Is your computer lagging behind? Here's how to declutter the background processes on a Windows PC before you buy one.
The Windows operating system is enormous and supports several programs, processes, and services at once. Although you might not be able to see these programs in the desktop view, all you need to do is open the task manager to see how many background processes are now active.
When determining why your PC runs slowly and takes a long time to launch, these processes are a key suspect. Most of these processes don't even need to operate at all times. To that end, we've gathered a list of techniques for turning off background processes so you may significantly speed up your PC.
{tocify} $title={Table of Contents}
Solutions to Fix Too Many Background Processes Running on a Windows PC
Why Do Background Processes Start happening?
Background processes are little applications running in the background of your computer. They operate automatically and are made to work in tandem with other applications. These tools keep an eye on your computer, schedule upgrades, perform backups, and do other crucial tasks.
New background processes are added to the ones that come preloaded on your Windows OS as more software is installed. These background activities don't have to be active all the time despite their evident advantages. Yet they persist, using valuable memory, consuming computing power, and lowering battery life.
Background activities have a tendency to build up over time. They play a significant role in the slowdown of your PC. Therefore, it's crucial that you handle background processes appropriately and only activate them when necessary.
Background Processes You Shouldn't stop
Terminating Windows processes may result in incorrect application operation or possibly a Windows computer crash. These applications are essential to the efficient running of your system, therefore unless you are an expert, you should never delete them.
Microsoft procedures are similarly crucial. Although they aren't directly engaged with the operating system, they do oversee the OS's preloaded software. Utility programs like Settings, Windows Defender, and Microsoft Office suffer if these processes are disabled.
Finally, you should avoid turning off any of the processes that are connected to your computer's hardware components. These procedures support the device drivers and could facilitate communication between the latter and the operating system.
How to Fix Too Many Background Processes on Windows (10/11)
Let's talk about how to get rid of undesirable programs and processes now that you know which background processes are essential for your computer.
1. Use Task Manager to stop processes manually
By forcibly quitting any running programs that use a lot of memory, you may free up system resources. Make sure you're not actively utilizing the running program before using this approach. Additionally, keep in mind not to terminate Microsoft programs.
To get started, use Win + X or Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch the Windows Task Manager. After that, choose the Processes tab with a right-click and make sure the Memory section is checked. The apps would then be sorted according to how much memory they use.
Click the End Task button at the bottom right of the menu after selecting the program you wish to shut down. Additionally, you have the option to right-click the application and choose End Task from the pop-up context menu.
The ideal processes to disable using this technique are those that run in the system tray, including antivirus software, Slack, Discord, and other similar services. Even if you close the main application window of these apps, they continue to operate in the background and never shut down.
2. Disable Startup Processes
Startup processes, as their name suggests, start up as soon as your Windows computer boots. These apps frequently cause lengthy startup delays on your computer and continue to operate in the background even when not in use.
Open the Task Manager and select the Starting tab to see its menu if you want to decrease the number of startup processes. Here, a list of all starting processes and a description of their enabled state may be found. To deactivate any process, perform a right-click and choose the Disable option from the context menu.
As an alternative, you can utilize the Disable button located in the menu's lower right corner. Because none of the Microsoft processes in this option are essential to your computer, you may safely disable all of them. Additionally, Autoruns may be used to control starting applications.
3. Remove Third-Party Processes
Installing external software on your computer enables third-party operations. They operate fully in the background and lack a user interface. These applications run while your computer boots, much like startup processes.
By launching Task Manager and selecting the drop-down arrow next to the appropriate program, you may disable these processes. To start the Services program, choose the Open Services option.
Find the third-party service you wish to deactivate within this application, right-click on it, and choose properties. By doing so, the service's properties menu will be shown. Select Disabled from the Startup type drop-down menu by clicking on it. To close the window, press Apply and then OK.
4. Use System Configuration to Free Up System Resources
It might get tedious to eliminate third-party procedures one at a time. Fortunately, there is a quicker way to stop all of these operations at once.
To open the Run app, press Win + R on your keyboard. After that, enter msconfig into the text box. Make sure the option labeled "Hide all Microsoft services" is checked after choosing the Services tab. After selecting Apply and OK, click the Disable all option.
You will be prompted to restart your computer via the System Configuration tool. To make your changes effective, click Restart.
5. Turn Off System Monitors
System monitors check the performance and resource utilization of your machine. They use up system resources while operating on your computer. Your Windows OS comes with system monitors from Microsoft, which you must never turn off.
However, a few external programs provide system monitors as part of their installation packages. They operate separately from the parent program and frequently show up in the notification tray. Most of these apps are quite challenging to get rid of and don't show up in Task Manager.
The best technique to get rid of system monitors is to recognize them and leave them out of the installation of their parent program.
How to Stop Having Too Many Background Processes
Many of the techniques mentioned above are only efficient for one computer session. When you reset them again, they go back to how they were. Therefore, you can use the following techniques to permanently stop background programs from functioning on your computer.
1. Disable Apps from Running in the Background
The majority of the Microsoft Store's preloaded Windows applications operate in the background. These applications don't significantly degrade speed or use a lot of memory. Nevertheless, you may stop them from operating in the background if you want to conserve as many system resources as you can.
Select the Settings app from the start menu by clicking on it. Select the Background applications option from the Privacy menu. You may deactivate certain apps from the ensuing menu or stop your PC from executing any background programs at all.
2. Remove unwanted applications
We have adequate storage to install applications randomly since SSDs and HDDs are currently accessible and affordable. Apart from taking up storage space, the majority of these programs have no negative impact. Some, however, carry out background tasks that slow down your computer.
It would be preferable to delete any programs you aren't utilizing as a consequence. Go to Settings > Apps on your computer to uninstall apps. Click the Uninstall button after choosing the software you wish to uninstall.
Increasing PC Speed in the Modern Period
In the end, turning off background processes is only one way to increase your computer's performance. It might not be sufficient to result in a sizable gain. As a result, you need to look into additional performance-boosting strategies.
These techniques include upgrading your OS and drivers on a regular basis, getting rid of viruses and other dangerous software, and using third-party tools to increase speed.