en-US

Let Windows apps run in the background

Supported on: At least Windows Server 2016, Windows 10

Registry

HKLM Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy

Options

LetAppsRunInBackground enum
  • User is in control -> 0
  • Force Allow -> 1
  • Force Deny -> 2
LetAppsRunInBackground_UserInControlOfTheseApps multiText
LetAppsRunInBackground_ForceAllowTheseApps multiText
LetAppsRunInBackground_ForceDenyTheseApps multiText

Description

This policy setting specifies whether Windows apps can run in the background. You can specify either a default setting for all apps or a per-app setting by specifying a Package Family Name. You can get the Package Family Name for an app by using the Get-AppPackage Windows PowerShell cmdlet. A per-app setting overrides the default setting. If you choose the "User is in control" option, employees in your organization can decide whether Windows apps can run in the background by using Settings > Privacy on the device. If you choose the "Force Allow" option, Windows apps are allowed to run in the background and employees in your organization cannot change it. If you choose the "Force Deny" option, Windows apps are not allowed to run in the background and employees in your organization cannot change it. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, employees in your organization can decide whether Windows apps can run in the background by using Settings > Privacy on the device. If an app is open when this Group Policy object is applied on a device, employees must restart the app or device for the policy changes to be applied to the app.