Preventing apps and programs from running automatically in the background to improve performance and

Have you ever noticed that computers seem to get slower over the years? Most people will probably say yes. This is usually because you install programs that decide to run in the background. Remember, if you disable an app or program from running in the automatically backgound, it won't be able to update, show you notifications or anything at all unless it's manually opened.

Seeing which programs run in the background and disabling any you don't want:

1. Press ctrl + R (on any version of Windows) or open your start menu (On Windows vista or higher)

2. Type "msconfig.exe" and press enter.

2. Go to the Startup tab

3. A list of all the programs the run automatically at Startup will be shown here, if your on Windows 8 or higher, some text will appear reading "To manage startup items, use the Startup section of Task Manager." followed by a link that reads "Open Task Manager"; click that link to view startup items.

4. You can uncheck anything here you don't need. In WIndows 8 or above, you can see how they impact Start-up performance and you'll be given an option at the bottom right to disable them. It's important that you take care when disabling these to ensure that you don't disable important drivers or software. If you unsure, just leave anything from Microsoft or your computer's manufacturer enabled.

5. Services are programs the run in the backgound to allow certain tasks, such as enabling sound, letting you connect to wi-fi, etc. Many programs have services to check for updates, do certain tasks and more. Head to the Services tab to remove any you don't need. There is also a Hide Microsoft Services check box, we recommend selecting it to filter out important Windows services. If you unsure, just leave anything from Microsoft or your computer's manufacturer enabled.

6. The Task Scheduler allows you to set programs to run automatically at certain times, such as when the computer is idle or when a user logs on or at startup. Sometimes programs add their own tasks here. You can access it by searching "Task Scheduler" or by going to Start > All Programs > Windows Administrative Tools > Task Schedular. Double click to edit a task or right click and select disable to disable one.

7. Windows 8 apps are a little different in terms of how they run in the background compared to programs. If you have Windows 8 or above, you can stop an app from running in the backgound by opening the app's settings and turning off Notifications, run in backgound, show on lock screen, etc. You can access an app's Settings by moving your arrow to the top or bottom right of the screen or pressing the windows + C in Windows 8 or by clicking the hamburger menu to the top left in Windows 10.

8. If you're on Windows 10, open Settings > Privacy > Background Apps to disable apps from running in the background. Also in WIndows 10, you can disable notifications from System > Notifications & actions. You may also find other privacy settings that can disable things such as tracking your location, which will also improve performance and battery life.

Hopefully, disabling some backgound apps and stopping programs from running automatically helps improve the performance of your computer and/or the battery life and performanceof your laptop!

We plan on making a video on this and uploading it to our youtube channel!

Refrences:

Disable System Services GIF (disable-system-services.gif) - http://cdn.ilovefreesoftware.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/disable-system-services.gif

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