Why do random apps OPEN after I close my laptop lid?

I should make a list of the apps that open, but things like Powershell, new instances of Chrome, and others... one time, I had to close about a dozen windows. This is the next day after closing the laptop up and leaving it overnight without touching it. You try to search on the web for solutions, and all that shows up is instances of Windows CLOSING apps after the lid is closed. I have the laptop set to sleep when the lid is closed. Sometimes I will leave chrome open but minimized, and usually try to move the mouse off the screen before closing. This is a newer Gateway i7 14" W11 machine.

maarkr said:

.....This is a newer Gateway i7 14" W11 machine.

Click to expand...

Does it have a touch screen? Could something be toucing the screen as you open it? A slightly raised key on the keyboard? Or a misplaced finger? If so, watch very carefully what may be touching the screen next time you open it....

IMO it indicates something is running in the background that is opening these windows OR you could be infected with malware. It would help if we could see a screenshot of some of these windows.