Are you tired of your computer running slow because of all the background apps you’re not even using? Well, you’re in luck because turning off background apps in Windows 11 is a breeze. All it takes is a few simple steps, and you’ll have your computer running smoothly in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial to Turn Off Background Apps in Windows 11
Before we jump into the steps, let’s talk about what we’re going to do. We’re going to go into the settings of your computer and adjust some options that control which apps can run in the background. By turning off the unnecessary ones, we can save some precious resources.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the Settings app on your Windows 11 computer.
The settings app is where you can control all the nitty-gritty details of your computer. You can find it by clicking on the start menu and selecting the gear icon.
Step 2: Go to Apps
Click on ‘Apps’ in the sidebar of the Settings app.
In the Apps section, you’ll find all the options related to the applications installed on your computer.
Step 3: Select ‘Apps & features’
Look for the ‘Apps & features’ option and click on it.
Here you’ll see a list of all the apps installed on your computer. This is where you can manage their settings.
Step 4: Choose the app you want to adjust
Find the app whose background activity you want to turn off and click on the three dots next to it.
You might need to scroll through the list to find the app you’re looking for.
Step 5: Select ‘Advanced options’
Click on ‘Advanced options’ from the drop-down menu.
This will take you to a page where you can adjust the specific settings for that app.
Step 6: Turn off background apps
Under ‘Background apps permissions,’ find the drop-down menu and select ‘Never’ to prevent the app from running in the background.
This will stop the app from running in the background and free up some of your computer’s resources.
After following these steps, you’ll notice that your computer is running a bit faster since it isn’t wasting resources on apps you’re not using. Keep in mind that some apps need to run in the background to function properly, so only turn off the ones you’re sure you don’t need.
Tips for Turning Off Background Apps in Windows 11
- Before turning off background apps, make sure that you’re not disabling anything important that you might need for your daily tasks.
- Turning off background apps can help your computer’s battery life last longer if you’re using a laptop.
- Some apps might still run in the background if they’re set to start up with Windows. Check your startup settings to adjust this.
- If you’re unsure about what a particular app does, do a quick search online before turning it off to avoid any issues.
- Remember, you can always turn an app’s background activity back on if you find that you need it later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can turning off background apps affect my computer’s performance?
Yes, turning off background apps can improve your computer’s performance by freeing up resources like RAM and CPU usage.
Will I still receive notifications if I turn off an app’s background activity?
It depends on the app. Some apps might not be able to send notifications if they can’t run in the background.
Can I turn off all background apps at once?
No, you have to go through and turn off each app individually.
Is it safe to turn off background apps?
Yes, it’s safe as long as you’re not turning off anything essential for your computer to run properly.
How do I know which apps are running in the background?
In the ‘Apps & features’ section, you can see a list of apps with a ‘Background apps permissions’ setting that shows if they’re allowed to run in the background.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Click on ‘Apps’
- Select ‘Apps & features’
- Choose the app you want to adjust
- Click on ‘Advanced options’
- Select ‘Never’ under ‘Background apps permissions’
Conclusion
Turning off background apps in Windows 11 is a simple yet effective way to boost your computer’s performance. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily manage which apps are using your system’s resources, leading to a smoother and faster computing experience. Remember, it’s important to be mindful of which apps you’re turning off, as some may be necessary for system functions or personal use. If you’re ever in doubt, a quick internet search can provide clarity on the app’s purpose.
By implementing this small change, you can extend your device’s battery life, reduce distractions from unnecessary notifications, and ultimately take control of your digital environment. Don’t let background apps slow you down—take the time to personalize your settings and enjoy the benefits that come with a more efficient system.
And there you have it, a quick and easy guide on how to turn off background apps in Windows 11. Give it a try and see the difference it makes!
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.