How to Stop Windows Apps from Running in the Background

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Background apps can consume system resources, affecting your computer’s performance and battery life. In Windows 10 and Windows 11, apps that run in the background can keep checking for updates, sync data, and send notifications even when you're not actively using them. Disabling these background processes can help improve your system’s performance, conserve battery life, and enhance overall productivity. This guide will walk you through the steps to stop Windows apps from running in the background, ensuring a more efficient and responsive system.

1. Manage Background Apps via Settings

You can control which apps are allowed to run in the background through the Windows Settings.

  • Open Settings:

    • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

  • Navigate to Privacy Settings:

    • Go to “Privacy” and select “Background apps” from the sidebar.

  • Disable Background Apps:

    • You will see a list of apps that are allowed to run in the background. Toggle the switch to “Off” for apps you don’t want to run in the background. To disable background activity for all apps, turn off the “Let apps run in the background” switch at the top.

2. Adjust App Permissions

Managing permissions for specific apps can prevent them from running in the background.

  • Open Settings:

    • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

  • Go to Apps:

    • Click on “Apps” and then select “Apps & features.”

  • Select and Modify App Permissions:

    • Find the app you want to adjust, click on it, and select “Advanced options.”
    • Under “Background apps permissions,” choose the appropriate setting to limit the app’s background activity.

3. Use Task Manager to End Background Processes

Task Manager can be used to end background processes manually.

  • Open Task Manager:

    • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  • Find and End Background Processes:

    • Go to the “Processes” tab and look for apps and services running in the background. Select the unwanted process and click “End Task” to stop it.

4. Disable Startup Programs

Preventing programs from starting automatically can reduce background activity.

  • Open Task Manager:

    • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  • Go to Startup Tab:

    • Click on the “Startup” tab to view programs that start automatically when Windows boots up.

  • Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs:

    • Right-click on any program you don’t need to start with Windows and select “Disable.” This will prevent the program from running in the background when you start your computer.

5. Configure Group Policy for Background Apps

For advanced users, Group Policy can be used to control background apps.

  • Open Group Policy Editor:

    • Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

  • Navigate to Policies:

    • Go to “Computer Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Start Menu and Taskbar.”

  • Configure Background Apps:

    • Look for “Do not use the search-based method when resolving shell shortcuts” and set it to “Enabled.” This can help in restricting background processes related to search and indexing.

6. Use Power Settings to Limit Background Activity

Adjusting power settings can limit background activity, especially on laptops.

  • Open Power Options:

    • Press Windows + X and select “Power Options.”

  • Adjust Power Plan Settings:

    • Click on “Additional power settings” on the right side, then select “Change plan settings” for your current power plan.

  • Modify Advanced Power Settings:

    • Click “Change advanced power settings” and navigate to “Processor power management” and “System cooling policy.” Set the cooling policy to “Active” and adjust the minimum processor state to save energy.

7. Disable Background Apps in Windows Security

Windows Security can help manage background activities for security-related apps.

  • Open Windows Security:

    • Press Windows + I to open Settings, go to “Privacy & Security,” and select “Windows Security.”

  • Manage App Permissions:

    • Click on “App & browser control” and adjust settings under “Exploit protection settings” to limit background activity related to security apps.

8. Uninstall Unnecessary Apps

Removing apps you don’t use can prevent them from running in the background.

  • Open Settings:

    • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

  • Go to Apps:

    • Select “Apps” and then “Apps & features.”

  • Uninstall Unwanted Apps:

    • Find the apps you don’t need, select them, and click “Uninstall” to remove them from your system.

9. Update or Reconfigure Apps

Updating or reconfiguring apps can sometimes resolve issues related to excessive background activity.

  • Check for Updates:

    • Open the app you want to update or visit its official website to download the latest version.

  • Reconfigure App Settings:

    • Many apps have settings that control their background activity. Open the app and look for options related to background activity, syncing, or notifications to adjust as needed.

10. Reset Windows

If background apps are causing significant issues, a system reset may help.

  • Backup Your Data:

    • Ensure all important data is backed up before resetting your system.

  • Reset Windows:

    • Go to “Settings” > “System” > “Recovery” and select “Reset PC.” Follow the prompts to reset Windows while keeping your files or performing a clean install.

Conclusion

Stopping Windows apps from running in the background can enhance your system’s performance, save battery life, and improve overall efficiency. By managing background app permissions through Settings, using Task Manager to end unnecessary processes, disabling startup programs, and adjusting power settings, you can effectively control background activity. If needed, uninstalling unused apps or performing a system reset can further optimize your Windows experience. These steps should help you achieve a more streamlined and responsive computing environment.

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