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Enable or Disable Archive Apps in Windows 11

Richard

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The article details how to enable or disable the Archive Apps feature in Windows 11, which automatically archives infrequently used applications to optimize storage and reduce internet bandwidth usage. Users can easily toggle this option in the System Settings. Archived apps maintain user data and ensure quick restoration when needed.

This article explains how to turn archive apps on or off in Windows 11.

Archive Apps is a new feature in Windows 11 that automatically archives infrequently used applications to save storage space and internet bandwidth. When this feature is enabled, your files and other data will be saved and stored even when you are not actively using an app.

The next time you try to use an archived app, it will exit the archived state and connect to the internet to download and restore the latest version, as long as the app is still available. You can choose to enable or disable this feature based on your preference.

How to turn archive apps on or off in Windows 11

As mentioned, users can turn Archive apps on or off in Windows

Here’s how to do it.

Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. From system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows, all can be done from the 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 to search for Settings. Then select to open it.

In Windows Settings, click Apps and select the Advanced app settings tile on the right to expand it.

Windows 11 apps advanced apps settings

On the App> Advanced app settings pane, select the “Archive apps” tile. Then, toggle the switch button to the On position to enable it.

To disable it, toggle the switch button to the Off position.

Windows 11 apps advanced apps settings button

That should do it!

Conclusion:

  • Storage Optimization: Enabling Archive Apps helps to free up storage space by archiving rarely used applications.
  • Internet Bandwidth Savings: This feature reduces internet bandwidth consumption by only maintaining necessary apps active.
  • Easy Access: Archived apps are quickly restored when needed, ensuring user convenience.
  • User Control: Users have the flexibility to turn the feature on or off based on their specific needs.
  • Data Preservation: When reactivating archived apps, users can be assured that their data remains intact and accessible.
Richard Avatar
Richard
Richard, the owner and lead writer at Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast passionate about simplifying complex IT topics. His years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations have honed his ability to provide practical insights 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. He enjoys watching football, cheering for the Minnesota Vikings, and spending time with his family when he’s not writing or managing Geek Rewind.

Comments

  1. Rob Vriens Avatar
    Rob Vriens

    Thanks for sharing the instruction how to disable this ‘feature’.
    This solves the issues for the documents that I create newly and those that I update, but unfortunately most of my older documents are still in the archived status.
    How can I remove that archived status for all my files on my hard-disk without having to open them one by one?

    Reply

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