If you’re looking to boost your PC’s speed or save battery life, you’ll want to stop apps from running in the background on Windows 11. This guide will walk you through the process in just a few simple steps. By following along, you’ll be able to free up resources, making your computer run smoother and more efficiently.
How to Stop Apps Running in Background Windows 11
In this section, we’ll go over how to stop apps from running in the background on Windows 11. This is particularly useful if you notice your computer running slowly or if you want to extend your battery life.
Step 1: Open Settings
Click on the Start menu and then click on the gear-shaped Settings icon.
When you open the Settings app, it gives you access to all the configurations and system settings you can change.
Step 2: Go to Apps
In the Settings menu, click on the "Apps" option.
This section allows you to manage all the apps installed on your computer, including those running in the background.
Step 3: Click on Apps & Features
Under the Apps section, click on "Apps & Features."
This will display a list of all the apps installed on your computer, providing you with detailed information and options for each app.
Step 4: Choose an App
Find the app you want to stop from running in the background and click on the three dots next to it.
These three dots open a menu where you can manage the app’s settings and behavior on your system.
Step 5: Click on Advanced Options
In the drop-down menu, click on "Advanced Options."
This will take you to a screen where you can adjust various settings for the selected app, including its background activity.
Step 6: Disable Background Activity
Scroll down to the "Background apps permissions" section and select "Never" from the dropdown menu.
By selecting "Never," you are ensuring that the app will not run in the background, saving you system resources and potentially boosting your computer’s performance.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the selected app will no longer run in the background, freeing up valuable system resources. Your computer may run smoother, and you might even notice an improvement in battery life, especially on laptops.
Tips for How to Stop Apps Running in Background Windows 11
- Regularly check for and stop unnecessary background apps to maintain optimal performance.
- Keep your essential apps running in the background if they need to send notifications or perform critical updates.
- Use Task Manager to identify resource-heavy apps that could be slowing down your system.
- Update your apps frequently to ensure they run efficiently and with fewer bugs.
- Consider using third-party software to manage background processes if you have many apps to handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I stop apps from running in the background?
Stopping apps from running in the background can help improve your computer’s speed and extend battery life.
Will it affect app performance?
Disabling background activity will only affect the app when it’s not open. When you open the app, it will function normally.
Can I stop all apps from running in the background at once?
No, you have to disable background activity on a per-app basis.
What if I need notifications from the app?
If you need notifications, make sure the app is allowed to run in the background or find an alternative way to get notifications.
Can background apps affect my internet speed?
Yes, background apps can consume bandwidth, which might slow down your internet speed.
Summary of Steps
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps.
- Click on Apps & Features.
- Choose an app.
- Click on Advanced Options.
- Disable Background Activity.
Conclusion
Stopping apps from running in the background on Windows 11 is a straightforward way to boost your computer’s performance and save battery life. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily manage which apps are allowed to run in the background. This can lead to a smoother and more efficient computing experience.
If you’re constantly finding your computer sluggish or your battery draining faster than you’d like, taking control of background apps might be the solution you need. Remember, regular maintenance is key to keeping your system running smoothly.
For further reading, consider exploring additional Windows 11 optimization techniques or tips on managing system resources. If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with others who might benefit from it. By staying proactive, you can ensure your PC performs at its best, making your tech life a bit easier.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.