To minimize background processes in Windows 11, follow these concise steps:

  1. Manage Task Manager processes:

    • Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc or by typing taskmgr into the Run dialog (Win + R).
    • Go to the "Processes" tab to view active processes.
    • Right-click on non-essential background processes and choose "End task" to terminate them.

  2. Disable startup apps:

    • Open the Task Manager and navigate to the "Startup" tab.
    • Right-click on unnecessary startup items and select "Disable".

  3. Use the Services Management app:

    • Open the Run dialog (Win + R) and enter services.msc.
    • Find services that are not essential, right-click on them, and select "Properties".
    • Set the startup type to "Disabled" or "Manual", then click "Apply" and "OK".

  4. Disable background apps in Settings:

    1. Open Settings (Windows key + i).
    2. Go to "System > Apps & features."
    3. Locate an app, click the three-dots menu, and choose "Advanced options."
    4. Under "Background app permissions," set it to "Never" if available.

  5. Use Registry Editor for specific settings:

    • Open the Run dialog (Win + R) and enter regedit.
    • Navigate to this registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\BackgroundAccessApplications
    • Create new subkeys under BackgroundAccessApplications, each representing an application you want to disable.
    • Set their values to 0x00000000 (0) to disable background access.

  6. Clean up Windows Startup:

    • Right-click the Windows button and select Task Manager.
    • Click on the "Startup" tab.
    • Disable unnecessary startup items by right-clicking and selecting "Disable".

  7. Perform a clean boot:

    • Press the Windows key, search for msconfig, and open System Configuration Utility.
    • Go to the "Services" tab, uncheck "Hide all Microsoft services," and disable non-essential third-party services.
    • Go to the "Startup" tab, disable unnecessary startup items.
    • Restart your computer after making changes.

Remember to be cautious when modifying system settings and always create a backup before proceeding with these steps.