How to Check Which Apps Have Background Access and Disable Them

What Causes This?

Many Windows apps are allowed to run in the background by default so they can send notifications, sync data, update live tiles, or check for new content. Over time, you may also install apps that quietly add background permissions without you noticing. This can lead to unnecessary battery drain, higher memory use, and more data collection than you want.

Common Symptoms

• Your PC feels slower even when you do not have many apps open
• Battery drains faster than expected on a laptop
• Fans run more often or the system stays busy while idle
• You see apps sending notifications even when you have not opened them
• Privacy concerns about apps syncing or collecting data in the background

How to Fix It Manually

1. Check which apps are using background activity

   • Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc
   • Click Processes
   • Look for apps using CPU, Memory, or Power usage even when you are not actively using them
   • This will not always show permission settings, but it helps you spot apps worth reviewing

2. Open Windows background app settings

   • Press Windows + I to open Settings
   • In Windows 11, go to Apps > Installed apps
   • In Windows 10, go to Privacy > Background apps

3. Disable background access for specific apps in Windows 11

   • In Apps > Installed apps, find the app you want to change
   • Click the three dots next to it, then select Advanced options
   • Under Background apps permissions, choose:
     • Always
     • Power optimized
     • Never
   • Select Never for apps that do not need to run when closed
   • Repeat for other apps you do not want active in the background

4. Disable background apps in Windows 10

   • Go to Settings > Privacy > Background apps
   • To turn off all background apps, switch Let apps run in the background to Off
   • To disable only certain apps, leave the main setting on and turn individual apps Off in the list below

5. Review startup apps too

   • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
   • Click the Startup or Startup apps tab
   • Right-click apps you do not need launching with Windows and choose Disable
   • This reduces the chance of apps starting and continuing background activity automatically

6. Check browser background permissions

   • Some apps are really browser-based services
   • In Microsoft Edge, open Settings > System and performance
   • Turn off Continue running background extensions and apps when Microsoft Edge is closed if you do not need it
   • Do the same in other browsers if available

7. Restart your PC and confirm the change

   • Restart Windows after disabling background permissions
   • Open Task Manager again and check whether idle CPU, memory, or power usage has improved
   • If a specific app still behaves badly, consider uninstalling it from Settings > Apps > Installed apps

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

Kudu can scan your Windows settings and identify apps, startup entries, and privacy options that let software keep running in the background unnecessarily. Instead of hunting through multiple menus, you can use Kudu to quickly disable unwanted background activity and improve both performance and privacy.

Download Kudu Free →