How to Disable Background Apps in Windows 11

This post shows students and new users how to turn off running background apps to improve performance when using Windows 11.

Windows loads some apps in the background so they can find info, send notifications, receive updates, and do other things, even if you’re not using them. If you have a lot of apps running in the background, they can lead to poor performance at times.

There may be some apps that you will always want to run in the background. But other apps you don’t use should not always be allowed to start up and run when you have no use for them. Windows 11 allows you to turn off running background apps, but one at a time.

The new Windows 11 can also turn off running background apps; the steps below will show you how to do that. You can review your apps list, see which are important, and stay running. You can disable less important apps to improve your system performance.

To get started with turning off running background apps in Windows 11, follow the steps below:

How to turn off running background apps in Windows 11

You can disable apps from running from the System settings pane in the background.

Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. Everything can be done, from system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows from its System Settings pane.

To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings, as shown in the image below:

Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it.

Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click Apps, and select Apps & features on the right pane of your screen, as shown in the image below.

On the Apps & features settings pane, under the App list, you’ll see available apps running in the background. Some of these are needed, like the weather app – to get timely weather info, Alarms and clock – to receive important event reminders, and others.

So apps, not so much, can be stopped from running in the background.

To stop an app from running in the background, locate the apps you want to stop, click on the ellipsis (three vertical dots) next to them, and select ‘Advanced options from the menu.

In the Advanced option, under Background apps permissions, choose Never to run this app in the background.

This will prevent the apps from running again in the background. You must do that one at a time for apps you deem unimportant. Keep the apps that are important so that you keep getting accurate and timely information from Windows.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Disabling background apps can significantly enhance your system’s performance on Windows 11.
• Accessing the System Settings is straightforward using the Windows key + I or by searching for “Settings.”
• Review your list of background apps to identify which ones are essential and which can be disabled.
• You can manage background app settings individually for more control over system resources.
• Regularly checking and adjusting these settings can lead to a smoother user experience in Windows 11.