How Do I Turn Off Epic Games in the Background?

To turn off Epic Games running in the background, you have several effective methods, ranging from adjusting the launcher's own settings to using Windows system tools. Managing background applications like the Epic Games Launcher can significantly improve your system's performance and free up valuable resources.

Stopping Epic Games from Running at Startup

The most common reason Epic Games runs in the background is its default setting to launch with your computer. Disabling this is the primary step for long-term management.

Through the Epic Games Launcher Settings

This is the most straightforward and recommended method to prevent the Epic Games Launcher from starting automatically with Windows.

1. Launch the Epic Games Launcher: Open the application from your desktop or Start Menu.
2. Access Settings: Click on your Display Name (your username) located in the top-right corner of the launcher window.
3. Choose Settings: From the dropdown menu, select Settings.
4. Disable Auto-Start: Scroll down within the Settings menu and uncheck the box next to "Run When My Computer Starts."

By unchecking this option, the Epic Games Launcher will no longer automatically launch when you boot your PC, keeping it from running in the background unless you explicitly open it.

Immediately Closing Epic Games from the Background

If the Epic Games Launcher is already running and you want to close it immediately, you can do so using the system tray or Task Manager.

Using the System Tray

When the Epic Games Launcher is minimized, it often resides in your system tray (notification area).

1. Locate the System Tray: Look for the Epic Games icon (usually a red E) in the bottom-right corner of your Windows taskbar. You might need to click the "Show hidden icons" arrow (up arrow) to reveal it.
2. Right-Click the Icon: Right-click on the Epic Games icon.
3. Choose Exit or Quit: Select Exit or Quit from the context menu that appears. This will fully close the launcher and any associated background processes.

Using Task Manager

Task Manager provides a powerful way to view and end any running processes, including the Epic Games Launcher.

1. Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard, or right-click on the taskbar and select "Task Manager."
2. Navigate to Processes Tab: Ensure you are on the "Processes" tab.
3. Find Epic Games: Look for "Epic Games Launcher" or related Epic Games processes under the "Apps" or "Background processes" sections.
4. End Task: Select the Epic Games Launcher process, then click the End task button in the bottom-right corner. This will forcibly close the application and its background components.
   • Tip: If you encounter difficulties, you can find more information on using Task Manager effectively via Microsoft Support.

Advanced Background Management (Windows)

For broader control over which applications run at startup or in the background, Windows settings offer additional options.

Managing Startup Apps via Windows Settings

Windows 10 and 11 provide a centralized location to manage all applications that attempt to run when your computer starts.

1. Open Windows Settings: Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps: Click on Apps in the left-hand menu.
3. Select Startup: Choose Startup from the Apps submenu.
4. Toggle Epic Games: Find "Epic Games Launcher" in the list and toggle its switch to Off. This achieves the same result as the launcher's internal setting but from a Windows perspective.

Checking Windows Background Apps Settings

While less direct for specific launchers like Epic Games, Windows also has a general setting for background apps.

1. Open Windows Settings: Press Windows key + I.
2. Go to Privacy (Windows 10) or Apps > Apps & Features (Windows 11):
   • Windows 10: Select Privacy, then scroll down and choose Background apps in the left-hand pane.
   • Windows 11: Go to Apps, then Apps & features. Find "Epic Games Launcher" in the list, click the three dots (...) next to it, and select Advanced options.
3. Disable Background Permissions:
   • Windows 10: Find "Epic Games Launcher" in the list and toggle its switch to Off.
   • Windows 11: Under "Background apps permissions," select Never from the dropdown menu.

This setting controls whether the app can run tasks in the background when not actively in use. However, preventing startup through the launcher's own settings or the Windows Startup Apps list is typically more effective for completely stopping the launcher from running inadvertently.

Summary of Methods

Method	Purpose	Ease of Use	Immediate Effect?	Permanent Solution?
Epic Games Launcher Settings	Prevent startup with Windows	Easy	No	Yes
System Tray (Exit/Quit)	Immediately close running launcher	Easy	Yes	No (must re-quit)
Task Manager (End Task)	Force-close any running processes	Medium	Yes	No (must re-end)
Windows Settings (Startup Apps)	Universal control over startup programs	Easy	No	Yes
Windows Settings (Background Apps)	Restrict background activity	Medium	Yes (once applied)	Yes (for background)

By utilizing these methods, you can effectively manage and prevent the Epic Games Launcher from running in the background, ensuring your system resources are used efficiently.