
To ensure a smooth and efficient experience with Windows 11, disabling unnecessary background apps is highly effective. This article provides detailed instructions on how to disable background apps in Windows 11, optimizing system resources and enhancing overall performance. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, these steps will help you achieve a faster and more responsive PC.
Benefits of Disabling Background Apps
Disabling background apps in Windows 11 offers several advantages:
- Free Up System Resources: Reduces memory and CPU usage, leading to improved overall performance.
- Organize Applications: Cleans up unnecessary apps, creating a more streamlined work environment.
- Enhance System Responsiveness: Makes the system run smoother with faster application response times.
How to Disable Background Apps via Settings
Follow these steps to disable background apps individually through the Windows 11 Settings:
Step 1: Open Settings

- Click on the Start button.
- Select Settings from the menu.
Step 2: Navigate to Apps & Features

- In the left-hand menu, click on “Apps”.
- Select “Apps & Features”.
Step 3: Select the Target App

- Click on the three-dot menu (⋯) next to the app you want to disable.
- Choose “Advanced options”.
Step 4: Adjust Background Permissions
- Scroll to the “Background apps permissions” section.
- Click on “Power optimization (Recommended)” under “Let this app run in the background”.
Step 5: Disable the App

- Select “Always off” to prevent the app from running in the background.
Step 6: Confirm the Change
Ensure that the app’s background permission is set to “Always off”.
Bulk Disable Background Apps Using PowerShell
For users looking to disable multiple background apps at once, PowerShell provides a convenient method. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.
Step 1: Open Windows Terminal
- Click on the Start button.
- Select “Windows Terminal”.
Step 2: Execute the PowerShell Command

- Copy and paste the following command into the terminal:
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\BackgroundAccessApplications" /v GlobalUserDisabled /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
- Press Enter to execute the command.
Step 3: Confirm Execution
You should see a message stating, “The operation completed successfully.”
Step 4: Restart Your PC
Restart your computer to apply the changes. The “Background apps permissions” section should no longer be visible, indicating successful execution.
Re-enable Background Apps Using PowerShell
If you need to revert the changes and enable background apps again, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Windows Terminal
- Click on the Start button.
- Select “Windows Terminal”.
Step 2: Execute the Re-enable Command

- Enter the following command:
reg delete "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\BackgroundAccessApplications" /v GlobalUserDisabled /f
- Press Enter.
- When prompted with “Are you sure you want to delete the value GlobalUserDisabled? (Yes/No)”, type
y
and press Enter.
Automate the Process with Batch Files for Beginners
For those who prefer automating the disabling process, creating a batch file is an excellent solution.
Creating a Batch File
- Open Notepad.
- Copy and paste the following content:
@echo off
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\BackgroundAccessApplications" /v GlobalUserDisabled /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
echo Background apps have been disabled.
pause
- Save the file as
DisableBackgroundApps.bat
.
Executing the Batch File
- Right-click the saved batch file.
- Select “Run as administrator” to execute the script.
Conclusion
Disabling background apps in Windows 11 can significantly enhance your system’s performance by freeing up resources and streamlining your work environment. This guide provided both manual and automated methods to disable and re-enable background apps, catering to users of all technical levels. Implement these steps to achieve a more responsive and efficient PC experience.

Thank you for reading until the end!
About the Author
Hello, I’m Tamaglo
With extensive experience in the IT industry, I specialize in troubleshooting software issues, including Excel and other applications. My goal is to provide information that enhances your productivity and resolves common tech problems effectively!
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