How to Stop Apps From Running in the Background in Windows 11

Some Windows 11 apps can continue running in the background even when you are not actively using them. Background activity allows apps to sync data, send notifications, refresh content, or perform other tasks, but it can also consume system resources such as memory, CPU, network bandwidth, and battery power.

Windows 11 gives you control over background activity for supported apps, though the available options depend on how the app was installed. Microsoft Store apps can usually be configured individually, while traditional desktop applications may have their own background settings.

If you want to reduce unnecessary background activity, improve battery life, or prevent an app from running when you are not using it, Windows 11 provides several ways to do it. In this guide, we’ll show you how to stop apps from running in the background in Windows 11 and explain which methods work for different types of apps.

Why Stop Apps From Running in the Background?

Apps running in the background can continue performing tasks even when their windows are closed. For example, an app may check for new content, sync information, refresh data, or send notifications.

Most background activity is normal, but restricting apps you rarely use can be useful when you want to:

• Reduce battery usage on a Windows 11 laptop.
• Reduce unnecessary network activity from apps that regularly sync data.
• Limit background resource usage from apps you do not actively use.
• Prevent unwanted notifications or updates from certain apps.
• Have more control over which apps can remain active in the background.

You do not necessarily need to disable background activity for every app. Apps that you rely on for notifications, syncing, or other real-time features may need background access to work as expected.

1. Change Background App Permissions in Windows 11

Windows 11 allows you to control background activity for many apps individually. The option is available in the app’s Advanced options when Windows supports background permission management for that app.

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to Apps > Installed apps.
• Find the app you want to restrict.
• Click the three dots (⋯) next to the app.
• Select Advanced options.

• Look for the Background apps permissions section.
• Under Let this app run in background, open the drop-down menu.
• Select Never.

Windows will prevent that supported app from running in the background.

If you do not see Background apps permissions, the app may not support Windows’ background permission controls. This is common with traditional desktop applications, which may manage their background activity through their own settings.

2. Stop Apps From Starting Automatically

Some apps launch automatically when you sign in to Windows 11 and continue running in the background even if you never open them yourself. Disabling unnecessary startup apps can reduce background activity and shorten the time it takes Windows to become ready after sign-in.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Startup.
3. Find the app you do not want to start automatically.
4. Turn its switch Off.
5. Repeat for other apps you do not need immediately after signing in.

You can also check the Startup impact column to identify apps that have a greater effect on startup.

This does not uninstall or disable the app. It only prevents it from launching automatically with Windows. You can still open the app normally whenever you need it.

3. Stop Apps From Running With Task Manager

Task Manager lets you see which apps and processes are currently using system resources. If an unwanted app is already running in the background, you can end its process instead of waiting for it to close on its own.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Stay on the Processes tab.
3. Look under Apps and Background processes.
4. Select the app you want to close.
5. Click End task.

The app and its active processes will be closed.

Keep in mind that ending a process only stops the app for the current session. If the app is configured to start automatically or launch background processes again, it may return after you restart Windows or open the app. In that case, also disable its startup entry or check the app’s own settings.

4. Disable Background Activity in the App’s Settings

Not every Windows 11 application is controlled through Windows’ background app permissions. Traditional desktop programs such as messaging, cloud-storage, media, and other utilities may include their own options for staying active in the background.

1. Open the app you want to restrict.
2. Open its Settings, Preferences, or Options menu.
3. Look for settings related to:
   • Start with Windows
   • Run in background
   • Launch at startup
   • Minimize to system tray
   • Keep running when closed
   • Background activity
4. Turn off the option you do not need.
5. Close and reopen the app to check whether the change takes effect.

The exact setting varies between applications. For example, an app may continue running when its window is closed because it is designed to remain available from the notification area or provide notifications.

If the app does not provide a background or startup option, use Settings > Apps > Startup to prevent it from launching automatically with Windows.

5. Check Background Activity Through Battery Usage

Windows 11 can show how much battery individual apps are using and whether they have been active in the background. This can help you identify apps that continue working when you are not actively using them.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Power & battery.
3. Select Battery usage.
4. Review the apps listed under battery usage.
5. Find an app that is using significant battery in the background.
6. Click the three dots (⋯) next to the app, if available.
7. Select Manage background activity.
8. Under Background apps permissions, select Never if you do not want the app running in the background.

The available controls depend on the app. Some desktop applications will not provide this option because they manage their background activity independently of Windows.

This method is especially useful for finding apps that you may not realize are still running after you stop using them.

Frequently Asked Questions