- \n
- Check the resource usage. <\/b>Open the Task Manager to see how much memory, CPU, and network resources each app is using. If there is any app taking too much resources, you don\u2019t really need it; it\u2019s time to disable it.<\/li>\n
- Keep the apps you frequently use. <\/b>If you rarely use an app, feel free to turn it off. But if it\u2019s something you use constantly, it\u2019s better to leave it enabled for convenience.<\/li>\n
- Check the battery drain. <\/b>Applications that use a lot of resources in the background can drain your battery quickly<\/a>, particularly if your laptop not plugged in. Disabling these programs can extend your battery life and keep your system running longer.<\/li>\n
- Check for apps\u2019 auto-updates. <\/b>Sometimes, you can reduce the app\u2019s update frequency instead of turning it off completely. Some apps, like email clients, run in the background to check for updates or new messages. Before you disable them, check how it might affect your workflow. Sometimes, adjusting the update frequency can be a better option instead of disabling it.<\/li>\n
- Consider the system impact.<\/b> Some programs, like antivirus software<\/a> or essential system tasks, are important for your system\u2019s performance. However, be careful not to disable apps related to hardware drivers or system updates because they help your PC stay up to date and secure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\tWhich apps running in the background should you not stop?<\/div>\r\n\t<\/p>\nEven though it can be tempting to shut down as many background apps as possible, there are some you should avoid shutting down at all costs. One good example is the antivirus software. It\u2019s essential to protect your computer from threats in real time.<\/p>\n
Also, system update processes ensure your system is always secure. You also need to keep your hardware drivers running to ensure your peripherals are functioning properly. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n
How to Stop Apps from Running in the Background<\/h2>\n
It is a pretty easy task to disable background apps. Anyway, we have arranged the following steps from the easiest to the most difficult one.<\/p>\n
All methods are applicable to both Windows 10 and 11. Keep the tips above in mind when deciding to stop an app from running continuously.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tWarning!<\/div>\r\n\t<\/p>\nIf you use the End process <\/i> function, you\u2019ll lose any unsaved data within a program. It\u2019s best to avoid terminating crucial system processes whenever possible because doing so could disable crucial system components.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t end Explorer.exe or any program with SYSTEM <\/i>, SYSTRAY <\/i>, or SERVICE <\/i> in their usernames. Basically, don\u2019t terminate a process if you don\u2019t know what it does. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n
Method 1: Use a third-party tool<\/h3>\n
Auslogics BoostSpeed<\/a> is software designed to optimize and boost your Windows system performance. It includes over 30 features, including deep disk cleanup, system optimization, registry defrag, uninstall manager, and much more.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tNote<\/div>\r\n\tCompared to Windows built-in methods like system settings, BoostSpeed gives more detailed descriptions of what\u2019s happening in the background. So let\u2019s say it is a more complete and safe tool to deal with your background apps to avoid disabling something important.\u00a0 <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nFor example, BoostSpeed can check whether a running app is a system, local, or network service, which apps are trustworthy, and other crucial information.<\/p>\n
This helps you to know which apps to end and those you must not disable. You can also check the most resource-intensive apps and end the process if necessary.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s how Auslogics BoostSpeed can help you to deal with your background apps:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Download and install Auslogics BoostSpeed <\/a> from its official website.<\/li>\n
- Launch the program after installation.<\/li>\n
- Then, click on Task Manager<\/i> on the Tool<\/i> slider.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\tNote<\/div>\r\n\tIf you don\u2019t find Task Manager <\/i> on the slider, click on All Tools <\/i> and select Task Manager <\/i>from there. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\r\n\r\n![\"Open]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- In the Task Manager<\/em> window, click on Processes <\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"In]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Here, you can find a list of background apps running on your PC. Right-click on the one you want to end and select End process <\/i> to terminate it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"End]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nSometimes, some apps may be running in the background because they\u2019re already set to activate when you turn on your PC. You can click on Startup Manager <\/i> that can be found on the left side of the Task Manager window.\u00a0 There, you can disable the applications running at startup <\/a>.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tNeed help with your PC?<\/div>\r\n\tTry our Ask a Question<\/a> service — our experts will diagnose and resolve your PC issues completely free of charge.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nMethod 2: Use the Task Manager<\/h3>\n
The Task Manager is a built-in utility that allows you to check and manage background apps. Here\u2019s how to do it:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc<\/code> to open the Task Manager<\/em>.<\/li>\n- Navigate to the Processes <\/i> tab and check for the list of running processes.<\/li>\n
- Right-click on the app and choose the End task <\/i> button.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Right-click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\r\n\tPRO TIP<\/div>\r\nIf you know what you\u2019re looking for, just search for it and disable it. However, if you don\u2019t know what the processes are, their functions, and whether they are taking resources, the Task Manager falls short.<\/p>\nHowever, you can use Auslogics BoostSpeed<\/a> to get the information you need to know before disabling it.<\/div>\r\n
\r\n Download for Free<\/a>\r\n Learn More<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\nMethod 3: Use the Settings app<\/h3>\n
If you want to terminate background processes using the system settings, check the steps below:<\/p>\n
Windows 10<\/b><\/p>\n
- \n
- Type
Settings <\/code>\u00a0in the search bar and click on it.<\/li>\n- Click on Privacy <\/i> in the Settings<\/em> window.<\/li>\n
- Click on Background apps <\/i> on the left-hand menu.<\/li>\n
- You\u2019ll see the list of programs with toggle switches. You can disable and enable the apps based on your preference.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nYou can also disable these apps by toggling the switch under Let apps run in the background<\/i>.<\/p>\n
Windows 11\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
- \n
- Launch the Settings<\/em> window, click on Apps <\/i>, and select Installed apps<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Launch]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Search for the apps you want to disable, click on the three dots, and choose Advanced options<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Select]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Scroll down to the Background apps permissions <\/i> section and select Never <\/i>from the drop-down menu.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Scroll]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nRepeat the steps for all the applications you want to disable.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tPRO TIP<\/div>\r\nYou may not see Advanced options in some third-party apps. In such situations, you can use the other methods discussed in this guide to disable those apps, like Auslogics BoostSpeed<\/a> .<\/div>\r\n\r\n Download for Free<\/a>\r\n Learn More<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\nMethod 4: Use the power and battery settings<\/h3>\n
