Are you tired of your computer running slow because of all the programs running in the background that you don’t even use? Well, you’re in luck because stopping those pesky programs is easier than you think, especially on Windows 11. Just a few clicks and you’ll have your PC running smoothly in no time. Let’s dive into how to stop programs running in the background on Windows 11.
Step by Step Tutorial to Stop Programs Running in the Background on Windows 11
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s important to understand that stopping background programs can help free up system resources, making your computer faster. Ready to speed things up? Let’s go!
Step 1: Open Settings
Open your Windows 11 settings by clicking on the start menu and selecting the gear icon.
Once you’re in settings, you’ll see a bunch of different options. But don’t get overwhelmed! We’re focusing on background apps, which is just a small section of the settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Apps
In settings, click on "Apps" to access the apps settings.
You’ll see options for "Apps & features," "Default apps," and a few others. But we’re looking for "Apps & features" because that’s where you’ll find the list of installed apps.
Step 3: Click on Apps & features
Under the "Apps" section, click on "Apps & features" to see a list of your installed apps.
Here you’ll see every app installed on your computer. But don’t worry, we’re not going to mess with all of them. We’re just going to stop the ones running in the background.
Step 4: Find the app you want to stop
Scroll through the list of apps until you find the one you want to stop running in the background.
If you know the name of the app, you can use the search bar to find it quickly. Otherwise, just scroll until you see it.
Step 5: Click on the three dots and select "Advanced options"
Click on the three dots next to the app and select "Advanced options."
This will take you to a page with more settings for the app. It may seem a bit technical, but we’re just going to change one setting.
Step 6: Turn off "Let this app run in the background"
Scroll down until you find "Background app permissions" and turn off "Let this app run in the background."
By turning this off, you’re telling the app that it’s not allowed to run in the background anymore. This means it won’t use up your system resources unless you’re actively using it.
After completing these steps, the selected apps will no longer run in the background. This can help improve your computer’s performance and speed up your system.
Tips for Stopping Programs Running in the Background on Windows 11
- Only stop apps that you know you don’t need running in the background. Some apps, like your antivirus software, are important to keep running.
- Regularly check your background apps. New apps you install may be set to run in the background by default.
- If you’re not sure if you should stop an app from running in the background, do a quick online search to see what it does.
- Remember that stopping an app from running in the background doesn’t uninstall it. You can still use the app normally.
- Some apps may still run in the background even after you’ve turned them off. This could be due to system settings or the app’s design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will stopping apps from running in the background affect their performance?
Stopping an app from running in the background shouldn’t affect its performance when you’re using it. However, it may take a bit longer to open if it’s not already running in the background.
Can I stop all apps from running in the background?
Technically you could, but it’s not recommended. Some apps, like your email client, need to run in the background to function properly.
What if an app doesn’t have the option to stop running in the background?
Some system apps may not have the option to be turned off. These are usually essential to the functioning of your computer and shouldn’t be stopped.
How often should I check my background apps?
It’s a good idea to check your background apps every few months or when you notice your computer running slow.
Can stopping apps from running in the background help with battery life?
Yes, stopping apps from running in the background can help extend your laptop’s battery life.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Navigate to Apps
- Click on Apps & features
- Find the app you want to stop
- Click on the three dots and select "Advanced options"
- Turn off "Let this app run in the background"
Conclusion
Stopping programs from running in the background on Windows 11 is a simple yet effective way to boost your computer’s performance. By following the steps outlined above, you can take control of which apps use your system’s resources, ultimately leading to a smoother and faster experience. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, managing your background apps is a trick worth knowing.
Remember to use discretion and common sense when deciding which apps to stop. Some, like your antivirus software, are critical to the security and functionality of your system. Regularly reviewing and managing your background apps can also help maintain optimal performance over time.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, we can’t afford to be held back by sluggish computers. Taking the time to stop unnecessary programs from running in the background is a small step that can make a significant difference. Give it a try, and you might just be surprised at how much snappier your Windows 11 PC can be.
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.