How to prevent Zoom from running in the background on Windows

Zoom is one of those applications that likes to start automatically and remain active in the background. If you use it daily for meetings and have a computer with ample resources, this isn't a problem. But if not, it's useful to know how to prevent Zoom from running in the background on Windows. reduce its impact on the systemWe'll tell you how to do it.

How to prevent Zoom from running in the background on Windows

When we talk about videoconferences, work meetings, virtual classes, and family video calls, the Zoom application is a benchmark. In both professional and home environments, it has become a highly effective communication tool. It not only offers a higher quality connectionbut also It is safe and very easy to use.

Now, when you install the app on your Windows computer, this It is automatically configured to remain active at all times.This way, the user can receive instant notifications of incoming messages or calls. This is very useful for those who work in professional environments and have virtual meetings daily. But for average users, it can become a nuisance.

Many of us only use Zoom for scheduled work meetings or with family. In this case, having the app always running is a unnecessary expenditure of resourcesAnd it can even hinder the performance of other apps we use daily. So, the question is, how can we prevent Zoom from running in the background on Windows? There are several ways to control its behavior.

Close the application completely from the notification area

Applications like Zoom don't completely close when you click the red X on their main window. They only minimize and continue running in the background to show you notifications. Therefore, you have to go to the notification area and give them the final push by closing them completely.

To prevent Zoom from running in the background on Windows, move your mouse to the notification area, next to the clock. There, click the arrow to open the menu and see the Zoom icon in the system tray. Right-click on it and select Exit ZoomThis simple action closes all processes associated with the app.

Disable automatic startup from Zoom

You can also prevent Zoom from running in the background on Windows by disabling its automatic startup. As we explained earlier, once installed, the app is configured to launch when the system starts. If this isn't convenient for you, you can Apply a simple adjustment to the app so that it only starts when you decide..

All you have to do is open the app and click on the icon of Settings (gear icon) in the lower left corner. In the section General, look for the option Automatically start Zoom Workplace and turn off the switch. One less startup program means a cleaner and faster system boot.

Just below that option is another one that should be modified. It's called Exit preferenceThis setting controls what happens after you close the Zoom window by clicking the red X button. The default setting is "Minimize to notification area.", It leaves the program running in the background. It's not the one you're looking for.

Better to check the box Close the window to exit ZoomThis ensures the app doesn't remain running in the background after you close its main window. This saves you from having to open the notification area to completely close the application, as explained in the previous step.

Prevent Zoom from running in the background on Windows from Settings

In addition to disabling Automatic Startup from the Zoom app, it's also advisable to do so from Windows Settings. To do this, click Start and select Configuration. In the left side menu, click on Applications and then in Starter ApplicationsThere you will see a list of all the applications and processes that run as soon as you turn on your computer.

In the list, look for the app. Zoom MeetingsIf you see it, it means it's still set to start automatically. Turn off the switch on the right to prevent Zoom from running in the background on Windows. This will be one less process the next time you start Windows, saving system resources.

To be even more certain, it's advisable to go to Task Manager and verify that none The Zoom process is running in the background. Use the command Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and go to the tab Start. There, look for Zoom or any process with that name in the list. Once you've located the process(es), right-click and select Disable. Checkmate!

Automate the process: create a .bat file to close Zoom

Finally, you can automate the process to prevent Zoom from running in the background on Windows. This acts as a security measure to ensure your preferences aren't changed after an app or system update. It involves... create a .bat file to close ZoomHow is it done?

First, open the Notepad from Windows and then type the following command taskkill /f /im zoom.exeThen, click on Archive – Save asGive the file a name that ends in .bat. For example: CloseZoom.batA shortcut to the file will be created automatically. Each time you finish your Zoom meetings, double-click the .bat file and Zoom will close instantly, removing any residual processes.

Preventing Zoom from running in the background on Windows: Additional tips

With these simple tricks, you can prevent Zoom from running in the background on Windows. Another helpful suggestion is Keep Zoom updatedSince recent versions tend to improve resource consumption, remember to periodically check the Task Manager for any residual processes.

And, if you only use Zoom occasionally, consider use your web versionThis allows you to uninstall the desktop app and take advantage of the browser's efficiency in managing system resources. There you have it! Preventing Zoom from running in the background on Windows is a simple and effective way to optimize your PC's performance. Don't hesitate to do it!