Turning off background apps in Windows 11 is essential to boost the operating system’s speed. Most background apps do not drain much battery or RAM and are essential for updating Windows or antivirus scans. However, other apps can slow down your PC, drain your battery, or consume the data.
In this article, we’ll explain how to turn off background apps in Windows 11.
Turn off background apps via Settings
This is perhaps the easiest way to disable background apps. Press the Windows key + I to launch the Settings app on your Windows 11 PC.
After that, follow the steps given below:
Step 1: Head to Apps > Installed apps.
Step 2: Now, click on the three-dot button in front of the apps and then select Advanced options.
Step 3: In the Background apps permissions, select None.
All apps are set at the Power optimised (recommended) option by default. This means that if your laptop is running on battery or if the battery is low, the background apps will turn off automatically.
Repeat the above steps for as many apps as you want. If you want to enable background apps, select Always.
Also read: How to take scrolling screenshots in Windows 11?
Via Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to launch the Task Manager. Next, select the Startup apps tab on the left panel to filter the apps further. This option lets you see apps that may activate when you boot your system. Many of these apps are automatically disabled. But they are not.
Find any such app and then click on it. After that, select Disable to turn off background apps from running on Windows 11.
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Using Registry Editor
The third way to turn off background apps in Windows 11 is via the Registry Editor. However, take precautions while using the Registry Editor, as even a slight change in the settings can cause serious problems for your device.
Step 1: Search Registry Editor in the search bar and click on the app.
Step 2: Right-click on Windows and then head to New >Key. Name this key as AppPrivacy.
Step 3: Right-click AppPrivacy and head to New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name the value as LetAppsRunInBackground.
Step 4: Now, double-click on LetAppsRunInBackground and set the value to 2. Press OK to finalise the process.
Once you’re done, close the Registry Editor and restart your device for the effects to take place.
Also read: What is Click Lock on Windows? How to enable it?Â
Via Group Policy Editor
The last method to turn off background apps in Windows 11 is via the Group Policy Editor. Type Group Policy Editor in the search box and select the result.
After that, follow the instructions given below:
Step 1: Head to Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Privacy.
Step 2: Now, double click on App Privacy and locate Let Windows apps run in the background policy.
Step 3: Double-click on the Let Windows apps run in the background policy and then click on Enabled. After that, click on the downward arrow beside Default for all apps and select Force Deny.
In conclusion, turning off background apps in Windows 11 is easy, and several ways exist. Some ways are easy and direct, while others may require more technical knowledge. Choose the method you like the most and disable those apps quickly and efficiently.
Also read: Where are fonts stored in Windows 11?
