- Windows allows you to control what apps run in the background from Settings.
- Changing process priority improves system performance for specific tasks.
- El Task Manager It is the main tool for managing processes and priorities.
- Disabling unnecessary background apps can save battery and resources.
In the OS like Windows 10 and Windows 11Applications don't just run when we open them manually. Many of them remain active in the background, consuming system resources even if we're not aware of it. This can affect the computer's overall performance, especially if it's a machine with modest specifications. Therefore, learning how to view and manage these applications can make a big difference.
Additionally, Windows allows you to set different priority levels for active processes, which helps certain important tasks receive more attention from the system. If you've ever noticed that your computer slows down when you're multitasking, it might be time to take a look at which applications are running in the background and how they're configured in terms of priority. You can even Enable or disable focus mode in Windows 11 to further optimize performance.
What are background apps and why do they matter?
The background apps These are apps that continue to run even when we're not using them directly. They can continue sending notifications, updating data, or running periodic tasks. This is fine for apps we really need, like email or messaging, but many others just take up memory and battery life without providing anything useful.
By default, in Windows 10 and Windows 11, Most modern applications are enabled to run in the background. This includes apps like Calendar, Weather, Contacts, Maps, and many other preinstalled apps, which you might often consider inactive. The downside is that these apps, even if you never use them, will continue to run, slowing down your system and affecting its battery life.
How to view background apps in Windows 10
Windows 10 offers a clear way to access the list of background apps. Although this option is somewhat hidden, the process is very simple if you know where to look.
- Click on the start menu and select the Settings icon (the gear).
- Within the Settings panel, go to Privacy , which is where this surprise adjustment lies.
- In the left side menu, select the option Background apps.
- Here you'll see a list of all modern apps with a toggle next to them. If you turn this off, the app will stop running in the background.
It is recommended disable apps that you don't use regularly and that don't need to send notifications or update in the background. For example, you can safely turn off the News, Weather, Maps, or even Tips app, which often only shows advertising suggestions. Don't forget to check which apps you can check on your Windows 10 device.
How to disable background apps in Windows 11
The procedure in Windows 11 is a little different, as Microsoft has reorganized the menus. Here are the steps:
- Accede to Configuration from the Start menu or by pressing Win + I.
- In the left column select Applications and then go to Installed applications.
- Locate the app you want to configure in the list that appears. Click the icon three points vertical next to it.
- Choose Advanced.
- Within these options, look for the section Allow this app to run in the background and change it to You are never if you don't want it to work after closing it.
This setting also applies to apps installed from the Microsoft Store. Disable background for irrelevant apps can free up resources that will improve the overall performance of the team. It is also important that you review how manage your Telegram account if you use messaging apps in the background.
What is process priority and why change it?
In Windows, each running program or service is considered a "process." Each process consumes a portion of the available resources, such as CPU, RAM, or disk. Windows allows you to allocate a priority to each of these processes, which tells the system how much attention it should give compared to others.
The possible priorities are:
- Real time
- High
- Above normal
- Normal (default)
- Below normal
- Low
Set a higher priority For a process, lowering the priority can make it run more smoothly, especially for performance-intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, or computing. On the other hand, lowering the priority can prevent an app from interfering with other, more important apps. However, this option should be used with caution, as an improper change can negatively impact system stability. We invite you to discover how. Leverage AI to optimize your system.
How to change the priority of a process in Windows
Whether in Windows 10 or Windows 11, the method to change the priority of processes is based on the Task Manager.
- Balance Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. You can also access it by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting the corresponding option.
- If the view is in reduced mode (only showing current apps), click "More details" to expand it.
- Access the tab Processes. Here you will see two sections: the user apps at the top and the background processes on the bottom.
- Locate the process you want to modify, right-click on it and select Go to details.
- It will automatically take you to the tab Details with the process already highlighted. Here, right-click on the process and choose Set priority.
- Select the priority level you consider most appropriate.
This method allows for granular control of your computer's performance. If, for example, you're editing video or gaming, you can set a highest priority to the corresponding software to improve the experience. On the other hand, if you have apps that are consuming a lot of resources for no reason, you can reduce their priority. Don't hesitate to check out how check the apps on your Android device for a similar control.
Tips for choosing which apps to leave in the background
Choosing which apps to keep running in the background depends entirely on your device usage. Here are some helpful tips:
- Keep active applications that need to send real-time notifications, such as email, security apps, or messaging.
- Deactivate those that you don't use frequently and don't require updating data without intervention.
- Avoid having apps like Skype, Twitter, or Tips open if they are not useful to you. These often consume unnecessary resources.
- Check manually from time to time which apps remain active in the background after a system update, as some may be reactivated automatically.
What are the benefits of optimizing background processes and apps?
The benefits of reviewing and optimizing background apps and processes are quite obvious:
- Improving overall performance: Fewer active processes means more resources available for other tasks.
- longer battery life en portable by reducing the constant activity of unnecessary apps.
- Reduced operating system loading time when starting the computer.
- more stability in demanding programs such as video games or editing software.
Applying these settings may seem very technical at first, but in reality, with just a few clicks, you can have complete control over what runs and when, making your PC work smarter and more efficiently.
Knowing how to identify and manage which programs are running in the background, and how to change their priority, is a very useful skill for any Windows user. Whether it's to save battery life, improve system performance, or simply reduce memory and CPU usage, these small changes can make a noticeable difference in your daily computer use. By following the right steps and with a little practice, you'll have more precise control over your computer and how it allocates its resources.
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