How to Allow Games to Run in the Background
The ability to run games in the background can be a real game-changer (pun intended!). Whether you want to keep your progress ticking along in an idle game, stay connected to a multiplayer match while multitasking, or simply have a game ready to jump back into at a moment’s notice, understanding how to allow games to run in the background is crucial. The specific steps vary depending on your device and operating system, so let’s break it down for Windows, Android, and some additional considerations.
Allowing Games to Run in the Background on Windows
Using Windows Settings
For Windows 10 and 11, managing background apps is straightforward. Here’s how:
- Click on the Windows menu (the Start button).
- Click on the gear icon to open Settings.
- Click on Privacy.
- Scroll down and select Background Apps.
- Under “Choose which apps can run in the background,” locate the game you want to keep running.
- Toggle the switch to the “On” position for that specific game.
This method grants the selected game permission to run in the background, allowing it to perform certain functions even when you’re not actively focused on it.
Important Considerations on Windows
- Game Behavior: Not all games are designed to function seamlessly in the background. Some may pause their activity, minimize their resource usage, or even disconnect from servers if they aren’t the active window.
- Resource Usage: Running games in the background can consume system resources, including CPU, RAM, and network bandwidth. Be mindful of this, especially on systems with limited resources.
- Battery Life: On laptops, running games in the background can significantly impact battery life.
Allowing Games to Run in the Background on Android
Android’s approach to background apps is a bit more complex due to its battery-saving optimizations. Here’s how to allow games to run in the background on Android:
Adjusting Battery Optimization Settings
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap Battery or Device Care (the name may vary slightly depending on your device manufacturer).
- Look for Battery settings or Battery Usage.
- Within these settings, find an option like App Power Management, Background Usage Limits, or a similar title.
- Look for “Put unused apps to sleep” or “Sleeping apps,” and turn it OFF or choose “Never sleeping apps”. This can prevent the system from automatically closing your game in the background.
- You may also need to select the game specifically from a list and ensure it is not optimized or restricted to run in the background.
Enabling Background Data Usage (If applicable)
For some games that require constant network connectivity, you may also need to ensure that they are allowed to use mobile data in the background. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Find and select your game.
- Select Mobile data & Wi-Fi.
- Make sure “Allow background data usage” is turned ON.
- If you have a VPN, ensure that the app can access network in the background using the VPN as well.
Important Considerations on Android
- Android Versions and Manufacturers: The specific menu names and locations might vary slightly across different Android versions and phone manufacturers (e.g., Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi).
- Battery Saving Modes: Battery saving modes often restrict background activities, so you might need to disable them temporarily or add your game to an “exceptions list.”
- App-Specific Settings: Some games may have their own built-in settings regarding background activity. Always check within the game’s options menu.
- Background Restrictions: Keep in mind Android may impose restrictions to save battery life or ensure system stability.
Additional Considerations for All Platforms
- Game Design: The ability of a game to run effectively in the background depends heavily on its design. Some games are built with this functionality in mind, while others aren’t.
- Updates: Game updates can sometimes alter background behavior, so you may need to re-adjust your settings after updates.
- Resource Management: Monitor your device’s resource usage when running games in the background. If you notice a significant performance hit or increased battery drain, consider adjusting the number of games running in the background or disabling this feature.
Running games in the background can be very useful, but requires careful configuration to ensure smooth operation and optimal battery life. By understanding how your operating system manages background processes and applying the steps above, you can enjoy seamless gaming across all of your devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens when a game runs in the background?
When a game runs in the background, it can continue to perform certain activities, such as processing game events, updating progress, sending notifications, and maintaining connections to servers. However, the specific behavior varies widely based on the game design and the system’s background app management rules.
2. Will running games in the background drain my battery?
Yes, running games in the background, especially those that are graphically intensive or frequently access the network, can drain your battery faster. Monitor your battery usage and make adjustments as necessary.
3. Does running games in the background slow down my device?
Yes, it can. Games that are active in the background consume system resources like CPU, RAM, and network bandwidth. This can lead to a slowdown of other apps or overall system performance if your device is already running on limited resources.
4. How do I check which apps are running in the background on Windows?
Open the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), and go to the “Processes” tab. This view shows all currently running processes on your computer, including those in the background.
5. How do I check which apps are running in the background on Android?
To open Quick Settings, from the top of the screen, swipe down twice. At the bottom left of the Quick Settings tap “# active apps” or tap on the bottom right the number next to Settings and Power.
6. Why do my Android apps keep closing in the background?
This is often due to battery optimization settings, low storage, or the Android system managing resources. Adjust your battery optimization settings, and free up storage if needed.
7. Is it bad to force close background apps on Android?
Force closing background apps can actually consume more battery and resources because the apps might restart themselves. It is better to let the system manage them naturally, unless the app is malfunctioning.
8. What is “Background App Refresh” on Android and is it necessary?
“Background App Refresh” on Android is usually referred to as background data usage or background activity. It allows apps to continue data processes in the background. It can be useful for timely notifications or updates, but can increase battery usage and mobile data. You can turn this on or off as needed based on the app.
9. Can I make all my apps run in the background on Android?
Yes, generally, you can allow all apps to run in the background through battery optimization and background data settings, but that could lead to battery drain and lower system performance.
10. What is background restriction on Android apps?
Background restriction prevents an app from running when it’s not in active use. It does not disable the app but can prevent apps from processing data or sending notifications while in the background.
11. What is “Allow background activity” in Android settings?
“Allow background activity” removes restrictions and optimizations for a specific app. Enabling it might lead to increased power consumption, but allows an app to function without limitations while in the background.
12. How can I see which apps are draining the most battery in the background?
Open your device’s settings, then navigate to Battery settings (or similar), and select Battery Usage. This will show a list of apps and their battery consumption.
13. Does putting unused apps to sleep save battery?
Yes, by putting unused apps to sleep, your device reduces their background activity, which saves battery power.
14. Can games still send notifications when running in the background?
Yes, if properly configured, games can send notifications while running in the background, but this depends on both the game design and your notification settings.
15. Should I keep apps running in the background for better performance?
Generally, it’s best to let your system manage apps in the background and only manually allow specific apps and games that benefit from constant background activity. Manually forcing many apps to run in the background can cause performance issues and battery drainage, while also interfering with the operating system.