Background Apps grayed out in Windows Settings

If the option to enable Background Apps is grayed out in Windows Settings, this post will help you fix the issue. Background apps are silent workers in Windows devices that handle tasks that don’t need immediate attention. Fortunately, you can follow some simple suggestions to fix the error.

Fix Background Apps Grayed out in Windows Settings

If the Background Apps option is grayed out in Windows Settings, follow these suggestions to troubleshoot it:

1. Enable Background Apps via Group Policy Editor
2. Modify Power Settings
3. Reset Windows Store Cache
4. Update Graphics Card Driver
5. System Restore to the Point Before the Error Occurred

Now, let’s see these in detail.

1] Enable Background Apps via Group Policy Editor

Firstly, try enabling background apps via the Group Policy Editor. Here’s how:

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Once the Group Policy Editor opens, navigate to the following path:Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Privacy
3. Double-click on the Let Windows apps run in the background policy in the right pane.
4. A pop-up window will now open. Select Enabled, choose User is in control under Options, and click OK to save the changes.
5. Restart your PC and see if the error’s fixed.

2] Modify Power Settings

Power Management Settings control how Windows devices behave when the power source changes. If you misconfigure these settings, they may not allow you to enable background apps. Here’s how:

1. Open the Control Panel and navigate to Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Edit Plan Settings.
2. Here, click on Change advanced power settings.
3. Under Battery, Plugged in, and On battery, check settings for display brightness and sleep and ensure they are set to your preference.
4. Click on Apply and then on OK to save the changes.

It is also a good idea to consider restoring Power defaults for the plan.

3] Reset Windows Store Cache

The option to enable Background Apps can get grayed out if the Windows Store cache data gets corrupted. Resetting it can help fix it. Here’s how:

1. Press Windows + R to open Run.
2. Type wsreset.exe and hit Enter.
3. Wait for the command to execute, and check if it fixes the issue.

4] Update Graphics Card Driver

Next, update the graphics drivers of your device to the latest version available. The drivers can sometimes get corrupted, and make the Background Apps option to be grayed out in Windows Settings. Update the graphics drivers and see if it helps. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings and navigate to Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Right under it, look for a clickable link—View optional updates.
3. Under Driver Updates, a list of updates will be available, which you can choose to install if you are facing an issue manually.

You can manually download and install drivers on your computer manufacturer’s website or use free Driver Update software tools like NV Updater, AMD Driver Autodetect, and Intel Driver Update Utility.

5] System Restore to the Point Before the Error Occurred

Lastly, try performing a System Restore. Doing so will repair the Windows environment by installing the files and settings saved in the restore point. Here’s how you can perform a System Restore.

Read: Services Start, Stop or Startup type grayed out in Windows

I hope these suggestions help you.

Why are my settings greyed out in Windows?

If Windows settings are greyed out, your device may have an inactive Windows license, or if it isn’t updated to the latest version. However, it can also occur due to administrative restrictions and if any third-party app interrupts.

How do I fix Windows Update greyed out?

If the Windows Update option appears grey on your PC, try running the Windows Update troubleshooter and restart the Windows Update Service. If that doesn’t help, reset Windows update components and try installing the update manually.