How to Enable Background Mode in Google Chrome
Google Chrome’s background mode lets specific apps and extensions keep running even after you close the browser window.
This feature allows essential tasks, like downloads or notifications, to finish without you actively using Chrome. It used to be controlled by a setting called “Continue running background apps when Google Chrome is closed.”
When background mode is on, Chrome doesn’t fully close. This means things like downloading files or syncing data can continue in the background. It makes sure these tasks finish properly even when Chrome isn’t open on your screen.
You might want this active for uninterrupted downloads or to get alerts from your extensions right on time.
Google Chrome no longer has a global setting for background mode. Instead, individual websites installed as Progressive Web Apps manage their own background activity. You can manage these permissions within each specific web app’s settings.
Why use background mode?
Background mode lets certain web applications keep running after you’ve closed the main browser window. This is really useful for apps that need to send you notifications or sync data in real time.
What happens when done?
Background mode in Google Chrome allows favorite web apps to keep running after closing Chrome, often showing an icon in the system tray. Disabling background mode shuts down these apps immediately upon closing Chrome, which can save battery power and memory resources.
Enable/Disable Background Mode in Chrome
Google changed how background mode works, so you can no longer turn it on or off with a single setting in Chrome.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) now manage background activity. When a website is installed as a PWA (Progressive Web App), that PWA might then ask for your permission to run in the background. Instead, you'll need to check the settings within each specific Progressive Web App (PWA) individually, as there's no longer a single browser setting.
Keep in mind that company policies often control Chrome settings in work or school environments. For regular versions of Chrome, there isn't one universal option anymore to keep all background apps running.
Enable / Disable Background Mode in Chrome using the Registry
While you might find a background mode setting in the Windows Registry, it likely won't affect Chrome on your computer.
If you still want to try this, open the Windows Registry Editor. Navigate to:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome
If the Chrome folder isn't there, you can create it. Just right-click the 'Policies' folder and select the option to create a new folder. Inside the Chrome folder, right-click, then choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it BackgroundModeEnabled.
Set its value to 0 to turn off background mode, or 1 to turn it on. You might need to restart your computer afterward.
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Conclusion
How to enable background playing in Chrome?
Let's get right to it. To enable background playing in Chrome, click the three dots in the top right corner of the browser. Then, you'll want to navigate...
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Richard
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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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