How to Remove Background Apps in Windows

Guide to improving performance and battery life by disabling unnecessary background applications in Windows 10 and 11.

Windows 11

Windows 11 removed the global "Disable all background apps" switch found in Windows 10. You must now do it per-app or via Registry/Group Policy.

Method 1: Per-App Settings (Recommended)

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
2. Click the three dots (...) next to an app (e.g., Cortana, Calculator).
3. Select Advanced options.
4. Look for Background apps permissions.
5. Change setting to Never.

Method 2: System-wide via Group Policy (Pro/Enterprise)

1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc.
2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Privacy.
3. Double-click Let Windows apps run in the background.
4. Select Enabled.
5. In the "Default for all apps" dropdown, select Force Deny.
6. Click OK.

Method 3: Registry (Home Edition)

1. Open regedit.
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy. (Create key AppPrivacy if missing).
3. Create new DWORD (32-bit): LetAppsRunInBackground.
4. Set Value to 2 (Force check is off, effectively disabling most).

Windows 10

It is much simpler in Windows 10.

1. Go to Settings > Privacy.
2. Scroll down on the left to Background apps.
3. Toggle the top switch "Let apps run in the background" to Off.
   • Or toggle individual apps below it.

Why Do This?

• Performance: Frees up RAM and CPU cycles.
• Battery: Significant improvement on laptops.
• Privacy: Stops apps from "phoning home" silently.