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

Controlling background apps in Windows 11 helps your PC run faster and save battery power. Background apps are programs that continue to run on your computer even when you’re not actively using them, performing tasks like checking for new emails or updating information.

Too many apps running this way can slow down your PC and use up battery life quickly. Windows 11 lets you decide which apps get to run in the background to manage your system’s resources better.

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

You control if an app runs in the background on Windows 11 by adjusting the app's permissions in the app's settings. Scroll down to find the 'Background app permissions' section. You can choose to let an app run 'Always,' keep it 'Power optimized,' or turn the app off completely by selecting 'Never.' This management helps control which apps use your computer's resources when you are not actively using them.

• 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."

References:

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

Summary

Controlling which apps run in the background on Windows 11 helps your computer run better and saves battery power. To do this, go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Click the three dots next to an app, select 'Advanced options,' and then choose 'Never' for apps you don't use often, or 'Power optimized' for most others. This simple adjustment can make a big difference in your PC's performance.