How to Stop Programs Running in the Background on Windows 11

By / September 12, 2025

Ever noticed your Windows 11 PC running slower than usual? One common culprit is background programs—those sneaky apps that continue running even when you’re not actively using them. Stopping unnecessary background programs can improve performance, save battery life, and free up system resources.

In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to stop programs running in the background on Windows 11, including built-in tools, settings tweaks, and bonus tips to keep your PC running smoothly.

Why Do Programs Run in the Background?

Background apps run even when they’re not open to:

  • Check for updates

  • Send notifications

  • Sync files to the cloud

  • Perform scheduled tasks

While some are essential, many apps run unnecessarily, slowing down your PC and draining your battery.

Step 1: Check Which Programs Are Running in the Background

Before stopping anything, you need to know what’s running.

Using Task Manager

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Click More details if the simple view appears.

  3. Go to the Processes tab.

  4. Look for apps labeled Running under the Status column.

🔍 Tip: CPU, Memory, and Disk usage columns help identify resource-hogging apps.

Step 2: Disable Background Apps from Settings

Windows 11 lets you control which apps run in the background.

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Apps → Apps & features.

  3. Scroll and select the app you want to stop.

  4. Click Advanced options.

  5. Under Background apps permissions, choose Never or Power optimized.

This prevents apps from consuming resources unnecessarily.

Step 3: Turn Off Startup Programs

Some apps automatically start with Windows, running silently in the background.

Using Task Manager

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

  2. Go to the Startup tab.

  3. Identify unnecessary apps.

  4. Right-click → Disable.

đź’ˇ Pro Tip: Only disable apps you recognize; essential apps like antivirus should stay enabled.

Step 4: Use the Privacy Settings to Limit Background Apps

Windows 11 allows you to control background activity globally.

  1. Press Win + I → Privacy & security → Background apps.

  2. Toggle Let apps run in the background to Off.

This stops most non-essential apps from running behind the scenes.

Step 5: Close Unnecessary Programs Manually

If an app is currently running:

  1. Press Alt + F4 to close the active window.

  2. Or open Task Manager → Processes, select the app, and click End task.

⚠️ Warning: Only end tasks for programs you recognize. Ending system processes can crash Windows.

Step 6: Uninstall Unused Programs

Some background programs start automatically because they are installed. If you don’t use them:

  1. Press Win + I → Apps → Apps & features.

  2. Find unused programs.

  3. Click Uninstall.

Fewer apps mean fewer background processes.

Step 7: Use System Configuration (msconfig) for Advanced Control

  1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.

  2. Go to the Services tab.

  3. Check Hide all Microsoft services to avoid breaking the system.

  4. Uncheck unnecessary services and click Apply → OK.

  5. Restart your PC.

⚡ This method gives deeper control over background processes.

Step 8: Adjust Power & Battery Settings

Windows 11 can optimize background activity for better performance.

  1. Press Win + I → System → Power & battery.

  2. Under Battery saver, toggle Lower background activity.

  3. Adjust Power mode to Best performance for intensive tasks or Battery saver for laptops.

Step 9: Use Third-Party Tools (Optional)

If you want more granular control, consider tools like:

  • Autoruns (from Microsoft Sysinternals) – shows all startup programs and background services.

  • CCleaner – helps disable unnecessary startup apps.

⚠️ Always download from official sources to avoid malware.

Step 10: Keep Windows Updated

Sometimes, Windows updates optimize background processes and fix bugs.

  1. Press Win + I → Windows Update.

  2. Click Check for updates.

  3. Install any available updates.

🔧 Updated systems often handle background apps more efficiently.

Step 11: Disable Background Apps for Specific Users

If multiple accounts exist:

  1. Open Settings → Accounts → Family & other users.

  2. Limit background apps for standard user accounts.

  3. Admin accounts retain control over essential services.

Step 12: Monitor with Resource Monitor

For advanced monitoring:

  1. Press Win + S, type Resource Monitor, and open it.

  2. Check CPU, Memory, Disk, and Network tabs to see which apps are consuming resources.

  3. Close or disable heavy background apps as needed.

Step 13: Disable Scheduled Tasks

Some apps run in the background via Task Scheduler:

  1. Press Win + S, type Task Scheduler, and open it.

  2. Check Task Scheduler Library.

  3. Identify unnecessary tasks and disable them.

⚠️ Only disable tasks you recognize. System tasks are essential.

Step 14: Restart Your PC

After making changes:

  • Restart your PC to apply settings.

  • Check Task Manager to ensure unwanted programs aren’t running.

Step 15: Regular Maintenance Tips

  • Regularly check startup apps and background services.

  • Avoid installing bloatware programs.

  • Scan for malware, which often runs in the background.

  • Keep system drivers up-to-date.

Conclusion

Stopping unnecessary background programs on Windows 11 can significantly boost performance, save battery life, and improve overall system stability. By following this step-by-step guide—using Task Manager, Settings, privacy controls, and optional third-party tools—you can take full control over which apps run silently in the background.

Remember, not all background programs are bad—some are essential for Windows or your antivirus. The key is identifying and disabling only the unnecessary ones.

FAQs

1. Can stopping background apps make Windows 11 faster?

Yes, reducing background apps frees up CPU and RAM, improving overall system performance.

2. Will disabling background apps affect notifications?

Yes, some apps won’t send notifications if background activity is disabled.

3. Can I re-enable apps later?

Absolutely. You can toggle background app permissions anytime in Settings.

4. Is it safe to end tasks in Task Manager?

Only end tasks for programs you recognize. Ending system processes can cause Windows to crash.

5. Do background apps drain battery on laptops?

Yes, apps running in the background consume resources and can significantly reduce battery life.

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