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High background app usage in Windows 11 can slow down your computer and drain your battery. It often happens when apps run unnecessarily in the background, consuming system resources. Fixing this issue can improve your PC’s speed and overall performance.

This guide will walk you through simple steps to identify and reduce background app usage. No advanced skills are needed—just follow along carefully.

By the end, you should notice your system running smoother and responding faster. Let’s get started with the basics.

Remember, controlling background apps helps your PC focus on what matters most.

Quick Note Before You Begin

• Ensure your Windows 11 is up to date. Updates often fix bugs related to app behavior.
• Close any important work before making changes, as some steps might require restarting your computer.
• Check your battery level or plug in your device if working on a laptop.
• Be cautious when disabling apps; some background processes are important for system functions.

Step 1: Check Which Apps Use Background Resources

Start by identifying which apps use the most resources in the background. This helps you know where to focus your efforts.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Click on the Processes tab.
3. Look under the Background processes section.
4. Sort by CPU, Memory, or Disk usage by clicking those column headers.

Identify apps or processes that consistently use high resources. These might be the ones to control next.

Step 2: Disable Background Apps via Settings

Windows 11 allows you to control which apps can run in the background. Disabling unnecessary apps can save resources.

1. Click the Start button and select Settings (Windows + I shortcut works too).
2. Go to Apps > Installed apps or Apps & features.
3. Find the app you want to limit and click the three dots next to it.
4. Select Advanced options.
5. Scroll down to the Background apps permissions section.
6. Choose Never to prevent the app from running in the background.

Repeat for apps that don’t need to update or run constantly.

Step 3: Use Battery Saver to Limit Background Activity

Battery Saver mode automatically restricts background activity to save power, which can also help with background usage.

1. Open Settings > System > Power & battery.
2. Under Battery, toggle on Battery saver.
3. You can also set it to turn on automatically at a certain battery level.

This step is especially helpful for laptops to extend battery life while controlling app activity.

Step 4: Adjust Privacy Settings to Limit Background Apps

Some apps use permissions to run tasks in the background. Limiting these permissions helps reduce unnecessary usage.

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & security.
2. Click on App permissions such as Location, Camera, Microphone, or Background apps.
3. Review which apps have permission to run in the background.
4. Toggle off permissions for apps you don’t trust or don’t need to run continuously.

Step 5: Disable Startup Programs

Many apps start automatically and run in the background after you log in. Disabling unnecessary startup programs reduces background load.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager again.
2. Click on the Startup tab.
3. Review the list of apps that launch at startup.
4. Right-click on apps you don’t need and select Disable.

This prevents these apps from running in the background unless you launch them manually.

Alternative Method: Use PowerShell to Disable Background Apps

For advanced users comfortable with command-line tools, PowerShell can disable background apps in bulk.

Get-AppxPackage | Where-Object {$_.NonRemovable -eq $false} | Remove-AppxPackage

Note: This command removes some built-in apps and may affect system features. Use with caution and create a restore point first.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Windows 11 allow apps to run in the background?

Background apps help provide timely notifications, update content, and improve user experience. However, not all apps need this, so managing them is important.

Will disabling background apps affect notifications?

Yes, if you disable background activity for an app, you might stop receiving notifications or updates from that app until you open it again.

Can background apps cause my PC to overheat?

Excessive background activity can increase CPU and memory usage, which may lead to higher temperatures. Reducing background apps helps keep your system cooler.

Is it safe to disable all background apps?

No. Some system apps and services are essential for Windows to function properly. Disable only apps you recognize and don’t need running constantly.

How often should I check background app usage?

It’s a good practice to check every few weeks or when you notice your PC slowing down, to keep performance optimal.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and still experience high background app usage, consider the following options:

• Run a virus scan: Malware can cause abnormal background activity. Use Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Perform a clean boot: This starts Windows with only essential services, helping identify problematic apps.
• Create a new user profile: Sometimes, user settings cause issues. A new profile can resolve this.
• Contact Microsoft Support: For persistent problems, visit Microsoft’s official support site.

Conclusion

High background app usage in Windows 11 can slow your system and reduce battery life, but it’s usually easy to fix. Start by identifying resource-heavy apps, then disable unnecessary background permissions and startup programs. Using battery saver and adjusting privacy settings also helps control unwanted activity.

Remember to be careful when disabling apps, focusing on those you know and don’t need running constantly. Regularly monitoring your system ensures it stays fast and efficient.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a smoother and more responsive Windows 11 experience.