This article describes steps one can take to allow or prevent apps running in the background in Windows 11.
Windows allows you to manage background activity for apps. You can determine what an app does when it is running in the background and not actively in use.
Apps that can run in the background can send and receive notifications, sync information, and stay up to date. If you do not want to app to run in the background, or if the app is using a lot of battery when running in the background, you can change the setting for apps that allow it.
There are three states one can choose for apps that run in the background:
- Always. The app is always allowed to run in the background
- Power optimized (recommended). Windows will decide based on battery needs.
- Never. When you’re not actively using the app, it won’t run in the background.
How to stop or allow apps to run in the background in Windows 11
As described above, Windows allows you to manage background activity for apps. You can determine what an app does when it is running in the background and not actively in use.
Below is how to change background apps behavior in Windows 11.
Windows 11 has a centralized location for majority of its settings. From system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows, all can be done from its System Settings pane.
To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + i shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings as shown in the image below:
Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it.
Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In the Windows Settings app, click Apps on the left.
On the right, select the Installed apps tile to expand.
On the System -> Apps -> Installed apps settings pane, click the menu (three-dotted) button for the Windows app you want to change its settings.
On the menu fly-out window, select Advanced options as highlighted below.
On the System -> Apps -> Installed apps -> App name, under Background apps permissions, choose what background action to allow for the specific app.
Always. The app is always allowed to run in the background
Power optimized (recommended). Windows will decide based on battery needs.
Never. When you’re not actively using the app, it won’t run in the background.
Whatever option you choose will apply for the selected app.
Note: If you want your device to stay connected and get app updates, you must set at least one app to Always.
That should do it!
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Conclusion:
This post showed you how to manage background apps in Windows 11. If you find any error above or have something to add, please use the comment form below.
