling background apps?

A: Some apps may not function properly or update in real-time if their background activity is turned off. Always disable apps carefully.

Q: Can I disable all background apps at once?

A: Some versions of Windows 11 have a master toggle to disable all background apps, but it’s better to disable apps one by one to avoid affecting essential programs.

When Nothing Works: Final Troubleshooting Tips

If you still notice slow performance after disabling background apps, consider these options:

• Restart your PC: Sometimes a simple restart helps apply changes and clear memory.
• Check for malware: Run a full antivirus scan to rule out malicious software slowing down your system.
• Update Windows: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any available updates.
• Use Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and check for resource-heavy apps that might need closing.
• Official Help: Visit the Microsoft Support website for advanced troubleshooting and support.

Conclusion

Disabling background apps in Windows 11 is a straightforward way to improve your computer’s performance and save battery life. By following the step-by-step instructions, you can control which apps run behind the scenes and free up valuable system resources.

Remember to choose carefully which apps to disable so you don’t miss important notifications or updates. Use the alternative battery settings for power-saving options if needed. If issues persist, try the troubleshooting tips or seek official support.

Taking control of background apps helps keep your Windows 11 experience smooth and efficient.