Is your Windows 11 PC running slower than usual? Do background apps keep consuming memory and battery, even when you’re not using them? If yes, then it’s time to learn how to put apps to sleep in Windows 11. This feature helps conserve system resources and boosts your PC’s performance—especially useful for laptops with limited battery life.
In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to put apps to sleep in Windows 11, explain why it’s beneficial, and share tips for managing background processes efficiently.
What Does “Putting Apps to Sleep” Mean in Windows 11?
Putting an app to sleep means temporarily pausing its background activities. This:
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Stops unnecessary CPU and RAM usage.
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Reduces battery consumption.
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Improves system responsiveness.
Unlike uninstalling or closing apps, sleeping them ensures they can still be launched quickly when needed.
Why Should You Put Apps to Sleep?
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Improved performance – Frees up system resources.
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Extended battery life – Reduces power-hungry background processes.
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Faster startup times – Fewer apps running on boot.
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Less system heat – Prevents your laptop from overheating.
Step 1: Manage Background Apps via Windows Settings
Windows 11 lets you control background app activity easily.
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Navigate to:
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Find the app you want to manage → Click the three dots (⋮) → Advanced options.
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Under Background apps permissions, select:
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Always (default)
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Power optimized (recommended)
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Never (to put the app to sleep)
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Choosing Never prevents the app from running in the background.
Step 2: Use Battery Saver Mode
Battery Saver automatically puts unnecessary apps to sleep when your battery is low.
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Press Windows + A to open Quick Settings.
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Click Battery saver to enable it.
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Apps running in the background will be limited to conserve power.
Step 3: Disable Startup Apps
Some apps start running as soon as you boot your PC, consuming resources even before you open them.
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
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Go to the Startup apps tab.
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Right-click unnecessary apps → Disable.
Step 4: Use Power & Battery Settings
Windows 11 includes advanced options for power management.
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Go to Settings → System → Power & battery.
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Under Battery usage, check which apps are consuming the most power.
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Restrict or uninstall apps that are draining your battery.
Step 5: Manually Put Apps to Sleep via Task Manager
If an app is hogging resources, you can suspend it temporarily.
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Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
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Right-click the process → Suspend process.
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Resume it later by selecting Resume process.
Step 6: Use Storage Sense for App Optimization
Storage Sense can remove temporary files and manage inactive apps.
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Go to:
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Enable Storage Sense.
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Turn on Automatically clean up temporary files.
Step 7: Third-Party Tools to Put Apps to Sleep
If you want more control, try these tools:
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CCleaner – Manages startup and background apps.
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Wise Game Booster – Optimizes PC performance for gaming.
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Glary Utilities – Puts idle apps to sleep automatically.
What Happens When an App is Put to Sleep?
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It stops running in the background.
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It won’t send notifications or sync until reopened.
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No data is lost—apps resume normally when launched.
Apps You Should Consider Sleeping
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Social media apps (e.g., Instagram, Twitter)
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Cloud storage clients (if not actively syncing)
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Unused productivity tools
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Game launchers (e.g., Steam, Epic Games, unless in use)
Apps You Should NOT Put to Sleep
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Antivirus or security software
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Backup tools
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Messaging apps you rely on for real-time notifications
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System utilities (e.g., Windows Update)
Benefits of Putting Apps to Sleep in Windows 11
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Better performance for multitasking
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Lower power consumption
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Fewer background crashes
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Improved gaming performance
Common Issues After Sleeping Apps (and Fixes)
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Notifications missing? → Change background permissions to Power optimized.
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App not updating? → Open it manually to refresh.
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System behaving oddly? → Restart the PC to reload services.
How to Wake Apps from Sleep in Windows 11
Just open the app again! Windows automatically restores its background activity.
Alternatively:
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Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
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Change its background permission to Power optimized or Always.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to put apps to sleep in Windows 11 is an easy yet effective way to boost your PC’s efficiency. By using built-in settings like Background app permissions, Task Manager, and Battery Saver, you can control resource-hungry apps and enjoy a faster, smoother experience.
FAQs
1. Does putting apps to sleep uninstall them?
No, it only pauses their background activity.
2. Will I miss notifications if I put an app to sleep?
Yes, unless you set it to Power optimized.
3. Can I sleep system apps in Windows 11?
No, critical system apps cannot be disabled.
4. Is this feature available on all editions of Windows 11?
Yes, it works on Home, Pro, and Enterprise editions.
5. How often should I review background apps?
Every few months or whenever your PC feels slow.