Windows 11 is a high-performing operating system. However, while it is very robust and capable, there are some steps you may take to optimize performance. One SUVch process is to disable background apps on Windows 11.
Applications running in the background may burden your computer and use more RAM. However, you should note that some of them are integral to the system’s proper functioning and should never be turned off. That said, if you must disable certain background apps, Windows 11 offers many ways to achieve this, and we share every one of them with you in this guide.
1. Disable Background Apps on Windows 11 From the Settings App
The Windows 11 Settings app makes it possible to configure and customize a lot of apps. Especially for Microsft Store apps, it is one of the best ways to disable background functionality. You may follow the steps below.
1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. On the left pane, click Apps, and on the right, select Installed apps.
3. Click the 3 buttons for the app you must remove from the background and select Advanced options.
4. Set the option for Let this app run in background to Never.
2. Disable Background Apps on Windows 11 Using Battery Settings
Information on installed programs’ battery usage may be found in Windows 11 Settings on the Power & battery page. This is quite helpful if you want to conserve energy life by disabling background programs based on use.
1. Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings app.
2. On the left sidebar, click Settings and Power & battery on the right.
3. Expand Battery Usage.
4. Click Sort by and select Background.
5. Click the ellipses of any background app as far as it is not greyed out and click
6. Set the option for Let this app run in background to Never.
If the “Manage background activity” option isn’t there, the application doesn’t allow users to manage their background app authorization.
3. Disable Background Apps for All Windows 11 Users Via the Registry Editor
The Registry Editor contains a hierarchical database that stores configuration settings for your operating system. Some of these settings include running background apps, and you may make minor tweaks to disable these apps.
1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type regedit, and hit enter.
2. Navigate to the path below:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows
3. Under the Windows key, search for AppPrivacy. If it is not available, right-click Windows, select new and Key, then name the new key AppPrivacy.
4. Right-click AppPrivacy, click New, then DWORD (32-bit) Value, and rename the newly created value LetAppsRunInBackground.
5. Double-click LetAppsRunInBackground, give it a Value data of 2, then click OK.
6. Close the Registry Editor and reboot your computer for the changes to take effect, and v=backgrund apps will be disabled for all users on the computer.
4. Disable Background Apps for the Current User Using A Reg File
You can choose to prevent background applications for a certain user. This is handy if you share your computer at work or with others. Additionally helpful if you need to stop a third-party, non-Microsoft software from operating in the background. To accomplish this, you must create a registry file and run it with administrator privileges.
1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type notepad, and hit enter.
2. Input the script below:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionBackgroundAccessApplications] "GlobalUserDisabled"=dword:00000001 [HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionSearch] "BackgroundAppGlobalToggle"=dword:00000000
3. Click File, then Save as.
4. Name the file and make sure you include the .reg extension to the file name and click Save.
5. Right-click on this file and click Open.
6. Restart your computer after the script has been executed.
5. Disable Background Apps for all Windows 11 users Via Group Policy Editor
System administrators can use the Group Policy Editor, which comes pre-installed in Windows Pro, Education, and Enterprise versions, to adjust background program settings on a computer network.
1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type gpedit.msc, and hit enter.
2. Navigate the following path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components >App Privacy.
3. On the right pane, double-click ‘Let Windows apps run in the background’.
4. Select Disabled, then click Apply and OK.
6. Using Third-Party Tools
While this is our least recommended solution, there are some efficient third-party solutions you may use to disable background apps on Windows 11. Some you may consider are O&O ShutUp10++, Winaero Tweaker, and Privacy Badger.
FAQ
1. Does Windows 11 have background apps?
Yes, Windows 11 has many apps that may run in the background. You may manage or disable them with any of the solutions discussed.
2. Is it OK to turn off background apps?
To extend the life of your computer’s battery, limit the programs you permit to refresh and operate in the background.
Optimize Windows 11 by Disabling Background Apps
On Windows 11, disabling background apps is a great performance optimization strategy. It would be best if you tried any of the suggestions in this guide. However, for beginner users, we suggest sticking through the approaches that use the Settings app.