How to Check Which Apps Use the Most Battery in Windows 11

A laptop that runs out of battery faster than usual does not always have a worn battery. Windows 11 can show recent battery use by app, and some supported apps offer a separate setting to limit background activity. Use the list to find a lead before uninstalling an app or changing power settings for the whole PC.

*This guide reflects Microsoft guidance available by 18 September 2026.*

Find the app usage list

1. Open Start > Settings > System > Power & battery.
2. Select Battery usage, then scroll to Battery usage per app.
3. Read the period and usage Windows shows for each app, if that information is available. Compare apps within the same period and consider what you were doing when the battery dropped.

Microsoft’s battery-saving guidance points to this page and says it can show apps that use more battery in the background.

A high reading is a clue, not proof that an app is broken. An app you used for a long call, video or game may appear near the top because it was active. If Windows shows background use, check whether the app was syncing or sending notifications when you were not using it.

Limit background activity for a supported app

On the Battery usage page, select More options next to an app that offers background controls, then choose Manage background activity. Microsoft describes three choices for Let this app run in the background:

• Power optimized (recommended) lets Windows manage background activity while still allowing periodic updates and notifications.
• Never stops the app from running in the background when you are not using it. You may miss notifications or updates until you open the app.
• Always allows background activity, which can use more power.

Start with Power optimized if you want a balance. Use Never only when delayed updates or notifications are acceptable. The Microsoft background-activity guide notes that this control is available only for apps that support it. If the option is missing, use that app’s own settings instead.

If no app explains the short runtime

The app list does not measure battery capacity. If it shows no clear cause, check whole-device settings such as screen brightness, screen and sleep timing, power mode and Energy Saver; Microsoft lists these separately in its battery-saving recommendations . If runtime remains unusually short, investigate battery health separately rather than treating one high app-use reading as a diagnosis.

Use the app list to narrow down what to check. Change background access only when the app’s notification and sync behaviour can safely wait.