If your Windows 11 PC feels slow, laggy, or unresponsive, you’re not alone. One of the sneaky culprits behind sluggish performance is background apps. These are programs running quietly behind the scenes, consuming memory, CPU, and even internet bandwidth—without you even realizing it.
So, how do you fix it? Simple. Disable background apps you don’t need, and you’ll instantly notice a performance boost. In this guide, I’ll walk you step by step through everything you need to know about disabling background apps in Windows 11.
Let’s dive right in.
Why Background Apps Slow Down Your PC
1. Hidden Resource Hogs
Think of your computer as a kitchen. If every appliance—oven, blender, microwave, toaster—were turned on at the same time, the power supply would be under serious strain. That’s exactly what happens when too many apps run in the background.
2. Drains Battery on Laptops
For laptop users, background apps are like leaky faucets—constantly dripping and draining your battery even when you’re not actively using them.
3. Consumes Internet Data
Some apps automatically sync, download updates, or run notifications, eating up your bandwidth in the background. If you’re on limited Wi-Fi or mobile data, this can be a nightmare.
Benefits of Disabling Background Apps
1. Improved Speed
Fewer apps competing for system resources means your PC runs faster and smoother.
2. Longer Battery Life
Cutting down unnecessary background processes keeps your laptop alive for longer hours.
3. Better Internet Performance
With fewer apps hogging your internet, you’ll enjoy faster browsing and downloads.
4. Enhanced Security
Some background apps may track your activity or collect data. Disabling them reduces unnecessary privacy risks.
Ways to Disable Background Apps in Windows 11
Windows 11 offers multiple ways to control background apps. Let’s go step by step.
Method 1: Disable Background Apps via Settings
Step 1: Open Settings
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Press Windows + I on your keyboard.
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This will instantly open the Settings app.
Step 2: Navigate to Apps
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In the left sidebar, click on Apps.
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Then select Installed apps from the right panel.
Step 3: Manage Background Permissions
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Find the app you want to manage.
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Click on the three dots (…) next to it and select Advanced options.
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Under Background app permissions, choose one of the following:
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Always (default)
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Power optimized (Windows decides)
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Never (best option to stop background activity)
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Method 2: Use Privacy & Security Settings
Step 1: Open Privacy & Security
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Go to Settings → Privacy & security.
Step 2: Background Apps Permissions
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Scroll down to App permissions.
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Select Background apps to control which apps can run.
This method gives you quick access to manage app permissions in bulk.
Method 3: Disable Startup Apps
Some apps launch automatically at startup, slowing down boot times and eating resources.
Step 1: Open Task Manager
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Step 2: Check Startup Tab
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Click on the Startup apps tab.
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Look for apps with High impact.
Step 3: Disable Unnecessary Apps
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Right-click and select Disable.
This won’t uninstall the app, but it will stop it from launching when your PC boots up.
Method 4: Disable Background Services
Some apps rely on services that keep running even if the app is closed.
Step 1: Open Run Box
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Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to Services Tab
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Click the Services tab.
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Check Hide all Microsoft services to avoid disabling essential ones.
Step 3: Disable Non-Essential Services
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Uncheck services you don’t need, then click Apply.
Method 5: Use Registry Editor (Advanced Users Only)
⚠️ Warning: This method is for advanced users. A wrong tweak in the Registry can cause problems.
Step 1: Open Registry Editor
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Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Navigate to Background Apps Policy
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Go to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\BackgroundAccessApplications
Step 3: Modify Permissions
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Find the specific app key and set its Value data to
0.
Method 6: Disable Notifications to Reduce Background Activity
Notifications are often tied to background processes.
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Go to Settings → System → Notifications.
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Turn off notifications for apps that aren’t important.
Which Apps Can You Safely Disable?
Not sure which apps to target? Here are common ones you can safely disable:
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Spotify (if you don’t use it regularly)
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Microsoft Teams (unless required for work)
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OneDrive (if you don’t use cloud sync)
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Cortana
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Third-party software updaters (like Adobe or Zoom)
⚠️ Avoid disabling security software, drivers, or system-related apps.
Tips for Managing Background Apps Wisely
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Review Monthly: Check your background apps once a month.
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Keep Essentials Running: Don’t disable antivirus or firewall apps.
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Balance Performance & Convenience: Some apps (like email clients) may need to run for real-time updates.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. My Apps Stop Working Properly
If you disable an app and later find it malfunctioning, just re-enable background permissions from Settings.
2. Windows Feels Too Restrictive
Try the Power optimized setting instead of Never. It lets Windows manage things automatically.
3. Accidentally Disabled Essential Services
No worries—open msconfig again and recheck the service you disabled.
Should You Use Third-Party Tools?
There are third-party tools like CCleaner or Glary Utilities that manage startup apps and background processes. While convenient, be cautious—some may disable things you actually need. Stick to Windows’ built-in options unless you know exactly what you’re doing.
Final Thoughts
Disabling background apps in Windows 11 is like decluttering your digital workspace. By shutting down what you don’t need, you give your PC the freedom to run faster, smoother, and more efficiently. Whether you’re a gamer wanting maximum FPS, a student working on assignments, or just someone tired of slow performance, managing background apps is a simple yet powerful solution.
Start small—disable a few non-essential apps—and you’ll be surprised how much faster and more responsive your computer becomes.
FAQs
1. Will disabling background apps delete them?
No, disabling only stops them from running in the background. You can still use them whenever you open them manually.
2. Can I disable Microsoft Store apps?
Yes, most Microsoft Store apps have background permission settings you can adjust.
3. Is it safe to disable all background apps?
Not all. Essential apps like antivirus should stay active. Focus on apps you rarely use.
4. Does disabling background apps improve gaming performance?
Absolutely. It frees up RAM and CPU, giving games more resources to run smoothly.
5. Do I need to repeat this process often?
Not really. Once you disable an app, the setting stays until you manually change it. But it’s a good habit to review every few months.