Are background apps missing from your Windows 11 PC? No worries! This issue occurs due to many reasons and can affect system performance, app notifications, updates, and other essential tasks that require apps to run in the background. In this extensive guide, I’m going to discuss the 10 best tips and tricks to fix the Windows 11 background apps missing. Read on…
Best Tips to Fix Windows 11 Background Apps Missing
So, what causes the background apps to go missing? It crops up due to culprits like the disabled background permissions, corrupted system files, or misconfigured privacy settings. Thankfully, nabbing and eliminating these roadblocks is not a big deal.
1. Check Background App Permissions in Settings
First off, it would be apt to check the background app permissions and fine-tune them properly. Note that it allows apps to run in the background, and if it’s turned off, apps will not show or function properly.
- On your PC, head over to the Settings app > Apps > Installed apps.
- Click the three-dot menu next to any app and choose Advanced options.
- Under Background apps permissions, ensure it’s set to Power optimized or Always.
2. Enable Background Apps via Privacy Settings
It’s worth pointing out that disabling this setting globally prevents all apps from working in the background, which can lead to missing apps.
- Open the Settings app on your Windows 11 device > Privacy & security.
- Choose Background apps.
- Now, ensure the toggle for Let apps run in the background is turned on.
3. Restart the PC to Refresh App Processes
Note that a simple restart can reload app services and fix temporary glitches causing apps not to appear or function in the background.
- To do so, click on the Start menu > Power > Restart.
4. Check Battery Saver Settings
Keep in mind that the Battery Saver restricts background activity to conserve power, which hides or disables background apps.
- Go to the Settings app on your Windows device > System > Power & battery > Battery saver.
- Now, make sure to disable Battery Saver mode if it’s turned on.
5. Re-register Windows Apps via PowerShell
Should the problem still persist, I’d recommend you re-register Windows apps via PowerShell. It will let you re-register built-in apps and services, restoring any missing app entries due to corruption.
- Launch PowerShell as an administrator and run the following command.
Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers| Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
6. Reset App from Settings
Resetting an app clears its cache and restores it to its default, often resolving issues related to app invisibility or non-functionality.
- Navigate to Settings on your PC > Apps > Installed apps.
- After that, click the three-dot menu next to the affected app, and choose Advanced options > Reset.
7. Scan for Corrupted Files Using the SFC Tool
System File Checker repairs corrupted system files that might be preventing background apps from functioning or displaying correctly.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator on your device.
- Then, make sure to run the below-mentioned command:
sfc /scannow
8. Use the DISM Command to Restore Health
It’s also important to mention that the DISM can fix deeper system-level corruption that the SFC scan might not detect, which helps in recovering missing app components.
- Fire up the Command Prompt as an administrator on your PC.
- Now, type in the following command and let it run without any hindrance.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
9. Check for Windows Updates
Microsoft regularly rolls out bug fixes and improvements. So, there is a decent chance that updating the software will help you restore the missing background apps.
- On your PC, launch the Settings app > Windows Update > Check for updates.
10. Create a New User Profile
Sometimes, user profiles get corrupted and prevent apps from functioning normally. A new profile ensures default settings are applied.
- Dive into the Settings app > Accounts > Other users.
- Now, select Add account.
- Next up, follow the on-screen steps to create a new local user.
Wrapping up..!
And that’s about it! Missing background apps on Windows 11 can disrupt workflow and app functionality, but these ten solutions can help restore them quickly. From tweaking privacy settings to repairing system files and creating a new user account, each step is aimed at resolving a specific root cause. Try them one by one, and you should see your background apps running as expected. If the issue persists even after trying all methods, consider performing a system restore or contacting Microsoft Support for further assistance.
