Stop EA From Hogging Your System Resources: A Comprehensive Guide
The EA app, formerly known as EA Desktop and Origin, is essential for playing many PC games. However, it’s a common complaint that it continues to run in the background, consuming system resources even when you’re not actively playing. Here’s how to put a stop to that background activity and reclaim your PC’s performance.
The most direct way to stop the EA app from running in the background is to disable the “Background Services” setting within the EA app’s settings. This will prevent the EABackgroundService.exe from automatically updating the app and downloading game updates when you’re not actively using it. If problems persist, you might also need to manually adjust the service’s startup type in Windows. By disabling background services, you’re regaining control of your system resources, ensuring that your PC’s performance isn’t compromised by unnecessary background activity.
Disabling Background Services Within the EA App
This is the most straightforward method and should be your first step.
- Open the EA app.
- Click the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top-left corner.
- Select Settings.
- Go to Application
- Toggle Background Services to the Off position.
This simple action prevents the EA app from performing tasks like updates and downloads when you’re not actively using it.
Managing the EABackgroundService in Windows Services
If disabling Background Services within the EA app doesn’t completely stop the background activity, you may need to adjust the EABackgroundService directly through Windows Services.
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type services.msc and press Enter. This opens the Services Management Console.
- In the list of services, locate EABackgroundService.
- Right-click on EABackgroundService and select Properties.
- In the Properties window, go to the General tab.
- Change the Startup type to Manual or Disabled.
- Manual: The service will only start when triggered by a program or process that requires it.
- Disabled: The service will not start automatically at all.
- If the service is currently running, click the Stop button.
- Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.
Setting the Startup type to Manual prevents the service from automatically starting with Windows. Choosing Disabled is more aggressive, ensuring the service only runs if you explicitly start it, but might interfere with the app’s functionality if you haven’t disabled automatic updates within the app itself.
Further Steps: Disable Automatic App Updates
While you’ve disabled the background service, consider disabling automatic app updates directly within the EA app.
- Open the EA app.
- Click the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top-left corner.
- Select Settings.
- Go to Application
- Find “Update application automatically” and toggle it to off.
Disabling automatic updates gives you control over when the EA app updates, preventing background downloads and installations that can impact performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why does the EA app keep running in the background?
The EA app runs in the background to perform tasks like automatic app updates and background game downloads. This is intended to ensure you always have the latest versions of the app and your games, but it can impact system performance.
2. What is the EA app Background Service (EABackgroundService.exe)?
The EABackgroundService (EABackgroundService.exe) is a process that installs and updates games and keeps the EA app up-to-date. It’s intended to run whenever you use the EA app or a linked partner app, but you can disable it to improve system performance.
3. How do I clear the EA app cache?
Clearing the cache can resolve issues with the EA app’s performance or functionality.
- Select the three dashes in the far-left corner of the EA app.
- Scroll to Help.
- Click App recovery.
- Select Clear cache.
4. Can I delete the EA app?
Yes, you can uninstall the EA app if you no longer want to use it.
- Open the Control Panel (search for it in the Start menu).
- Under Programs, click Uninstall a program.
- Click on the EA app and uninstall.
5. How do I disable EA cloud saves?
There is no direct option to disable cloud saves within the EA app at this time. However, you can try putting the EA app in offline mode to prevent cloud sync errors. Alternatively, investigate potential causes of sync issues, such as incorrect system time or an overzealous antivirus scanner. The Games Learning Society website has further information about game settings and configurations.
6. Do I need to uninstall Origin for the EA app?
The EA app is designed to uninstall Origin during its installation process. If you still have Origin installed, consider letting the EA app handle the uninstall.
7. What does clearing the cache do for the EA app?
Clearing the cache removes temporary files and data stored by the EA app. This can resolve performance issues, fix loading problems, and ensure the app is running with the latest data.
8. How do I change launch options in the EA app?
Launch options allow you to customize how a game starts.
- Hover over the game tile in the EA app.
- Click the three dots.
- Select View properties.
- Enter your desired launch options in the “Advanced launch options” text field.
9. Do I need to have the EA app to play EA games on Steam or Epic?
Yes, the EA app is required to play EA games on PC, even if you launch them through Steam or Epic. Steam or Epic will guide you through installing the EA app (and uninstalling Origin, if necessary).
10. What happens when I cancel EA Play?
If you cancel your EA Play subscription, you will no longer have access to the games included in the subscription. Your game progress will be saved (as long as you don’t delete the save files), and you can resume playing if you resubscribe or purchase the games individually.
11. Can I cancel EA Play and keep the games?
No, you cannot keep the games included with EA Play after cancelling your subscription unless you purchase them separately.
12. How do I clear game cache data on PC?
Clearing game cache data can resolve various issues within a specific game. The process depends on the game itself, but typically involves accessing the game’s settings or data folder and deleting temporary files.
13. Why do I need to install the EA app?
The EA app serves as the platform for managing, launching, and updating EA games on PC. It’s required for accessing and playing EA titles.
14. How do I stop other apps from running in the background on Windows?
You can manage background apps in Windows Settings.
- Select Start, then select Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
- Select the app you want to control.
- Select Advanced options.
- In the Background apps permissions section, under Let this app run in the background, select Never.
15. Why should I clear my cache and cookies?
Clearing your cache and cookies can resolve various problems, such as loading or formatting issues on websites. It also helps free up storage space on your device and improves privacy.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage the EA app’s background activity and reclaim valuable system resources, ensuring a smoother and more responsive PC experience. Remember to adjust settings to suit your needs, balancing convenience with performance. You can check GamesLearningSociety.org for more information on managing your game settings.