How to Manage Background App Permissions in Windows for Better Performance

Have you noticed your Windows PC slowing down or your battery draining too quickly? One of the main reasons could be apps running in the background without your knowledge. Windows allows certain apps to operate in the background to receive notifications, update data, and stay active. While this is useful for some applications, it can also consume system resources and impact performance. Managing background app permissions can help improve your PC’s speed and battery life.

1. Why Should You Manage Background Apps?

When apps run in the background, they continue to use CPU, RAM, and power, even when you’re not actively using them. This can lead to:

1. Slower system performance.
2. Increased battery drain.
3. Higher resource consumption, affecting other applications

By properly configuring background app permissions, you can ensure that only necessary apps run in the background while restricting others to optimize system performance.

2. How to Manage Background App Permissions in Windows 11.

To precisely control which apps can run in the background, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings: Click the Start Menu and select Settings.
2. Navigate to Installed Apps:
   – In the left-hand menu, click Apps.
   – Then, select Installed apps.
3. Find the Target App: Scroll through the list to locate the app you want to manage (e.g., “Power Automate”).
4. Access Advanced Options:
   – Click the three-dot menu next to the app.
   – Select Advanced options from the drop-down menu.
5. Adjust Background Permissions:
   – Look for the Background apps permissions section.
   – You will see three options:
   – Always: The app is always allowed to run in the background. This enables features like receiving messages, sending notifications, and automatic updates but may consume more system resources.
   – Power Optimized (Recommended): Windows automatically optimizes the app’s background activity to save power while still allowing periodic notifications and updates.
   – Never: The app will not run in the background unless manually opened. This is the best option for conserving system resources and battery life.

3. Which Apps Can Have Background Permissions Adjusted?

Not all apps offer background permission settings. Typically, only apps installed from the Microsoft Store allow this level of control. For example:

1. Microsoft To Do (supports background permission settings).
2. Power Automate (supports background permission settings).
3. Other third-party apps (may not support background permission adjustments)

If an app does not have an “Advanced options” section, it may not be from the Microsoft Store and cannot be managed using these settings. In such cases, you may need to use Task Manager or other methods to control its background activity (which will be covered in future videos).

4. Conclusion.

Managing background app permissions in Windows can significantly improve system performance, free up resources, and extend battery life. If your PC feels sluggish or your battery drains too fast, follow the steps outlined in this guide to review and adjust background app settings. By doing so, you ensure that only necessary apps consume system resources while eliminating unnecessary background activity.

5. Demo Video.

You can watch the following demo video by select the subtitle to your preferred subtitle language.