Is your Windows 11 PC feeling sluggish? One common culprit behind a slow computer is unnecessary background apps consuming valuable system resources. Luckily, Windows 11 offers built-in tools to help you identify and manage these background apps that might be dragging down your PC’s performance. This guide will walk you through how to use the Background Apps troubleshooting and management features to optimize your system speed and responsiveness.
What Are Background Apps in Windows 11?
Background apps are programs that run behind the scenes, even when you’re not actively using them. They can be anything from messaging apps syncing your data, to software updates running automatically. While many serve useful purposes, some apps may be running unnecessarily, slowing your system down.
How to Check Which Background Apps Are Slowing Your Windows 11 PC
Windows 11 includes tools to help you spot resource-hungry background apps. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Access Task Manager
- Right-click the Start button or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard.
- Select Task Manager from the menu that appears.
Step 2: Review Background Processes
- In Task Manager, click the Processes tab.
- Scroll down to the Background processes section.
- Here, you’ll see all the apps running in the background.
Step 3: Sort by Resource Usage
- To identify which apps are slowing your PC, click the CPU, Memory, or Disk column headers to sort processes by their current resource consumption.
- Apps using high CPU, Memory, or Disk might be slowing your system.
Step 4: End Resource-Hogging Background Apps
- Select a background app using excessive resources.
- Click End task at the bottom right to stop the app from running.
Caution: Only end tasks you recognize to avoid closing essential system processes.
How to Disable Background Apps from Running Automatically
For lasting performance improvements, you can prevent certain apps from running in the background altogether.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Apps > Installed apps or Apps > Apps & features (depending on your update).
Step 2: Manage Individual App Permissions
- Locate the app you want to manage.
- Click the three-dot menu next to the app and select Advanced options.
- Under the Background apps permissions section, select Never or Power optimized to stop or limit the app running in the background.
Optimize Background Apps Using Privacy Settings
Windows 11 also gives you control over which apps can run in the background from a privacy perspective:
Step 1: Go to Privacy Settings
- Open Settings (Windows + I).
- Select Privacy & security from the sidebar.
- Scroll down to App permissions > Background apps.
Step 2: Toggle Background App Permissions
- Here, you can toggle which apps have permission to run background tasks.
- Consider turning off apps that do not require background activity for your daily workflow.
Additional Tips to Speed Up Your Windows 11 PC
- Disable Startup Apps: Under Task Manager’s Startup tab, disable apps you don’t need at launch.
- Keep Windows Updated: Running the latest updates improves performance and security.
- Run Disk Cleanup: Free up space by deleting unnecessary files.
- Scan for Malware: Sometimes, malware runs as background apps, slowing down your PC.
Wrapping Up
Managing background apps in Windows 11 is a straightforward way to improve your PC’s speed and efficiency without needing advanced technical skills. By regularly checking and disabling unnecessary background apps, you ensure your computer runs smoother and more responsively, whether for work, gaming, or everyday tasks.
Have you noticed your PC running faster after managing background apps? Share your experience below! For more helpful Windows 11 tips, follow our blog and stay tuned.
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