How to Close Background Apps in Windows 11
Closing background apps in Windows 11 can help improve your computer’s performance by freeing up system resources. To do this, open the Settings app, navigate to the Apps section, select the app you want to manage, and turn off its ability to run in the background. This quick overview should guide you through the process, ensuring your PC runs more efficiently.
How to Close Background Apps in Windows 11
In this section, you’ll learn how to stop apps from running in the background on your Windows 11 device. This can help speed up your computer and save battery life.
Step 1: Open Settings
Click on the Start menu and select the Settings icon.
Opening the Settings app is your gateway to tweaking and customizing your Windows experience. It’s located in the Start menu, often represented by a gear icon.
Step 2: Navigate to ‘Apps’
In the Settings window, click on ‘Apps’ from the sidebar.
The ‘Apps’ section is where you can manage all the applications installed on your device. This is where you will find the option to control background activity.
Step 3: Go to ‘Apps & Features’
Click on ‘Apps & Features’ within the Apps section.
Here, you will see a list of all the apps installed on your Windows 11 device. This section allows you to control different aspects of each app.
Step 4: Select the App
Scroll down to find the app you want to manage, and click on the three dots next to it.
This will bring up a menu with several options, including advanced settings where you can change how the app behaves.
Step 5: Click on ‘Advanced options’
In the drop-down menu, click on ‘Advanced options’.
The Advanced options menu provides more in-depth settings for each app, including background activity controls.
Step 6: Turn Off Background App Permissions
Scroll down to the ‘Background apps permissions’ section and select ‘Never’ from the drop-down menu.
By selecting ‘Never’, you are stopping the app from running in the background, which can free up system resources.
After completing these steps, the app you selected will no longer run in the background, which should help improve your system’s overall performance and efficiency.
Tips for Closing Background Apps in Windows 11
- Regularly check your list of background apps to see if there are any that you no longer need running.
- Some apps may need to run in the background for essential functions, so disable them wisely.
- Consider using Task Manager to monitor which apps consume the most resources.
- Keep your apps updated; sometimes updates can optimize background processes.
- If you’re unsure about an app, research it to understand its background functions before disabling it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which apps are running in the background?
You can use the Task Manager to see all the apps currently running in the background. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open it.
Can I disable all background apps at once?
No, you have to disable each app individually. However, focusing on the most resource-intensive ones can make a significant impact.
Will disabling background apps improve my battery life?
Yes, reducing the number of background apps can help save battery life and improve overall performance.
Is it safe to turn off all background apps?
While it’s generally safe, some apps need to run in the background for notifications or updates. Be cautious and research before disabling any critical apps.
How can I re-enable background apps if needed?
Follow the same steps but select the ‘Always’ or ‘Power optimized’ option instead of ‘Never’ in the Background apps permissions.
Summary
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to ‘Apps’.
- Go to ‘Apps & Features’.
- Select the App.
- Click on ‘Advanced options’.
- Turn Off Background App Permissions.
Conclusion
Closing background apps in Windows 11 is a simple yet effective way to boost your computer’s performance and save battery life. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily manage which apps are allowed to run in the background, ensuring your device runs smoothly and efficiently.
Remember, while it’s tempting to disable all background apps, some might be essential for specific functions like receiving notifications or running updates. Always consider the purpose of each app before making changes.
If you found this guide helpful, feel free to check out our other Windows 11 articles for more tips and tricks. And don’t forget to revisit the Settings menu periodically to keep your background apps in check. Happy computing!