Windows operating systems often allow applications to continue running in the background even when their windows are closed. These “background apps” can provide benefits but also have some drawbacks. In this article, we’ll explore what background apps are, how they work, and how you can manage them effectively.
1. What Are Background Apps?
Background apps are applications that continue executing tasks even when their windows are closed or minimized. Examples include:
- Microsoft Edge Browser: It can refresh or load pages in the background after you close the browser window.
- Microsoft Store: Even after the app is closed, it might still check for updates to installed applications.
These apps are designed to enhance user experience by performing tasks without requiring direct interaction.
2. How to View Background Apps in Windows.
You can follow these steps to identify and monitor running background apps:
- Open Task Manager: Right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager”.
- Go to the Processes Tab: Select the “Processes” tab to see a list of all running processes, categorized into apps and background processes.
- Sort by Name: Click the “Name” column to sort processes. The “Background processes” section lists all apps running in the background.
- Practical Examples:
- Open and close Microsoft Edge to see how it transitions from the “Apps” section to the “Background processes” section.
- Do the same with Microsoft Store to observe similar behavior.
3. Benefits of Background Apps.
While background apps consume system resources, they also offer notable advantages:
- Enhanced Efficiency: Allows multitasking, such as browsing the web while downloading an app in Microsoft Store.
- Timely Notifications: Apps like email clients can notify you of new messages even if they’re not actively in use.
4. Drawbacks of Background Apps.
On the downside, background apps can lead to:
- Resource Usage: Consuming CPU, memory, and storage, potentially slowing down the system.
- Increased Power Consumption: Particularly for laptops, background apps can reduce battery life significantly.
5. How to Manage Background Apps.
In an upcoming article, we’ll dive deeper into managing background apps through both graphical user interfaces and command-line tools. Learn how to disable unnecessary apps and optimize your system for better performance.
By understanding and managing background apps, you can maintain a balance between functionality and performance on your Windows system.
6. Demo Video.
You can watch the following demo video by select or auto translate the subtitle to your preferred subtitle language.