How To Disable Background Apps in Windows 11

Although Windows 11 Pro is specifically designed to cater for the needs of professionals, business owners, or working users, the apps running in the background are the culprit for draining its battery. We often find our laptop’s batteries draining and the performance going down, but we cannot figure out the reason why. 

Most of the time, we continuously utilize our system resources because of these background applications. Hence, the best solution to overcome this problem is disabling the background apps. Disabling a background app means these applications can no longer send or receive notifications, sync information, or stay up to date until you open them. So, let’s ponder how to disable Background apps in Windows 10 and 11.

How To Turn Off Background Apps on Windows 11? 

On Windows 11, there are several ways to stop the apps from running in the background. Using the following step-by-step guide, you can easily disable the background apps on your Windows 11.

Turning Off the Background Apps Using the Settings

By following the method mentioned below, you can disable the background apps using settings. Keep in mind that this method is valid for disabling one particular application at a time.

1. Start by opening the Settings.

2. On the left, click on Apps.
3. Now go to the right to select Installed Apps.
4. Look for the application that you want to stop running in the background. Either scroll down or search the application manually.

5. After finding the application, click on the Three Dots next to it.
6. As the advanced options appear, find the Background App Permissions.
7. Finally, choose Never from the drop-down menu.

Disabling the Background Apps All at Once Using the Group Policy

If you want to disable the background apps altogether at once, follow these steps using the Group Policy.

1. Search gpedit. msc on Windows. This can also be done simply by commanding (WIN+R).
2. Click to the left and follow to select Computer Navigation.
3. Moving further, navigate to Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Privacy.
4. Double-click on the right to allow Windows Apps to run in the background.
5. On the top, select Enabled.
6. Just under that, find the Options area.
7. Locate the option Default for All Apps and change it to Force Deny.
8. Finally, click OK to save your changes.

Disable the Background Apps Via Registry Editor 

You can also use the Windows Registry to add a new registry value to turn off all background apps. Remember that this method also inhibits the background apps from running altogether, just like the Group Policy. Use the following steps to disable the background apps via Registry Editor.

1. Open the Registry Editor.
2. Find the Registry Key.
3. From the left panel, select App Privacy.
4. Now go to the right panel and double-click on LetAppsRunInBackground.

5. Once it is opened, then edit the Value Data Field to 2.

6. Press OK to save your changes.
7. Finally, make sure to reboot your computer so that the change can take effect.

Checking the App’s Settings 

Some applications that are not installed via Microsoft also allow you to control their background running. However, their settings to stop running in the background are absent in the Windows settings or the Group Policy Editor. Therefore, one must go through the application’s settings to do it.

One such example is Google Chrome. The steps to stop Google Chrome from running in the background are as follows:

1. Go to the browser’s settings by selecting the three dots in the top corner.
2. On the left, select the option System.
3. Then, turn off and continue Running Background Apps When Google Chrome is Closed.

How to Disable Background Apps on Windows 10?

Similarly, when talking about Windows 10, disabling background applications can be done in many ways, which are as follows:

Controlling Individual Applications from Running in the Background 

Here is your guide to control individual applications from running in the background for Windows 10.

1. Click Start and then go to Settings.
2. Open the privacy settings under the Settings menu to finally select Background Apps.
3. Look for Let Apps Run in the Background, and ensure it’s turned On.
4. You can now choose individual applications to stop running in the background by turning the settings On and Off under the Choose Which Apps Can Rin the Background option.

Stopping Most of the Background Applications 

Here’s your guide to stop most of the applications running in the background:

1. Select Start and then go to Settings.
2. Find Privacy and then click on Background Apps.
3. Now turn off Let apps run in the Background.

Considering Exceptions 

Desktop applications are downloaded to your laptop using the internet or some other media.

These applications are not turned off in the group settings, so we have to reach their settings to turn them off.

Conclusion 

Turning off Background apps usually conserves system resources when applications are not actively used. It is beneficial because not only does it enhance the computer’s performance, but it also prevents the battery from draining. So follow our guide to prevent your laptop’s battery from draining.