Select Start > Settings > System > Power & battery > Battery usage. Next to an app, select More options (…) > Manage background activity, then set Let this app run in the background to Never.
Applies to: Windows 11. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 29, 2026.
Why turn off background apps?
Some apps keep running when you’re not using them, so they can send notifications and stay up to date. That can use battery and data. Turning it off saves power, but the app won’t send notifications until you open it.
Turn off background activity for an app
- Select Start > Settings > System > Power & battery > Battery usage.
- Find the app under Battery usage per app. Select More options (…), then select Manage background activity.
- Set Let this app run in the background to Never.
Only apps that allow it have the Manage background activity option.
What the options mean
- Always: the app can run in the background all the time. It may use more power.
- Power optimized (recommended): Windows decides when the app can run, to save power while still getting notifications.
- Never: the app doesn’t run in the background, so you won’t get its notifications or updates until you open it.
Microsoft notes that at least one app needs to be set to Always if you want your device to stay connected and get app updates.
Another way: from Installed apps
- Select Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Select More options (…) next to the app, then Advanced options.
- Under Background app permissions, choose Never.
Limit all background activity at once
Windows 11 doesn’t have one switch for every app. The closest is Energy saver (called Battery saver on some versions): select Settings > System > Power & battery and turn it on. It limits background activity for all apps while it’s on, which helps most on a laptop running low.
On Windows 11 Pro, an administrator can also use the Group Policy setting Let Windows apps run in the background, under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Privacy, and set it to Force Deny.
Block background apps for every user (Pro)
On Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise or Education, an administrator can stop Store apps running in the background for all accounts:
- Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
- Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Privacy.
- Double-click Let Windows apps run in the background and select Enabled.
- Under Default for all apps, choose Force Deny, then select OK.
The per-app settings then show as managed by your organization. To undo it, set the policy back to Not Configured. Apps that need to run in the background, such as messaging apps, may not show new notifications or sync until you open them.
Desktop programs work differently
The background setting only appears for Microsoft Store apps and some built-in apps. Programs you installed from a website, like Chrome, Spotify or Steam, manage this themselves. Look in each program’s settings for options like Continue running background apps when closed or Close to tray, and turn them off.
Troubleshooting
- An app has no Background app permissions option. It’s a desktop program. Use its own settings or turn it off in Settings > Apps > Startup.
- Notifications stopped for an app. Apps set to Never can’t check for new messages. Set Mail, Teams or chat apps back to Power optimized.
- Phone Link stopped syncing. It needs background access to stay connected. Set it to Always or Power optimized.
Frequently asked questions
Will this stop apps that open when Windows starts?
No. Those are startup apps, which is a different setting in Settings > Apps > Startup.
How do I see what’s running right now?
Open Task Manager. See how to open Task Manager in Windows 11.
Is my battery wearing out?
See how to check battery health in Windows 11.
Will turning off background apps make my PC faster?
A little, mostly on older PCs and laptops on battery. Startup apps usually have a bigger effect, so check those too.
Is it safe to set every app to Never?
Yes, it won’t harm Windows, but apps that need to notify you or sync, such as mail and messaging, will stop doing so until you open them.
For more ways to speed up your PC, see how to make your PC faster in Windows 11.
To stop pop-ups from apps, see how to turn off notifications in Windows 11.
Background apps also use memory. To free more of it, see how to clear memory (RAM) on Windows 11.
OneDrive is one of the apps that runs in the background from startup. To pause it or stop it starting, see how to turn off OneDrive in Windows 11.
Microsoft’s reference is Manage background activity for apps in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Related: How to Remove Bloatware from Windows 11.
Related: how to reduce data usage on a Windows 11 laptop.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.