Follow thesw steps on Windows 10:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Press
Windows + I<\/code> on your keyboard to open the Settings<\/em> app.<\/li>\n- Choose System <\/i>and click on Battery <\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Turn on the Battery saver <\/i>switch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Turn]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nFollow these steps on Windows 11:<\/strong><\/p>\n
- \n
- Go to your Settings<\/em> app and select System <\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Then, select Power & battery<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Scroll down and click on Battery usage <\/i>. Then, go down again to the Battery usage per app <\/i> section.<\/li>\n
- Here, choose the app you don\u2019t want running in the background and click on the three horizontal dots. After that, select Manage background activity. <\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Select]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- When the window opens, click the drop-down menu under Background apps permission <\/i> and select Never <\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Windows]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\r\n\tNote<\/div>\r\n\tIf your PC battery keeps draining fast with no apparent reason, check out this guide: Why Is My Laptop Battery Draining So Fast? <\/a><\/p>\nThis article gives you the possible reasons and practical ways to fix the problem. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n
Method 5: Use the Group Policy Editor<\/h3>\n
You can use the Group Policy feature <\/a> to configure advanced settings to your liking:<\/p>\n
\r\n\tNote<\/div>\r\n\tWindows Home editions don\u2019t have the Group Policy Editor. Check out the other methods discussed if you\u2019re using the Home edition of Windows 10\/11. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Press
Win + R<\/code> to open the Run dialog<\/em> box.<\/li>\n- Type
gpedit.msc <\/code>\u00a0and pressEnter<\/code>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n![\"Type]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Go to Computer Configuration <\/i>, select Administrative Templates <\/i>, and click on Windows Components<\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Next, click on App Privacy. <\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Click]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Search for Let Windows apps run in the background <\/i> and double-click to open it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Search]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Select Disable <\/i>, click on Apply <\/i>, and OK <\/i>to save the changes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Select]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nRestart your computer and check if the background apps have stopped.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tPRO TIP<\/div>\r\nThis method is not the easiest to go through. If you\u2019re not comfortable with this method, try out Auslogics BoostSpeed<\/a> .<\/p>\nThis way, you can disable background apps on Windows 11 or 10 with just a few clicks.<\/div>\r\n
\r\n Download for Free<\/a>\r\n Learn More<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\nMethod 6: Use the Registry Editor<\/h3>\n
Here\u2019s how to block apps from running in the background using the Registry Editor:<\/p>\n
\r\n\tWarning!<\/div>\r\n\t<\/p>\nIt can be dangerous to edit the Windows registry because if you make the wrong changes, it can result in losing data or causing system crashes. After all, the Registry Editor doesn\u2019t have an undo button. So you can\u2019t reverse any mistakes.<\/p>\n
The best bet is to use simpler alternatives like Auslogics BoostSpeed <\/a>.<\/p>\n
- Select Disable <\/i>, click on Apply <\/i>, and OK <\/i>to save the changes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Next, click on App Privacy. <\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Type
- Press
- Here, choose the app you don\u2019t want running in the background and click on the three horizontal dots. After that, select Manage background activity. <\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Then, select Power & battery<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Choose System <\/i>and click on Battery <\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Press
- Scroll down to the Background apps permissions <\/i> section and select Never <\/i>from the drop-down menu.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Search for the apps you want to disable, click on the three dots, and choose Advanced options<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Click on Privacy <\/i> in the Settings<\/em> window.<\/li>\n
- Navigate to the Processes <\/i> tab and check for the list of running processes.<\/li>\n
- Press
- Here, you can find a list of background apps running on your PC. Right-click on the one you want to end and select End process <\/i> to terminate it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Keep the apps you frequently use. <\/b>If you rarely use an app, feel free to turn it off. But if it\u2019s something you use constantly, it\u2019s better to leave it enabled for convenience.<\/li>\n
![\"Open](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Screenshot-1-1.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"In](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Screenshot-2-1.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"End](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Screenshot-3-1.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Right-click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Screenshot-4-1.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Screenshot-5-2.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Launch](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Screenshot-10-1.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Select](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Screenshot-11-2.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Scroll](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Screenshot-12-1.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Turn](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Screenshot-9-1.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Screenshot-6-1.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Select](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Screenshot-7-1.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Windows](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Screenshot-8-1.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Type](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Screenshot-13-1.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Screenshot-14-2.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Search](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Screenshot-15-2.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Select](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Screenshot-16.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Type](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Screenshot-17-1.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE,](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Screenshot-18-1.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Select](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Screenshot-19-1.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Right-click](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Screenshot-20-1.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n