Microsoft Windows desktop is the default operating system user interface of Microsoft Windows, starting with Windows 10. Desktop UI has been a core part of the operating system since Windows 3.0. With each new release, Microsoft has improved desktop UI in its own ways and changed some of it as well. As you know, running an OS user interface on a mobile device takes up more storage space and consumes battery power faster than running it on a computer. That’s why most modern smartphones have their own user interfaces for different applications to save space and battery life. In order to run the desktop user interfaces smoothly on computers that are equipped with smaller storage space and lesser battery power, Microsoft made some changes in the desktop operating system to make sure those limitations don’t hinder the experience of users greatly. You may be wondering then, how can we disable this feature so that only users who need it will have access? In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about disabling the feature on your PC!
What is Desktop Run Time?
Desktop Run Time is also known as UWP app runtime. It is a system component that runs virtual machines (when UWP apps are installed) to run UWP apps. It is available in Windows 10 Anniversary Update, Windows 10 Anniversary Update for Windows Insiders, and Windows 10 Creators Update. By default, it is enabled to allow apps to access desktop, Ink, and pen Microsoft Windows desktop. Users can turn off this feature to enable the app to access only phone resources or change the settings of the app to use only phone resources. Apps use Windows Runtime APIs to access the WDDM 1.0 driver and create a virtual machine on the fly. When an app needs to use the desktop, the code will send a message to the VM to start the app. The VM will automatically close after the app stops.
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How to Disable Desktop Run Time in Windows 10 PC?
To disable Desktop Run Time in Windows 10, go to Settings > System > Advanced settings. There, select “Turn off app access to the desktop” and hit “Set as default” to make this option the default setting. If you turn off Desktop Run Time, the virtual machine that runs apps will be closed Microsoft Windows desktop. However, apps will still be able to access the resources that are available on the phone such as Ink, camera, and files. Note: When you disable Desktop Run Time, all apps will stop accessing the desktop. You can only use a single app on the desktop at a time.
Disabling Desktop Runtime will not uninstall any apps!
If you disable Desktop Run Time, it will stop running automatically when users open an app and launch the virtual machine. The app will access the resources via the Virtual Machine as usual. This will not uninstall any apps as the desktop virtual machine is a part of the operating system. Also, if you reboot your computer or sign out and in again, the virtual machine will be automatically restarted.
Prerequisites for disabling Desktop Run Time
You will need to enable “Turn off app access to the desktop” in the above section to disable Desktop Run Time. Also, make sure you enable “Show Windows apps” in This PC > Advanced settings > PC settings > Popular.
Steps to disable Desktop Runtime
- Open Settings > System > Advanced settings. 2. Under “Turn off app access to the desktop,” select “Set as default” and hit “Set as default” to make this option the default setting. 3. Now, click on the app that you want to disable desktop access for, and select “Run on background” from the options.
Conclusion
Running an OS user interface on a mobile device takes up more storage space and consumes battery power faster than running it on a computer. That’s why most modern smartphones have their own user interfaces for different applications to save space and battery life. Desktop UI has been a core part of the operating system since Windows 3.0. With each new release, Microsoft has improved desktop UI in its own ways and changed some of it as well. In order to run the desktop user interfaces smoothly on computers that are equipped with smaller storage space and lesser battery power, Microsoft made some changes in the desktop operating system to make sure those limitations don’t hinder the experience of users greatly. You may be wondering then, how can we disable this feature so that only users who need it will have access? In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about disabling the feature on your PC!