Where to find and disable background apps

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, or right-click the Start button and select Settings. Go to Apps in the left menu, then select Apps and features. Scroll down and click Advanced app settings, then choose Background apps.

You will see a list of every app currently running in the background. Each one has a toggle switch next to it. Click the toggle to turn any app off — it will stop running when you are not actively using it. The change takes effect immediately; you do not need to restart your computer.

Some apps are marked as Managed by system and cannot be disabled this way. These are Windows components like Windows Update and Windows Security. If you want to prevent a system app from running, you will need to use Task Scheduler or Services, which are more advanced tools.

Key Takeaways

  • Background apps run even when you are not using them, consuming memory and battery power.
  • The easiest way to disable them is through Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings > Background apps.
  • Toggling an app off stops it from running in the background but does not uninstall it.
  • System apps managed by Windows cannot be disabled from this menu and require different tools if you want to stop them.
  • Disabling background apps can improve performance on older computers or laptops running on battery.

Which background apps are safe to turn off

Most third-party apps — things you installed yourself like Spotify, Discord, or Slack — are safe to disable. They will simply not send you notifications or sync data when they are closed. You can always turn them back on later if you change your mind.

Be cautious with apps you do not recognize. If you see something with a name like "Service Host" or a long string of numbers, leave it alone unless you are certain what it does. Disabling the wrong system component can cause Windows to behave unexpectedly.

Cloud storage apps like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox are common background apps. Turning them off means files will not sync automatically while you work. If you rely on real-time syncing, keep these enabled.

Why apps run in the background

Apps request permission to run in the background so they can send you notifications, check for updates, or sync data without you opening them. A messaging app needs to run in the background to alert you to new messages. A weather app needs to refresh the forecast. A cloud storage app needs to upload files you save.

The trade-off is that background apps consume memory and battery power, even when you are not using them. On a newer computer with plenty of RAM, the impact is usually small. On an older machine or a laptop on battery, disabling unnecessary background apps can noticeably improve performance and battery life.

How to turn background apps back on

Return to Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings > Background apps and click the toggle next to any app you want to re-enable. The app will resume running in the background the next time you restart your computer, or immediately if the app is already open.

If you cannot find an app in the background apps list, it may not have requested permission to run in the background, or it may be a system component. You can still open the app normally and use it while it is running in the foreground.

Disabling background apps for specific users

If your computer has multiple user accounts, background app settings are separate for each account. Disabling an app for your account does not affect other users on the same computer. Each person can choose which apps run in the background under their own login.

If you are the administrator and want to control which apps all users can run in the background, you will need to use Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) or Mobile Device Management, which are advanced Windows tools.

What happens when you disable a background app

Disabling a background app stops it from running when you are not actively using it. The app itself remains installed on your computer and will still open normally when you click it. You can use it exactly as before — you simply will not receive notifications or automatic updates while it is closed.

Some apps may behave differently without background access. A mail client might not fetch new messages until you open it. A fitness tracker app might not record activity in the background. A password manager might not auto-fill passwords as quickly. Test the app after disabling it to see if the change affects how you use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling background apps make my computer faster?

It depends on how many apps were running and how much memory they were using. On a computer with 8GB of RAM or more, the speed improvement is usually small. On an older machine with 4GB or less, or on a laptop running on battery, you may notice a meaningful difference in performance and battery life.

Can I disable Windows Update or Windows Security?

No. These system apps are marked as managed by the system and cannot be toggled off from the background apps menu. If you want to prevent them from running, you would need to use Task Scheduler or Services, which requires administrator knowledge and can affect system stability.

What if I disable an app and something stops working?

Go back to Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings > Background apps and toggle the app back on. The change takes effect immediately or after you restart. If you are not sure which app caused the problem, turn them back on one at a time and test.

Do I need to restart my computer after disabling a background app?

No. The change takes effect right away. However, if an app is currently running in the foreground, it will continue to run until you close it. The background setting only affects what happens when the app is not open.

Can I disable background apps on Windows Home edition?

Yes. The background apps menu is available on all Windows editions, including Home, Pro, and Enterprise. The steps are the same regardless of which version you are running.