How to Enable Background Mode in Google Chrome
Google Chrome’s background mode allows specific apps and extensions to continue running tasks even when the browser window is closed.
This feature, previously managed by the “Continue running background apps when Google Chrome is closed” setting, ensures essential processes like downloads and notifications can complete without active user intervention.
Google Chrome's background mode prevents the browser from completely closing. This allows background tasks, such as downloading files or syncing data, to continue running even when Chrome windows are not open, using system resources effectively.
You might want to keep background mode active for uninterrupted downloads or to receive timely alerts from your favorite extensions.
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
You can’t turn on or off background mode in Chrome with a simple setting anymore because Google changed how it works.
Enable / Disable Background Mode in Chrome using the Registry
You might see a setting for background mode in the Windows Registry, but it probably won’t work for 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
Before you make any changes, it’s a good idea to back up your registry or create a System Restore point.
If you don’t see the Chrome folder, you can create it by right-clicking the ‘Policies’ 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
Chrome's background activity settings now differ for each web app. To make a specific web app continue running when Chrome closes, users must find that app's individual background task settings, as Chrome version 91 removed a single main switch for this purpose.
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
Tech Writer, IT Professional
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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