Let Windows apps run in the background

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.

Supported on: At least Windows 10 Server, Windows 10 or Windows 10 RT

Default for all apps:


  1. User is in control
    Registry HiveHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
    Registry PathSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy
    Value NameLetAppsRunInBackground
    Value TypeREG_DWORD
    Value0
  2. Force Allow
    Registry HiveHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
    Registry PathSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy
    Value NameLetAppsRunInBackground
    Value TypeREG_DWORD
    Value1
  3. Force Deny
    Registry HiveHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
    Registry PathSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy
    Value NameLetAppsRunInBackground
    Value TypeREG_DWORD
    Value2

Put user in control of these specific apps (use Package Family Names):



Registry HiveHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry PathSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy
Value NameLetAppsRunInBackground_UserInControlOfTheseApps
Value TypeREG_MULTI_SZ
Default Value

Force allow these specific apps (use Package Family Names):



Registry HiveHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry PathSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy
Value NameLetAppsRunInBackground_ForceAllowTheseApps
Value TypeREG_MULTI_SZ
Default Value

Force deny these specific apps (use Package Family Names):



Registry HiveHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry PathSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy
Value NameLetAppsRunInBackground_ForceDenyTheseApps
Value TypeREG_MULTI_SZ
Default Value

appprivacy.admx

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