How to Manage Background Apps in Windows 11
Windows 11 lets you decide if apps can run while you aren’t using them. This is called background activity. Managing this helps you save battery life and keep your computer running smoothly.
Why manage background apps?
Apps running in the background use your computer’s memory and battery to sync data or send notifications. If you have too many apps doing this, your laptop battery will drain faster, and your computer might slow down. By limiting these apps, you take control of your system’s resources.
What happens when you change these settings?
When you restrict an app, it will stop checking for new data or sending updates until you open it again. If you set an app to “Always,” it will keep running even when hidden. If you choose “Never,” the app will pause completely until you click on it.
You can choose from three settings:
- Always: The app runs whenever it wants.
- Power optimized (recommended): Windows manages the app to save your battery.
- Never: The app stops running as soon as you close it.
How to check battery usage per app
Before you disable apps, check which ones are using the most power. Go to Settings > System > Power & battery. Click on Battery usage to see a list of apps. If an app is high on the list but you rarely use it, you should change its background permissions.
Store Apps vs. Desktop Apps
Windows 11 handles background permissions differently for apps installed from the Microsoft Store versus traditional desktop (Win32) programs. You can easily manage permissions for Store apps via the Settings menu. Some older desktop programs do not show these options because they manage their own background processes.
How to change background app settings
You can adjust these settings using the main Windows Settings menu. No special admin privileges are required for these steps.
1. Open your Settings app. You can press the Windows key + I on your keyboard or click Start and then click the Settings icon.
2. Once the Settings window opens, click on Apps in the menu on the left side of your screen.
3. Select Installed apps from the list on the right.
4. Find the app you want to change. Click the three-dot button next to the app name.
5. Select Advanced options from the menu that appears.
6. Look for the Background apps permissions section. Use the dropdown menu to select your preferred setting: Always, Power optimized, or Never.
Troubleshooting non-responsive apps
If an app stops working after you change its settings, return to the Advanced options menu and set it back to Power optimized. If the issue persists, use the Reset or Repair buttons found in the same menu to fix corrupted app files.
Summary
Managing background apps in Windows 11 allows you to customize how your computer uses its power. By choosing which apps can run in the background, you can extend your battery life and improve your computer’s performance. For more information, visit Microsoft.com.
Does disabling background apps stop notifications?
Yes, if you set an app to “Never,” it may stop receiving real-time notifications or updates. If you need to receive alerts from a specific app, keep the setting on “Power optimized” or “Always” to ensure the app can communicate with the server while minimized.
Will disabling background apps improve gaming performance?
Yes, disabling unnecessary background apps frees up CPU and RAM resources. This allows your computer to dedicate more power to your game, which can lead to higher frame rates and fewer stutters during intense gameplay sessions. Always close heavy background programs before starting a game.
Can I disable background apps for all programs at once in Windows 11?
Windows 11 does not currently offer a single “master switch” to disable all background apps at once. You must manage permissions on a per-app basis through the Installed Apps menu. This design prevents critical system services from being accidentally disabled by the user.
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