---
title: "BackgroundModeEnabled 0: stop Chrome from running in the background after you close it"
description: "Chrome can keep running after its last window closes so extensions and notifications continue. What it changes, when it hurts, and how to undo it."
url: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/stop-chrome-running-in-background
author: Frost LIVE, Founder of Frozen Tweaks
published: 2026-10-08
updated: 2026-10-08
category: "Debloat"
source: Frozen Tweaks (https://frozentweaks.com)
---

# BackgroundModeEnabled 0: stop Chrome from running in the background after you close it

**Short answer:** Chrome can keep running after its last window closes so extensions and notifications continue. The BackgroundModeEnabled policy set to 0 makes it exit completely. In the registry it sets BackgroundModeEnabled to 0 under HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome.

## In the app

- Switch: Stop Chrome Running in the Background (Debloat, Pro, Standard)
- Undo: Yes. Switching it off puts back exactly what was there before, value for value.
- Catalog row: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks#t-1140

## What it does

Chrome can keep running after its last window closes so extensions and notifications continue. The BackgroundModeEnabled policy set to 0 makes it exit completely.

In the app the switch is called "Stop Chrome Running in the Background", described there as: Stops Chrome from staying in memory after its last window closes (Chrome shows the setting as managed).

## When it helps

- Getting Chrome's memory back the moment you close it, before you start a game.

## When it hurts

- Chrome notifications and background extensions stop when Chrome is closed.
- Chrome shows the setting as managed by your organization.

## What it writes

Read from the app's source. "Switching it off" is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.

Registry values:

| Key | Value | With the tweak | Switching it off |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome` | `BackgroundModeEnabled` | `0` | Your previous value (saved before the change, or deleted if there was none) |

Source: Tweaks/pack_extra.hpp in the app's source, app 2.0.0, checked 2026-10-08.

## The same change by hand

Run in a Command Prompt opened as administrator. Make a restore point first.

```bat
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome" /v "BackgroundModeEnabled" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
```

See what it is set to now:

```bat
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome" /v "BackgroundModeEnabled"
```

## How to undo it

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. The app saved what each value was before the change and writes exactly that back, or removes the value if it did not exist.

## Verdict

Recommended on a gaming PC.

## Questions

### What does the "Stop Chrome Running in the Background" tweak change in Windows?

In the registry it sets BackgroundModeEnabled to 0 under HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Chrome.

### Is "Stop Chrome Running in the Background" safe to switch on?

Recommended on a gaming PC. The main cost: Chrome notifications and background extensions stop when Chrome is closed.

### How do I undo it?

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. Switching it off puts back exactly what was there before, value for value.

### Is "Stop Chrome Running in the Background" free in Frozen Tweaks?

It is part of Frozen Pro and Elite. You can also make the change by hand with the values on this page.

## Related guides

- [Low-End PC Gaming Optimization: Getting Playable Frame Rates](https://frozentweaks.com/guides/low-end-pc-gaming-optimization)

## More tweak explainers

- [Windows Ink Workspace](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-windows-ink-workspace)
- [Task View button](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/hide-task-view-button)
- [Taskbar search box](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/hide-taskbar-search-box)

---
Written by Frost LIVE, founder of Frozen Tweaks. Canonical version: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/stop-chrome-running-in-background