Jump to Key Sections
Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system. It’s faster, sleeker, and more efficient than ever before. But with the increase in performance comes an increase in background tasks and apps, which can consume your computer’s resources and slow down your system. That’s why it’s important to learn how to stop background apps on Windows 11.
Video Tutorial:
In this guide, we’ll show you how to stop unwanted apps from running in the background, slowing down your PC, and eating up valuable system resources. We’ll provide you with different methods to do so and offer some fixes if you can’t stop the apps.
Why You Need to Stop Background Apps on Windows 11:
Background apps are programs and processes that are running silently in the background of your computer. They can be necessary for some applications, but they can also consume a lot of resources and slow down the overall performance of your system.
Stopping background apps can help you free up system resources and make your computer run faster and smoother. Many background apps can also cause security vulnerabilities and may access your private information without your permission.
Here are some reasons why you should stop background apps on Windows 11:
– To optimize your computer’s performance and speed up its processes.
– To maximize your battery life and reduce power consumption.
– To avoid potential security risks caused by unwanted background apps.
– To prevent background tasks from interfering with your work or online gaming sessions.
Method 1: Stop Background Apps via Windows Settings
Windows 11 offers an easy way to stop background apps via its Settings app. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard or click the Windows icon in the bottom left corner of your screen to open the Start menu.
2. Click on the Settings icon (gear icon) above the Power button.
3. When the Settings app opens, click on Privacy & Security.
4. In the Privacy & Security tab, scroll down to App permissions and click on Background apps.
5. You’ll see a list of apps that are currently allowed to run in the background. Toggle off the switch for any apps that you want to prevent from running in the background.
6. Close the Settings app.
Pros: Easy to use, built-in Windows feature.
Cons: Some apps may still run in the background regardless of the user’s settings.
Method 2: Stop Background Apps via Task Manager
Task Manager is a built-in Windows tool that allows you to manage running processes and applications. Follow these steps to stop background apps via Task Manager:
1. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut to open Task Manager.
2. In the Task Manager window, click on More details (if it’s not activated)
3. Go to the Processes tab and sort the apps by name or CPU usage to find apps that are running in the background.
4. Select the app you want to stop and click on the End Task button in the bottom right corner of the Task Manager window.
5. Close Task Manager.
Pros: Provides more control and visibility over running processes.
Cons: Can be time-consuming to find and stop specific background apps.
Method 3: Stop Background Apps via Startup Programs
Startup programs are apps that automatically launch when you turn on or restart your computer. They can contribute to the slow performance of your computer, especially if there are too many of them. Follow these steps to manage startup programs:
1. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut to open Task Manager.
2. In Task Manager, click on the Startup tab.
3. You’ll see a list of programs that are set to launch automatically when you turn on or restart your computer. Find the app you want to prevent from running in the background.
4. Select the app and click on the Disable button in the bottom right corner of the Task Manager window.
5. Close Task Manager.
Pros: Prevents programs from running in the background before you even open them.
Cons: Some apps require to run on startup, and disabling them may have unintended consequences.
What to Do If You Can’t Stop Background Apps on Windows 11:
If you can’t stop background apps on Windows 11 despite following the steps above, try these fixes:
1. Scan your computer for malware or viruses using a reputable anti-virus software. Malware and viruses can cause background apps to run without your permission, and you may not be able to stop them without removing the infected files.
2. Update your Windows 11 operating system and all applications to their latest versions. Sometimes outdated apps can cause background tasks to run for longer than necessary.
3. Try a third-party task manager app to stop background tasks that the built-in Task Manager can’t. Some popular third-party task manager apps include Process Explorer and System Explorer.
4. Consider upgrading your PC’s hardware, such as its RAM or storage. If your computer is running low on resources, it may struggle to stop background apps from running.
Bonus Tip:
To further optimize your computer’s performance and prevent background apps from running unnecessarily, try disabling some of the visual effects in Windows 11. Here’s how:
1. Press the Windows key and navigate to Settings.
2. Click on System, then Display.
3. Scroll down to the Advanced display settings section and click on Display adapter properties.
4. In the Properties window, click on the Settings tab.
5. Click on the Advanced Settings button at the bottom of the window.
6. In the Adapter tab, select the lowest value out of the available Screen refresh rate options.
7. Click Apply and Ok buttons.
5 FAQs:
Q1: Can stopping background tasks cause problems with apps or services?
A: It depends on the app or service in question. Some apps or services rely on certain background tasks to function properly, and stopping those tasks may cause issues. However, most apps and services can function normally without unnecessary background tasks.
Q2: What is the difference between a background task and a foreground task?
A: A foreground task is a program that is currently being used by the user, while a background task is a program that is running silently in the background without the user’s active involvement.
Q3: What happens if I disable the wrong app from running in the background?
A: Disabling an app from running in the background will not affect the app’s overall functionality but may prevent it from delivering notifications or updates in real-time. The app may still run normally when opened manually.
Q4: How many apps can run in the background on Windows 11?
A: There is no fixed limit on the number of apps that can run in the background on Windows 11. It depends on your computer’s hardware capabilities and the complexity of the apps themselves.
Q5: Can Windows 11 automatically stop apps from running in the background?
A: Yes, Windows 11 has a built-in feature called Battery Saver, which helps conserve battery life by temporarily stopping background apps from running. To activate Battery Saver, click on the battery icon in the taskbar and toggle the Battery Saver option on.
Final Thoughts:
Stopping background apps on Windows 11 can help improve your computer’s performance, reduce power consumption, and prevent potential security threats. By following the methods in this guide, you can easily manage the apps that are currently running in the background and optimize your system’s functionality. Don’t forget to scan your computer for malware, update your software, and consider upgrading your hardware if necessary.