How to Close Background Apps in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 22, 2025

Windows 11 brings a modern interface and improved performance, but background apps can still consume RAM, CPU, and battery life. These apps run even when you’re not actively using them, leading to slower performance, reduced battery backup on laptops, and sometimes even privacy concerns.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to close background apps in Windows 11 step by step, using different methods—via Settings, Task Manager, Startup apps, and Command Prompt.

📌 Why Do Background Apps Run in Windows 11?

Background apps continue to run because they:

  • Provide notifications and updates (e.g., Mail, Calendar, Teams).

  • Perform automatic sync tasks (e.g., OneDrive, Microsoft Store apps).

  • Enhance performance of certain services (e.g., antivirus, cloud storage).

While some background apps are useful, others unnecessarily slow down your PC.

Benefits of Closing Background Apps

  • ⚡ Improves performance by freeing up RAM and CPU usage.

  • 🔋 Extends battery life for laptops and tablets.

  • 🔒 Enhances privacy by preventing apps from running without your knowledge.

  • 🌐 Saves internet bandwidth by stopping auto-sync and updates.

Methods to Close Background Apps in Windows 11

There are multiple ways to stop or close background apps. Let’s go step by step.

1. Close Background Apps via Settings

Windows 11 allows you to restrict background activity for individual apps.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Apps → Installed apps.

  3. Select the app you want to restrict → click Advanced options.

  4. Under Background apps permissions, choose one:

    • Always – app runs in the background.

    • Power optimized (recommended) – Windows decides.

    • Never – prevents the app from running in the background.

👉 Use Never for apps you don’t need constantly running.

2. Close Background Apps via Task Manager

If an app is already running in the background, you can force close it.

Steps:

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

  2. Click on Processes tab.

  3. Find the app consuming resources.

  4. Right-click → End task.

👉 This instantly closes the app, but it may restart if it’s set to run at startup.

3. Disable Startup Apps

Some apps launch automatically at startup and keep running in the background.

Steps:

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

  2. Go to the Startup apps tab.

  3. Right-click on unnecessary apps → select Disable.

👉 This prevents apps from running when you boot your PC.

4. Close Background Services via System Configuration

Some apps install background services that auto-run.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type:

    msconfig

    and press Enter.

  2. Go to the Services tab.

  3. Check Hide all Microsoft services.

  4. Uncheck unnecessary third-party services.

  5. Click Apply → OK → Restart.

5. Use Command Prompt or PowerShell

Advanced users can stop apps/services directly.

Steps (Command Prompt):

  1. Open CMD as administrator.

  2. Run:

    tasklist

    (lists running tasks).

  3. To close an app:

    taskkill /IM appname.exe /F

    Example:

    taskkill /IM OneDrive.exe /F

6. Use Battery & Power Settings (Laptops Only)

For laptops, you can restrict apps using battery settings.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings → System → Power & battery.

  2. Under Battery usage, expand the app.

  3. Change Background activity to Never.

7. Third-Party Tools to Manage Background Apps

If you want more control, tools like CCleaner or Autoruns let you manage startup and background tasks more effectively.

Which Apps Should You Close in the Background?

Not all apps should be disabled. Here’s a quick guide:

✅ Safe to close:

  • Spotify, Zoom, Teams (when not needed)

  • Microsoft Store apps (Photos, Xbox Game Bar)

  • Cloud storage apps (Google Drive, Dropbox—if not syncing)

❌ Don’t close:

  • Windows Security (Defender)

  • Graphics drivers (NVIDIA, Intel, AMD)

  • Audio drivers (Realtek, Dolby)

  • System services

Comparison of Methods

Method Best For Difficulty Effect
Settings Permanent app restriction Easy Stops background usage
Task Manager Temporary closing Easy Ends running apps
Startup Apps Prevents auto-start Easy Improves boot speed
System Config Service control Medium Advanced tweaking
CMD/PowerShell Force close Hard Power-user method
Battery Settings Laptop users Easy Extends battery life

Tips for Managing Background Apps

  • ✅ Always check which apps consume the most resources in Task Manager.

  • ✅ Disable apps you rarely use from Startup.

  • ✅ Keep antivirus and essential drivers running.

  • ✅ Use Battery Saver mode on laptops when needed.

Conclusion

Closing background apps in Windows 11 helps you boost performance, save battery life, and reduce system load.

  • Use Settings for permanent restrictions.

  • Use Task Manager for quick closures.

  • Disable Startup apps to speed up boot time.

  • Advanced users can use CMD, PowerShell, or System Config for deeper control.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily manage background apps and keep your Windows 11 PC running smoothly.

FAQs: Closing Background Apps in Windows 11

1. Will closing background apps improve gaming performance?
Yes. Freeing up RAM and CPU helps improve FPS and reduce lag in games.

2. Can I disable all background apps?
You can, but avoid turning off essential apps like antivirus or drivers.

3. Do background apps affect internet speed?
Yes, apps like OneDrive, Dropbox, or Microsoft Teams can use bandwidth.

4. Is it safe to disable startup apps?
Yes, but only disable non-essential apps. Leave system apps enabled.

5. How do I know which background apps I should close?
Check Task Manager → Processes tab for apps using high CPU, RAM, or disk.

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