Turning off background apps in Windows 11 is a great way to improve your computer’s performance and save battery life. You can do this by navigating through your system settings and adjusting a couple of options. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started: Open Settings, go to Privacy & security, then click on Background apps, and turn off the apps you don’t need running in the background.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Turn Off Background Apps Windows 11
In this section, we’ll walk you through each step to turn off background apps in Windows 11. These steps will help you manage which apps run in the background, saving system resources and battery life.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
To begin, click the Start button and select the gear icon to open the Settings app.
Settings is like the control center for your computer. It’s where you can tweak and fine-tune how your system operates.
Step 2: Navigate to Privacy & Security
Once you’re in Settings, find and click on ‘Privacy & security’ on the left-hand side menu.
This section is crucial because it controls how your system handles app permissions and data.
Step 3: Click on Background Apps
Under the Privacy & security settings, scroll down and click on ‘Background apps.’
Here, you’ll see a list of all the apps running in the background and their current status.
Step 4: Toggle Off the Apps You Don’t Need
Now, you can toggle off any app you don’t want running in the background by clicking the switch next to each app.
Switching off these apps means they won’t be using your system resources when you’re not actively using them.
Step 5: Close the Settings
Finally, close the Settings window to apply your changes.
By closing the Settings, you ensure your changes are saved and effective immediately.
After you turn off unnecessary background apps, you should notice an improvement in your computer’s performance. Your battery life should also last longer since fewer apps are consuming power when they’re not needed.
Tips for Turning Off Background Apps Windows 11
- Review Periodically: Make it a habit to review background apps every few months. New apps can sneak in and start running without you knowing.
- Prioritize Essential Apps: Only keep apps you use frequently running in the background.
- Check for Updates: Sometimes apps are updated to be more efficient. Always keep your apps updated for the best performance.
- Use Task Manager: You can also use Task Manager to monitor and manage background processes.
- Battery Saver Mode: If you’re on a laptop, use Battery Saver mode to automatically limit background activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can turning off background apps harm my computer?
No, turning off background apps won’t harm your computer. It simply stops them from running when you’re not using them.
Will this affect app notifications?
Yes, some apps may not send notifications if they are turned off in the background. Make sure to keep important apps on.
How often should I check my background apps?
It’s a good idea to check once every few months or whenever you notice your computer slowing down.
Can I turn them back on?
Yes, you can easily turn background apps back on by following the same steps and toggling the switch to the ‘on’ position.
Do I need to restart my computer after making changes?
No, you don’t need to restart your computer. The changes take effect immediately.
Summary
- Open the Settings App.
- Navigate to Privacy & Security.
- Click on Background Apps.
- Toggle Off the Apps You Don’t Need.
- Close the Settings.
Conclusion
Turning off background apps in Windows 11 is a simple yet effective way to boost your computer’s performance and extend battery life. By managing which apps run in the background, you can free up system resources and ensure your device runs smoothly. Remember to periodically check and adjust your settings to maintain optimal performance. For more detailed guides on optimizing your Windows experience, keep exploring our articles.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.