How to control whether an app can run in the background in Windows 11

Background apps in Windows 11 are programs that run tasks like checking for emails or downloading ⬇️ updates even when you do not have them open on your screen. Too many active background apps drain your laptop battery and slow down system performance.

You can manage these background programs through the Windows 11 Settings app ⚙️ to keep your PC running fast and save power.

How to Control Background App Permissions in 🪟 Windows 11

Windows 11 provides simple tools to manage what each app can do when you are not actively using it. This app management feature helps you improve your system's speed and save battery.

Step 1Open Your App Settings

1. Click the Start button, usually in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
2. Select Settings. You can also press Windows Key + I on your keyboard to open Settings ⚙️.

   

3. In Settings, click on Apps in the left menu.
4. Then, select Installed apps.

   

Step 2Find the App You Want to Control

You’ll see a list of all the apps on your computer. Scroll through this list to find the app you want to manage. Since the list is usually in alphabetical order, it can help you find apps faster.

Step 3Access Advanced Options

1. Find the app you want to change.
2. To the right of the app’s name, click the three dots (…), which means “More options.”
3. A small menu will appear. Select Advanced options from this menu.

   

Step 4Adjust Background App Permissions

Windows 11 background apps permissions let you control whether individual programs can run when you are not actively using them. You can manage these settings for each installed program by choosing ‘Always’, ‘Power optimized’, or ‘Never’ from the app’s advanced options menu to stop unwanted battery drain and data usage.

• Always: If you pick this, the app will always be allowed to run in the background. It can get information and send you notifications even when you’re not using it. This can use more power, so it might not be best for apps that use a lot of battery on a laptop.
• Power optimized (recommended): This is the default for many apps and is usually a good choice. Windows will smartly decide when the app can run in the background to save power. It still lets the app get important notifications and update sometimes. This is a good way to keep apps working without using too much battery.
• Never: If you choose “Never,” the app will not be allowed to run in the background at all. This means you won’t get notifications or updates from it unless you open the app. This is great for apps you don’t use often or ones you want to make sure aren’t using resources when you don’t need them.

You can make your PC faster or help your laptop's battery last longer by checking your most used apps. If these apps aren't already set to "Power optimized," change them to that setting. For apps you only open once in a while, consider setting them to "Never."

If you set an app to "Never," you might miss important notifications or updates. For example, if you set your email app to "Never," you may not see new emails until you open the app manually. Be sure you understand what this means for each app before you change its settings.

References:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/windows-background-apps-and-your-privacy

Summary

Managing windows 11 background apps helps your computer run better and saves battery power by stopping unused programs from running out of sight. You can change these settings in your system options by going to Installed apps, opening the advanced options for a specific program, and setting its background permission to Never or Power optimized.