How to Close Background Apps in Windows 11 – A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 8, 2025

Ever noticed your Windows 11 laptop feeling slow, battery draining too quickly, or the fan spinning like a jet engine? Background apps are often the hidden culprits. They keep running even when you’re not using them, consuming memory, CPU power, and battery life.

In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to close background apps in Windows 11, using multiple methods. Whether you’re looking to boost performance, save battery, or simply stop apps from running without your permission, this article has you covered.

Why Close Background Apps in Windows 11?

1. Improve Performance

Every unnecessary app eats up RAM and CPU resources. Closing them frees up system power.

2. Save Battery Life

On laptops and tablets, background apps can drain your battery faster than you think.

3. Reduce Data Usage

Apps running in the background often use your internet without you knowing.

4. Prevent Unwanted Notifications

Background apps sometimes send annoying pop-ups or alerts.

How to Check Which Apps Are Running in the Background

Before closing anything, let’s see what’s active:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Click Processes.

  3. Look for apps consuming CPU, memory, or network resources.

Method 1: Close Background Apps via Task Manager

The most straightforward method.

Steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

  2. In the Processes tab, right-click the app you want to close.

  3. Select End task.

This immediately stops the app.

Method 2: Disable Background Apps from Settings

Windows 11 lets you restrict apps from running in the background.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings (Win + I).

  2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.

  3. Select the app → Click the three dots menu → Advanced options.

  4. Under Background apps permissions, select Never.

Method 3: Turn Off Startup Apps

Some apps launch automatically when Windows starts.

Steps:

  1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).

  2. Go to Startup apps.

  3. Right-click unwanted apps → Disable.

Method 4: Close Background Apps via System Tray

Many apps hide in the bottom-right corner.

Steps:

  1. Click the upward arrow (system tray).

  2. Right-click the app icon.

  3. Select Exit or Quit.

Method 5: Use Windows Power & Battery Settings (For Laptops)

Windows 11 includes a built-in battery saver.

Steps:

  1. Go to Settings > System > Power & battery.

  2. Turn on Battery saver.

This limits background activity automatically.

Method 6: Stop Services from Running in Background (Advanced)

Some background services are unnecessary.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Find the service linked to the app.

  3. Right-click → Stop.

Tip: Don’t disable system-critical services.

Method 7: Use Command Prompt (CMD) to Kill Processes

For quick closures.

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.

  2. Type:

    taskkill /IM appname.exe /F

  3. Press Enter.

Replace appname.exe with the exact process name.

Method 8: Adjust Privacy Settings

Stop apps from running in the background completely.

Steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Background apps.

  2. Turn off unnecessary apps.

Common Background Apps You Can Close Safely

  • Spotify

  • Microsoft Teams (if not used)

  • Discord

  • OneDrive (if not syncing)

  • Adobe Creative Cloud

Apps You Should NOT Close

  • Windows Explorer (explorer.exe)

  • System services (svchost.exe)

  • Antivirus software

Closing these may cause instability.

How to Reopen a Closed Background App

  • Open the app normally from Start Menu.

  • Re-enable it in Startup apps if you disabled it.

Benefits After Closing Background Apps

  • Faster performance

  • Longer battery life

  • Reduced overheating

  • Less RAM usage

Conclusion

Closing background apps in Windows 11 is one of the easiest ways to boost speed, save battery, and reduce unwanted activity. From Task Manager tricks to privacy settings adjustments, you now have multiple methods to keep your PC running like a champ.

Remember, it’s not about closing everything—it’s about controlling what really needs to run.

FAQs

1. Will closing background apps improve gaming performance?

Yes, fewer apps mean more RAM and CPU for your game.

2. Can I stop all apps at once?

Not safely. Use Battery Saver or Task Manager to manage them selectively.

3. Do I need third-party software to close background apps?

No, Windows 11 has built-in tools.

4. Are background apps restarted automatically?

Some are, especially system-related ones.

5. How often should I check for background apps?

Every few weeks or when your PC feels sluggish.

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