Manage Background Apps in Windows 11 to Save Battery

Running applications in the background can significantly drain your laptop’s battery life and consume system resources. Windows 11 allows you to control which apps have permission to run silently in the background, receive push notifications, and fetch updates. This guide outlines the exact steps to manage, limit, and disable background app permissions to maximize your device’s battery performance.

Method 1: Manage Permissions via Installed Apps

You can configure background activity permissions for individual Microsoft Store apps directly from the main application settings.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
  2. Click on Apps in the left sidebar, then select Installed apps.
  3. Locate the app you want to restrict.
  4. Click the three-dot menu (…) next to the app name and select Advanced options. (Note: If Advanced options is not visible, the app is a standard desktop program and must be managed via Startup or Task Manager).
  5. Under the Background apps permissions section, locate the dropdown menu labeled Let this app run in the background.
  6. Select one of three options:
    • Always: The app can always run in the background.
    • Power optimized (recommended): Windows decides based on current power status.
    • Never: The app stops running as soon as you close it, conserving the most battery.

Method 2: Manage Background Permissions via Battery Settings

Windows 11 provides a centralized battery usage breakdown, making it easy to identify and restrict the most power-hungry apps.

  1. Open Settings (Win + I).
  2. Go to System > Power & battery.
  3. Click on Battery usage to expand the section.
  4. Review the list under Battery usage per app to see which programs use the most energy.
  5. Click the three-dot menu (…) next to an app consuming excessive battery.
  6. Select Manage background activity.
  7. Under Background apps permissions, set the dropdown to Never.

Method 3: Enable Battery Saver to Restrict All Apps Automatically

Battery Saver limits background tasks and notifications globally without requiring you to adjust each app individually.

  1. Open Settings (Win + I).
  2. Navigate to System > Power & battery.
  3. Expand the Battery saver section.
  4. Set Turn battery saver on automatically at to your preferred percentage (e.g., 20% or 30%).
  5. Alternatively, click Turn on now to instantly block background activity and reduce screen brightness when unplugged.

Method 4: Disable Startup Apps

Preventing unnecessary apps from launching at boot stops them from running in the background from the moment you turn on your PC.

  1. Open Settings (Win + I).
  2. Click on Apps and select Startup.
  3. Sort by Startup impact to see which programs demand the most resources.
  4. Toggle the switch to Off for any apps you do not need running immediately upon boot.