Background apps: the policy values that actually stop UWP apps running
Short answer
UpdatedSetting LetAppsRunInBackground to 2 under SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy denies all UWP apps background execution, with GlobalUserDisabled set to 1 as the per-user equivalent. It reliably stops Store apps consuming CPU, memory and network while you play, which the Settings toggle alone does not always achieve on Windows 11.
HKLMSOFTWARE\
LetAppsRunInBackgroundNot set2
What it does
UWP and Store apps can run background tasks, such as syncing, notifications and live tiles, without a visible window. Each is small; collectively they are a steady drip of CPU, disk and network.
Windows 11 removed the global master toggle from Settings, which is why the policy value is the reliable route.
When it helps, and when it hurts
When it helps
- Removes a steady background load, most noticeable on lower-core-count CPUs.
- Reduces unexpected network activity during a match.
- One of the more reliable stutter reductions on older or budget systems.
When it hurts
- Store app notifications stop arriving, including Mail, Calendar and messaging apps.
- Anything relying on background sync stops syncing until opened.
- It does not affect classic desktop applications at all, which is where most people's real background load actually is.
What it writes
Exactly what the switch changes, read from the app's source. Switching it off is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.
| Key and value | With the tweak | Switching it off |
|---|---|---|
| HKLMSOFTWARE\ | 2 | Not setThe value is deleted. Windows decides. |
| HKCUSoftware\ | 1 | Not setThe value is deleted. Windows decides. |
From the app's source (background_apps.hpp), app 2.0.0, checked .
The same change by hand
You do not need the app for this one. These commands make the changes from the table above. Run them in a Command Prompt opened as administrator, and make a restore point first.
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy" /v "LetAppsRunInBackground" /t REG_DWORD /d 2 /f
reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\BackgroundAccessApplications" /v "GlobalUserDisabled" /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /freg delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy" /v "LetAppsRunInBackground" /f
reg delete "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\BackgroundAccessApplications" /v "GlobalUserDisabled" /freg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy" /v "LetAppsRunInBackground"How to undo it
In the app: Yes
Switching it off sets a standard Windows value, which may not be exactly how you had it.
Delete the LetAppsRunInBackground policy value and set GlobalUserDisabled back to 0. Switching it off in Frozen Tweaks deletes both values.
Changing several settings at once? The app's Make a restore point button, on every plan, makes a Windows restore point before you start.
Verdict
Worth doing if you do not depend on Store app notifications. Be aware it only covers UWP apps: pruning your startup list matters more.
In the app
- Switch
- Disable Background Apps
- Category
- Debloat
- Plan
- Free
- Undo
- Yes
Related guides
- Windows 11 Gaming Optimization: What Still Works in 2026An honest audit of Windows 11 gaming tweaks: which settings still measurably help in 2026, which are placebo, and which quietly cost you security.8 min read
- Low-End PC Gaming Optimization: Getting Playable Frame RatesWhat actually works on a weak PC, in order, including the one upgrade that beats every software tweak combined, and honest limits on what tuning can do.7 min read
- How to Increase FPS on PC: The Complete 2026 GuideAn ordered method for raising FPS on Windows 11 in 2026: the four settings that matter most first, then the GPU driver, BIOS and latency tuning.11 min read
- ARC Raiders FPS Boost: Fixing Unreal Engine 5 StutterARC Raiders runs on Unreal Engine 5, so it brings shader stutter and expensive lighting. These settings fix both without making raiders harder to spot.5 min read
More tweak explainers
- Windows Search indexingWhat the WSearch service does, when its background indexing genuinely causes stutter, and the real cost of turning it off.2 min read
- Xbox servicesThe three Xbox services the switch turns off (XblAuthManager, XblGameSave, XboxGipSvc), what each one is for, and why disabling them can break Game Pass.2 min read
- Widgets, News and CopilotWidgets, News and Interests and the Copilot button are taskbar features that keep their own processes running and fetch content in the background.2 min read
Written by
Frost LIVEFounder of Frozen Tweaks, based in Hamburg, Germany. Publishes settings guides for competitive games on his YouTube channel, Frost LIVE.
In the app
- Category
- Debloat
- Plan
- Free
- Undo
- Yes
Frozen Tweaks
Free for Windows 10 and 11
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
Or type frozentweaks.com on your PC.
The free Windows app for competitive games.
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
Frozen Tweaks runs on Windows. Send the link to your PC and download it there.
Or type frozentweaks.com on your PC.