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Running apps in the background can be one of the reasons why your Windows 10 computer may feel slow or sluggish. These apps consume system resources and can affect the overall performance of your device. Fortunately, there are methods that you can employ to stop apps from running in the background in Windows 10. In this blog post, we will explore various methods and provide step-by-step instructions on how to disable background apps. By doing so, you can optimize your computer’s performance and enhance your productivity.
The Challenge of Stopping Background Apps
- Automatic Startup
- Hidden Background Processes
- Lack of Control
Video Tutorial:
Method 1. How to Stop Apps from Running on Background using Task Manager
Stopping apps from running in the background can be done effectively using the built-in Task Manager in Windows 10. This method provides you with control over which apps are allowed to run in the background and can help optimize your computer’s performance.
Pros:
– Gives you full control over background apps
– Allows you to stop multiple apps at once
– Provides information on app resource usage
Cons:
– Requires manual intervention to disable apps
– May affect the functionality of certain apps that rely on background processes
– You need to repeat the process if you want to enable the apps again
Steps:
- Right-click on the taskbar and select "Task Manager" from the context menu.
- In the Task Manager window, click on the "More details" option to expand the view.
- Click on the "Startup" tab at the top of the window.
- To disable an app from running in the background, select the app and click on the "Disable" button at the bottom right corner.
- Repeat step 4 for any other apps that you want to stop from running in the background.
Method 2. How to Stop Apps from Running on Background using Settings
In addition to Task Manager, Windows 10 provides another method to stop apps from running in the background through the Settings app. This method offers a more user-friendly interface and is ideal for those who prefer using the Settings app over Task Manager.
Pros:
– Easy to use and navigate
– Allows you to disable background apps system-wide
– Works for both traditional desktop apps and Microsoft Store apps
Cons:
– Less detailed information on app resource usage compared to Task Manager
– Disabling background apps may impact specific app functionality
Steps:
- Open the Settings app by pressing the "Windows" + "I" keys.
- Click on the "Privacy" option.
- In the left sidebar, click on "Background apps."
- To disable an app from running in the background, toggle off the switch next to the app name.
- Repeat step 4 for any other apps that you want to stop from running in the background.
Method 3. How to Stop Apps from Running on Background using Group Policy Editor
If you are using Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition, you have access to Group Policy Editor, which offers advanced management options. With this method, you can restrict background apps from running on multiple user accounts or even an entire network.
Pros:
– Advanced management options for background apps
– Can be applied to multiple user accounts or network-wide
– Offers greater control and customization
Cons:
– Only available for Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions
– Requires administrative privileges to access Group Policy Editor
– May cause compatibility issues with specific apps or services
Steps:
- Press the "Windows" + "R" keys to open the Run dialog box.
- Type "gpedit.msc" in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
- In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to "Computer Configuration" > "Administrative Templates" > "Windows Components" > "App Privacy".
- Double-click on "Let Windows apps run in the background" in the right-hand pane.
- Change the setting to "Disabled" and click "OK".
Method 4. How to Stop Apps from Running on Background using Registry Editor
Registry Editor is a powerful tool that can be used to modify various settings in Windows, including background app permissions. This method is suitable for advanced users who are comfortable making changes to the Windows Registry.
Pros:
– Provides granular control over background apps
– Allows customization beyond the options available in Task Manager or Settings
– Can be applied to specific user accounts
Cons:
– Making incorrect changes in the Registry can cause system instability
– Requires advanced knowledge and caution
– Not recommended for novice users
Steps:
- Press the "Windows" + "R" keys to open the Run dialog box.
- Type "regedit" in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
- In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\BackgroundAccessApplications - Expand the "BackgroundAccessApplications" key and locate the app you want to stop from running in the background.
- Right-click on the app’s folder, select "Permissions," and then click on "Advanced."
- On the "Permissions" tab, select your user account and click on the "Change Permissions" button.
- Uncheck the "Full control" box and click "OK" to apply the changes.
Alternatives: What to Do If You Can’t Stop Apps from Running on Background
Not all Windows 10 editions provide access to Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor. If you are unable to utilize the methods mentioned above, here are some alternatives you can try:
1. Disable Autostart: Many apps have an option to disable automatic startup. Open the app’s settings or preferences and look for an option to prevent it from running at startup.
2. Uninstall Unnecessary Apps: If you have apps installed that you no longer use or need, uninstalling them can free up system resources and improve performance.
3. Use a Third-Party App: There are several third-party apps available that specialize in managing and controlling background apps. These apps often offer more granular control and may provide additional features to optimize system performance.
Bonus Tips
Here are some bonus tips to further optimize your Windows 10 computer:
1. Regularly Update Windows and Apps: Keeping your operating system and apps up to date ensures that you have the latest bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements.
2. Optimize Startup: Use Task Manager to manage startup applications and disable unnecessary programs from running at startup. This can significantly reduce the boot time and improve overall performance.
3. Perform Regular Maintenance: Regularly clean up temporary files, uninstall unused programs, and run disk cleanup and defragmentation tools to keep your system running smoothly.
5 FAQs about Stopping Apps from Running on Background
Q1: Will stopping apps from running in the background affect notifications?
A: Disabling apps from running in the background may affect their ability to provide real-time notifications. However, critical notifications such as system updates or security alerts will still be delivered.
Q2: Can I choose specific apps to run in the background?
A: Yes, both Task Manager and the Settings app allow you to selectively choose which apps are allowed to run in the background. This flexibility allows you to prioritize apps that are important to you.
Q3: Will stopping background apps improve my computer’s battery life?
A: Yes, stopping apps from running in the background can help prolong battery life, especially on laptops and portable devices. Background apps consume system resources, including processing power, which in turn drains the battery faster.
Q4: What if I want certain apps to always run in the background?
A: In both Task Manager and the Settings app, you have the option to enable or disable individual apps from running in the background. If there are specific apps that you always want to run in the background, make sure they are enabled in the respective settings.
Q5: Should I stop all apps from running in the background?
A: It is not necessary to stop all apps from running in the background. Some apps, such as antivirus software or cloud storage services, may require background processes to function properly. Assess which apps are essential for your workflow and keep those running while disabling unnecessary ones.
In Conclusion
Stopping apps from running in the background on Windows 10 can significantly improve the performance and responsiveness of your computer. Whether you choose to use Task Manager, the Settings app, Group Policy Editor, or Registry Editor, each method offers its own level of control and customization.
Remember to always consider the pros and cons of each method and choose the one that best suits your needs and technical expertise. Additionally, explore alternative solutions and bonus tips to further optimize your Windows 10 experience.
By taking control of background apps, you can create a smoother computing environment, increase productivity, and enjoy a more efficient Windows 10 experience.