Method 1: Use the Settings App
The easiest way to prevent apps from running in the background is via the Settings app on Windows 11. So, let’s start with that.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to launch the Settings app and head to Apps > Installed apps.
Step 2: Scroll down or use the search bar at the top to locate the app you wish to disable. Click the three-dot menu next to it and select Advanced options.
Step 3: Under Background apps permissions, use the drop-down menu and choose Never.
You can repeat the same steps above to prevent other apps from running in the background.
Method 2: Edit Group Policy
Group Policy on Windows is a useful tool for making system-wide changes in Windows. You can also use the Group Policy Editor to disable all the apps from running in the background at once.
Note: Group Policy Editor is not available in the Windows 11 Home edition.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog. Type in gpedit.msc and press Enter.
Step 2: In the Group Policy window, use the left pane to navigate to the following folder.
Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\App Privacy
Step 3: On your right, double-click on Let Windows apps run in the background policy.
Step 4: Select Disabled and click Apply followed by OK.
Method 3: Tweak Windows Registry
You can also modify a few registry files to disable background apps on Windows 11. Here’s how.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R, type in regedit, and press Enter.
Step 2: Use the address bar at the top to navigate to the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
Step 3: Right-click on the Windows key, go to New and select Key. Name it AppPrivacy.
Step 4: Inside the AppPrivacy key, right-click anywhere on the empty space, go to New, and select DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it LetAppsRunInBackground.
Step 5: Double-click the newly created key and change its value to 2. Then click OK.
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Last updated on 26 July, 2024
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