How to Manage Background Apps in Windows Phone 8.1

Windows Phone is the most restricted OS, specially when it comes to apps running in background. They are not only limited on how many can run together but also on their notification system and so on. There was one primary reason. Save battery.

In previous version, app running in Background could be managed from Settings  > Applications > Background. This was limited though as not all apps could be blocked.

This has changed in Windows Phone 8.1 and it’s merged with Battery Saver. The later used to be a setting which on low battery, restricted all background activity.

So yeah, Battery Saver is the Background App Manager in Windows Phone 8.1. It’s listed as an app now—Battery Saver—which manages background apps and also restrict the data in background.

Usage section :

This section puts apps to shame by listing apps which consume lot of battery on top. Tap on the one you would want to block and it will give you more details before you finally decide to block it.

The battery consumption which you just saw in the previous section is the sum of what’s being used by the user along with the background usage. So for example, Cortana consumed a lot of battery but the background consumption was pretty low.

Right here, you can choose to block the app from running by using the toggle button. Now, if you don’t want to block the app from running in background, you may choose to deactivate them when the battery is low. Apps which are important for you, the last option is handy.

Settings :

This is almost same as the previous battery saver settings, except that it’s much refined and presentable.

  • You get to see battery in percentage format. This also appears when you open the notification center.
  • You get to see estimated time remaining and time since last charge.
  • Option to Turn on or off the battery saver.
  • A new shield icon appears on your battery instead of a heart which always confused me of low battery, even when forced on.
  • And finally the option to conserve battery when it’s low or until next charge or always.

A die-hard fan of Windows, PC Gaming, and Xbox. He is a seasoned content writer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He is a specialist in writing about Windows, software reviews, troubleshooting Windows, and automation.