How to stop an app from running in the background in Windows 11
Stopping apps from running in the background in Windows 11 helps your PC run faster and saves battery. Background apps are programs that continue to use your computer’s resources, like processing power and battery, even when you’re not actively using them.
Background apps can update or send you notifications. Too many background apps can slow your computer, especially when you have many programs open. For example, the Mail app checks for new emails every few minutes, using computer resources.
Background app activity visibility helps you take control of your computer. You can choose to turn off this background activity feature for specific apps or for all apps at once. Stopping background app activity prevents unnecessary resource drain, giving your PC a smoother performance boost.
Manage Background Apps in 🪟 Windows 11
Windows 11 offers many convenient features. However, some of these might run apps in the background you don’t actively use. This can slow down your PC, drain the battery, and even consume internet data. Let’s explore how to take control.
Stop a Specific App from Running in the Background
- Open Windows Settings :
Click the Start button (the Windows logo) on your taskbar . In the Start menu , click the gear icon to open Settings .
Alternatively, press the ⊞ Win+I on your keyboard at the same time.
Windows 11 Start menu with Settings gear icon highlighted. - Go to Apps:
In the Settings window, click on Apps in the left-hand menu.
- Select Apps & features:
In the Apps section, click on Installed apps. This will show a list of all programs installed on your PC. It may take a moment to load.
Windows 11 Settings app showing the list of installed applications. - Find the App:
Scroll through the list to find the app you want to manage. You can also type the app’s name in the search bar at the top of the “Apps & features” list to find it faster.
Tip: If you’re unsure which app is causing issues, look for apps you rarely use that might run in the background, like pre-installed software or old games. - Open Advanced Options:
Once you find the app, click the three dots (ellipsis) next to its name. A small menu will appear. Click on Advanced options.
- Choose Background Activity Setting:
You will see a section called “Background apps permissions.” Find the dropdown menu labeled Let this app run in the background. Click it.
You will see a few options:- Always: The app can run in the background all the time, even when you’re not using it. This is often the default.Never: This stops the app from running in the background completely. Choose this if you don’t want the app using resources when you’re not actively using it.Power optimized (recommended): Windows decides when the app can run in the background, usually when your device is plugged in and not in use, to save power.
Warning: Be cautious when setting apps to “Never.” Some apps, like email or messaging apps, need to run in the background to alert you about new messages or calls. If you disable them, you might miss important notifications. - Save Changes:
Usually, selecting “Never” from the dropdown menu saves your changes automatically. You don’t typically need to click a separate “Save” button. You can then close the Settings window.
References:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/windows-background-apps-and-your-privacy
Summary
Managing background apps in Windows 11 helps improve your computer's speed and save battery power. You can control which apps run in the background through Windows Settings, preventing them from using resources when not needed. Adjusting these settings for individual apps ensures your PC runs more efficiently.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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