Windows 10: How do I stop programs running in the background and using my memory?

So I had a trial of avast cleanup and it had the option to put programs that ran in the background to 'sleep' preventing them from using my ram when I wasn't using them

I have a surface pro 3 , running windows 10 pro, and it is purely for photoshop

it's got 4gb ram and an i5 processor , but photoshop is greedy software

Is there some way I can block non essential background programs myself rather than relying on a (paid for subscription) third party app\software?

i have already disabled all the 'startup' programs that i can through task manage

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:)

 

How to stop Edge from running as the startup program?

You can disable startup programs from Task Manager.

Add, Delete, Enable, or Disable Startup Items in Windows 10

I think Microsoft Edge running at background is what you want to stop.

On Windows 10, apps you install have been designed to run in the background to download data, show toast notifications, and fetch information to display up-to-date updates in their Live tiles in the Start menu.

However, having many apps running in the background can eat up valuable resources and waste power. Here’s how to prevent them from doing so.

1. Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows Key + I shortcut keys.

2. Select Privacy, then Background apps on the left sidebar.

3. On the "Background apps" page use one of the two options:

• Turn off the Let apps run in the background toggle switch to disable all apps acquired from the Store.
  
• Turn off the toggle switches for the specific apps you don't want to run in the background.

Once you complete these steps, the Windows 10 apps you configured will no longer run in the background.

 

GPU not idling when program running in background

Whenever there is a program running in background like utorrent, the clock is stuck at 993mhz and the memory at 1500mhz..when I turn it off, the clocks are back to normal...need a fix ..drivers are the latest whql (not 337.5)..clock is measured from zotac firestorm..(use it for fan curve also..works flawlessly)..any suggestions will be appreciated..

 

Program running a background process?

I'm running Corel Video Studio 2018, and it's updates function shows characteristics of a background process:

- the program has an auto check daily plus a manual option for updates

- manually checked, presented with an option of downloading an update and Ok'd, evidence of any activity vanishes from the program workspace, yet the connected internet modem activity light begins running hot as the download happens

- it's repeatable over several up-date cycles

The evidence seems to suggest a background activity - whilst the program/PC is free to use for other things. Several software packages do this.

However, a check in task manager/processes, show all, does not display any info of a related background process for any Corel or Video Studio program. If a background process is being used by the software, MUST it be listed in the task manager/processes
list?

Platform is windows 7 home sp1 64bit plus the important patches.