Turning off background apps in Windows 11 is one of those handy tweaks that can actually make a difference. Whether your PC’s feeling a bit sluggish, you want to squeeze more life out of your laptop’s battery, or just want to keep your data usage in check, managing what runs in the background is a smart move. Some apps don’t bother you much, but others can chew up CPU and RAM for no real reason. And because Windows tends to make things more complicated than they need to be, there are a few ways to sort it out. This guide covers what’s worked on a few setups — sometimes it’s a quick fix, other times you might need to dig a bit deeper.
How to Turn Off Background Apps in Windows 11
How to Stop Background Apps on Windows 11 for Better Performance
By tweaking a few settings, you can keep your PC running smoother, especially if you’re juggling multiple apps or running on a machine with a bit of age on it. Turning off these apps also helps save battery on your laptop—and, let’s be honest, it’s a good idea to cut down on unnecessary data usage sometimes. When you’re done, you should notice your system’s resources freed up, and apps won’t be pinging for notifications or updates if you don’t want them to.
Open Settings — Find Your Way in Windows 11
- Click on the Start menu. That little Windows icon at the bottom left. Then select the Settings gear icon.
- If your Settings menu feels cluttered, just type Settings into the search bar next to the Start button. Faster that way.
This opens the main Windows 11 setup panel where you can tweak lots of things, including background app controls.
Navigate to Apps — Dive Into App Management
- In Settings, click on Apps in the sidebar.
- Here you’ll see your installed apps, their permissions, and options to control what runs in the background.
Select Apps & Features — Find the Apps You Want to Tweak
- Click on Apps & Features. You’ll get a list of everything installed, from games to productivity tools.
- If you notice an app that keeps running in the background and you don’t need it, now’s the time to sort it out.
Choose a Specific App — Manage Its Background Permissions
- Find the app in the list, then click the three-dot menu or arrow to open more options.
- Select Advanced Options. You might need to scroll a bit if the app’s details are lengthy.
Adjust the App’s Background Permissions — Make It Work for You
- Scroll down to the Background Apps Permissions section. Some apps show as Let this app run in the background toggle switches.
- Change it from Allow to Never. If it’s a dropdown, pick Never.
Why bother? This stops the app from waking up and using your CPU or internet when you’re not actively using it. It’s a lazy but effective way to cut down on background activity, which can help speed things up and save battery. Sometimes, you might need to restart your PC for the change to kick in fully. On some apps, it’s just a toggle; on others, you might need to dive into Group Policy or Registry tweaks — but that’s usually overkill unless you’re locking things down tight.
Pro tip: Not all apps are the same. Some, like antivirus or communication tools, probably need to stay running. Use your noggin so you don’t miss critical updates or alerts.
Additional Tips to Turn Off Background Apps in Windows 11
- Check if the app actually needs to run: Do you really need it running in the background for updates or alerts? If not, turn it off.
- Keep an eye on battery & data: If those are issues, limit background activity as much as you can.
- Use the Quick Settings menu: Some apps can be toggled directly from the Quick Settings (click the network, sound, or battery icons and look for app switches).
- Task Manager is your friend: For a closer look, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager. You can end background processes there, but be careful — don’t close anything you’re not sure about.
- Stay up to date: Windows updates can include new options for managing background activity, so keep your system current.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I turn off background apps?
Because they eat up system resources, drain your battery, and can slow your PC down if too many are running. Cutting back helps keep things running smoothly and can make your battery last longer.
Can I stop all apps from running in the background?
Not really, especially on Windows. Essential system apps and security tools need to stay on. But you can safely disable many others like social media, news, or cloud sync apps.
Will turning off background apps stop me from getting notifications?
Yeah, if an app isn’t allowed to run in the background, it might not push notifications or updates. So there’s a bit of a trade-off — less resource use but possibly fewer real-time alerts.
How do I see what apps are running in the background?
Fire up Task Manager — press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, head to the Processes tab, and look for apps or processes using CPU or RAM.
Will turning off background apps improve gaming?
Definitely. Killing unnecessary background apps frees up CPU and memory, which can help improve game performance or reduce lag. Worth a try if you’re trying to squeeze every bit of performance out of your system.
Summary
- Open Settings > Apps > Apps & Features
- Select an app, go to Advanced Options
- Switch background permission to Never
- Keep an eye on your performance and tweak as needed
Wrap-up
Managing background apps won’t instantly turn your PC into a rocket, but it’s a straightforward way to keep things running smoother — especially if your device’s feeling a bit sluggish or the battery’s running flat quicker than it should. Sometimes, a tiny tweak in which apps are allowed to run quietly in the background makes a big difference. It’s a bit of a hit-and-miss thing; on some machines, it’s a game changer. Just don’t go turning off everything — some apps are vital for security or important functions — and keep an eye on what you’re disabling. Hopefully, this helps speed up your PC a bit and keep things running lean and mean.