How to restrict system software from running in background

The term background apps is self-explanatory. These are the apps that run in the background, i.e. not visible to the user, while you’re performing other tasks. For example, you could have an antivirus program scanning files while you browse the web. Even a media player playing music while you do something else is a form of a background app.

While running a media player in the background might be intentional, some apps, such as auto-updaters, third-party antivirus suites, unused VPNs, etc., might be using up system resources unnecessarily. Here’s what you can do about them:

Using the taskbar

The quickest way to disable unnecessary apps is via the System Tray in the Taskbar. This is the area that shows date, time, network connectivity and more on the right side of the taskbar.

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Simply click on the hidden apps caret to show most of your active background apps. Now just right-click on the app you want to close and click ‘Exit’ or ‘Quit’. This is not a permanent fix as some apps will return when the computer reboots. In which case…

Using the Task Manager

Right-click on your Task Bar and select ‘Task Manager’ from the menu. Now select ‘Startup Apps’ from the left column. Sort startup apps by ‘Status’, then right-click on apps you don’t need and select ‘Disable’. This will prevent unneeded apps from starting up with your computer.

Using the Settings app

Right-click on the Windows icon in your Task Bar and select ‘Installed Apps’. Search for the app you want to disable and click on the ‘…’ icon on the right. Now select ‘Advanced Options’.

Now look for ‘Background app permissions’ and change the setting to ‘Never’. The selected app will still run when active, but will not run in the background when you’re not using it.

Note that disabling background app permissions for anti-virus programs, backup tools like OneDrive, update utilities, and similar apps will stop threat detection, continuous backups, and automatic updates. Disable background apps only when you know for sure that they’re causing trouble and that you don’t need them.