Windows Performance

Reduce background apps on Windows

Stop apps you do not need from running in the background and slowing the PC.

9 min read Beginner Updated 9 Jun 2026

Step-by-step guide

Work through each section in order. Stop when your issue is resolved — you do not need every step for every situation.

Warning

Use an administrator account for these steps, and keep a recent backup before making repair or security changes.

What you will achieve

Stop apps you do not need from running in the background and slowing the PC.

1) Limit background permissions

  1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
  2. For each app, open Advanced options and set Background app permissions to Never where sensible.

2) Stop startup bloat

Disable non-essential entries under Task Manager → Startup apps.

3) Verify memory pressure

Use Task Manager → Performance → Memory after reboot and confirm lower idle usage.

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