How to Access Background Apps in Windows 11
Open the Settings App
Windows key. You can also just press Windows + I and straight in you go.
For more advanced power and startup settings, hit Windows + X and select Power Options, or keep browsing through Settings.
Go to Privacy & Security
Settings > Privacy & Security > Apps > Apps permission > Background apps.
And don’t forget about the Task Manager; it’s handy for some hands-on control. Open it by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-click the Start button and choose it from the menu to end any pesky processes.
Locate Background Apps
Settings > Apps > Installed apps and adjust permissions one by one.
The toggles in Background Apps are your mates for turning off what you don’t want running. If an app’s not necessary, flick it off! Otherwise, for some more detailed tweaks, you can look into %LocalAppData% or %AppData%.
Manage Which Apps Run in the Background
gpedit.msc) or manage it with PowerShell commands if you’re feeling brave.
Close Settings and Let Changes Take Effect
taskkill /f /im explorer.exe and then start explorer.exe. Might just be the fix you need!
In a nutshell, managing background apps can give your system a serious boost in speed and save your laptop’s battery. Properly done, it’s a win all round.
Tips for Managing Background Apps in Windows 11
Set-ItemProperty.
Just be careful not to turn off vital Windows services—dinking around with stuff like Windows Update could cause bigger headaches. Always double-check before you click.
Settings > System > Notifications & actions. Turn ’em off if you reckon they’re more of a distraction, but don’t forget to turn back on anything you rely on for updates.
FAQs About Background Apps in Windows 11
How do I know what to disable?
Tackle the apps you hardly use or those hogging resources. Check out Task Manager for a quick look at which apps are eating up the most energy.
Will this help my battery last longer?
Absolutely! Fewer apps running in the background means less energy drain, which can make your battery last a lot longer.
Can I turn off all background apps?
Sure, but be cautious. Turning off key processes like Windows Defender might cause issues later on. Always do your homework before turning things off.
How often should I have a squiz at these apps?
Every couple of months is a good go, or more often if your computer feels sluggish. Keep an eye on performance and adjust as needed.
What if an app acts up after I disable it?
No worries—just toggle its background setting back on through Settings or use Enable-AppBackgroundExecution. If that doesn’t fix it, reinstalling might do the trick.