What background apps do and why you might want to stop them
Background apps are programs that run even when you are not actively using them. Windows itself runs background processes — updates, security scans, cloud sync — but you can also have third-party apps like Spotify, Discord, or Slack sitting in memory and checking for notifications or updates without you opening them.
Disabling background apps saves RAM, reduces CPU usage, and can extend battery life on laptops. It also means fewer notifications interrupting your work. The tradeoff is that some apps will not send you alerts or update their data until you open them manually. A messaging app running in the background can notify you when ready; disabled, it will only show new messages when you launch it.
You do not have to disable all background apps. Most people disable a few — the ones they do not need constant notifications from — and leave others running. Windows itself needs some background processes to function, and disabling those can cause problems.
Key Takeaways
- Background apps run in memory even when you do not have them open, consuming RAM and battery power.
- You can disable background apps individually through Settings without uninstalling them.
- Some Windows system processes should stay enabled, or your computer may not work correctly.
- Disabling a background app means it will not send notifications or update data until you open it manually.
- You can re-enable any background app later if you change your mind.
How to disable background apps in Windows 11
Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I on your keyboard. In the left sidebar, click Apps, then click Installed apps to see your full list of programs.
Scroll through the list and find the app you want to disable. Click the three dots next to its name, then select Advanced options. Scroll down to the Background apps permissions section and click the dropdown that currently says Allow. Change it to Never.
That app will stop running in the background when ready. It will still be installed on your computer and you can open it normally — it just will not run when you are not using it. Repeat this step for any other apps you want to disable.
How to disable background apps in Windows 10
Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I. Click Privacy & Security in the left sidebar, then scroll down and click Background apps.
You will see a list of apps with toggles next to each one. Click the toggle next to any app you want to disable — it will turn gray. Windows will stop running that app in the background.
The list in Windows 10 is shorter than in Windows 11 and shows only apps that have requested background permission. If an app you want to disable is not on this list, it either does not use background permissions or it is a system app that Windows does not let you control this way.
Which background apps are safe to disable
Most third-party apps are safe to disable: Spotify, Discord, Slack, Steam, OneDrive, Dropbox, and similar programs. Disabling them just means they will not notify you or sync data until you open them. You can always turn them back on if you miss the notifications.
Be cautious with Windows system apps and services. Windows Update, Windows Defender (your antivirus), and Windows Search should usually stay enabled. Disabling Windows Update means your computer will not patch security holes. Disabling Windows Defender leaves you unprotected. Disabling Windows Search makes the Start menu search slower.
If you are not sure whether an app is a system app or a third-party app, search its name online before disabling it. Most common programs like browsers, email clients, and media players are safe to disable if you do not want their background activity.
How to re-enable a background app
If you disable an app and then decide you want it running in the background again, the process is the same. Open Settings, go to Apps > Installed apps (Windows 11) or Privacy & Security > Background apps (Windows 10), find the app, and change the setting back to Allow or toggle it back on.
The app will resume running in the background the next time you restart your computer, or sometimes when ready. You do not need to reinstall anything.
What happens when you disable a background app
The app stays installed on your computer. You can still open it and use it normally. The only difference is that it will not run when you close it.
Notifications will stop arriving. If Slack is disabled in the background, you will not see a notification when someone messages you — but when you open Slack, you will see the message waiting. Cloud sync apps like OneDrive will not upload or read files until you open them. Media players will not update their status or check for new content.
Disabling background apps does not free up much storage space, since the app files themselves are still on your drive. It mainly saves RAM and CPU usage while your computer is running.
How much performance you will actually gain
Disabling a few background apps will free up some RAM — typically 50 to 200 megabytes per app, depending on what it does. On a computer with 8 or 16 gigabytes of RAM, this is noticeable but not dramatic. On a laptop with 4 gigabytes, it can make a real difference in how smoothly your computer runs.
Battery life on laptops improves more noticeably, since background apps wake up the CPU periodically to check for updates or notifications. Disabling apps that sync frequently — like cloud storage or messaging apps — can add 30 minutes to an hour of battery life on a full charge.
If your computer feels slow, disabling background apps is worth trying. Open Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and look at the Processes tab to see which apps are using the most CPU or RAM. Those are the best candidates to disable first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling background apps break Windows?
No, as long as you do not disable Windows system processes. Third-party apps like Spotify or Discord are completely safe to disable. If you accidentally disable something important, you can turn it back on when ready.
Can I disable all background apps at once?
You can, but you should not. Windows needs some background processes to run updates, check for security threats, and manage your files. Disable only the apps you actually do not want notifications from.
Will the app still work if I disable its background activity?
Yes. The app will open and run normally when you click it. It just will not run when you are not using it, so it will not send notifications or update data in real time.
Does disabling background apps save a lot of storage space?
No. Disabling a background app does not delete the app files, so it does not free up storage. It mainly saves RAM and battery power. If you want to free up storage, you need to uninstall the app instead.
What if I disable an app and then want notifications again?
Go back to the same Settings menu and change the app back to Allow. It will resume running in the background and sending notifications.