Windows 10 what can be disabled. Using PowerShell. Program to disable services

The operation of the operating system is the interaction of many services, programs and system processes. Those programs that we mainly use are displayed on the desktop, taskbar or task manager. But most applications, after closing, continue to run and consume the resources of your computer. Usually, their work does not have a serious impact on the operation of the system, but if the computer is weak and does not cope well with the assigned task, it is better to close it. To speed up and optimize the operation of your device in this situation, options for how to disable background processes in Windows 10 will be described.

How to disable unnecessary applications?

So how to stop unnecessary background processes in Windows 10? First, let's look at how UWP (tiled) works. Windows applications 10. Unlike win32 (classic) applications, UWP are optimized to work with Windows 10 and have special settings that provide separate access To system parameters. Eat special version Windows 10 S, which only allows you to run tiled programs downloaded from the Microsoft Store.

Disabling the operation of “tiles” is done as follows:

  • Open the Windows Settings window (Start - Settings or Win+I);
  • Go to the “Privacy” settings;
  • Select the “Background Applications” tab;
  • Disable the "Allow running in the background" option.

It is worth noting that for some programs to function, the disable option must be enabled. For example, Skype, Viber, Telegram.

We learned how to restrict the launch of UWP programs, but how to disable win32 programs?

How to close background processes in Windows 10?

The work of system services and applications, as well as all programs, is duplicated in the Task Manager. You can disable them here. You can open the Manager using the following options:

  • RMB on the taskbar and select Task Manager;
  • Through Windows search;
  • Combination Ctrl keys+ Shift + Esc;
  • Press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + Del and select Task Manager;
  • Through WinX parameters (Win+X);
  • Starting with Windows 8, the manager has 2 types - Minimal and Full. The Minimal format displays only open applications and their status.

The full view already shows all the necessary information about the system, users, background tasks and services.

The Processes tab shows both open applications and background processes. This tab provides information not only about the load on the CPU, RAM, Hard Drive (or SSD), Network and Video Card, but also sorts applications by these indicators. By setting the sort by the necessary equipment, it will be possible to determine the most resource-intensive process. But sometimes there is not enough information and system services are the most loaded; in this case, the Details tab will help you disable the task.

The Details tab provides access to complete information about running processes of all available users.

How to remove background processes on Windows 10?

Analyzing the operation of the system and its services, the question may arise about how to remove background processes on Windows 10. Therefore, you need to determine which processes are interfering in a particular case. The Details tab will show everything running applications, even those that are not displayed in Processes, for example, viruses or adware will be shown.

To disable a specific task:

  • Select it (left mouse button);
  • Call the context menu ( right click mice);
  • Click End task (or End tree if there are many).

System tasks or antivirus services (as well as some viruses) cannot simply be disabled and closed; an “Access Denied” error will appear. If this error occurs when you try to disable a virus or unwanted software, try again in Safe Mode system, but it is better to entrust the removal of this program to any antivirus.

To find out the importance of a particular service, check its location using the “Open file location” function; it will be very difficult for viruses and adware to get into the System32, Windows and Program Data folders. Most often they are hidden in the Users, Startup folders, hidden in the downloads folder or browser settings, etc. popular applications.

If you are completely unsure of the “origin” of the program, it is better to select “Search on the Internet”, where detailed information will be provided and options for removal will be offered if it is an unwanted file.

Have a great day!

In Windows operating systems, everything is managed by services. These are programs that operate invisibly, due to which the OS functions various components and functions. New Windows 10 is no exception: as in the “seven” or XP, the work of system components is controlled by services. Mostly the same.

Very often, users are interested in which of them can be disabled? Indeed, all of them can be easily turned off and can be started again if necessary. But among them there are those that can be stopped if necessary, those that are generally unnecessary, and those whose operation should not be interrupted. When you launch it for the first time, the optimal set of services is already automatically running in the “top ten”.

Where to find and how to use

If these components work “in the background,” that is, they do not manifest themselves at first glance, then in order to enable or disable them, you must first get to some settings or panel where you can operate running services. It's logical. View a list of what works in this moment you can in the task manager on the tab of the same name.

The easiest way to launch the dispatcher is to simultaneously press the Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys. Notice that the right column shows which services are running and which are stopped. The groups on whose behalf they act are also visible here. But the latter is more about safety.

To open the services control panel, you can wander around the Panel for a long time Windows management and the settings included in it. But it’s better to do it much simpler. Please note that in the Task Manager, at the very bottom when the “Services” tab is running, you are prompted to open them.

There are two tabs at the bottom: “Advanced” and “ Standard View" By switching to advanced, you can see a description of the service. It is not always detailed and is something like this:

The geographic location service is described in detail, and there are “Stop” and “Restart” buttons. But it is much more convenient to select the item of interest by right-clicking and selecting “Properties”:

For all available in operating system services, the same window will open:

There is a lot represented here more information than in the expanded view. Can start, stop, pause system component and select the startup type. For example, if you click stop, it will stop, but the next time you turn it on or after a reboot, the service will run in previous regime. By stopping and selecting the startup type “Disabled” you will “get rid” of this service until you start it yourself.

Why disable or enable

Disabling services in most cases carries several tasks:

In the case of Windows 10, a lot of paranoids have appeared who believe that the operating system is stealing their personal data. You can not only disable certain components in the system settings, but also stop some of the services. There are at least three of those that can be called spying:

  • geographical location;
  • diagnostic tracking;
  • "dmwappushservice".

Whether to turn them off or not is up to you. Now you know how to do this. It all depends on whether you consider yourself to be paranoid, of which there are a lot of people with the release of the new Microsoft OS.

The following is a list of services that can be stopped without harm to general work operating system. Some of them are needed for specific tasks, so study the description in the expanded list view. So, Windows services 10 that you can turn off without worrying:

  • Firewall
  • Wireless setup
  • Secondary login
  • CD burning service
  • Windows Search ( standard search by files)
  • Machine Debug Manager
  • Server
  • Image download service
  • Portable device listings
  • Program Compatibility Assistant
  • Error logging

A striking example of uselessness is the service for burning CDs on a laptop without a drive. Also note that some of the programs launch their own services during installation, which are often unnecessary. Of course, you can return any service to working condition, selecting the startup type “Automatic” and launching the component.

An example of disabling in case of a conflict with third-party programs: The Firewall is disabled so that the downloaded and installed Firewall works correctly.

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I decided to write this article after starting a search for adequate materials about what services can be turned off in Windows 10 for more fast work operating system. On the Internet, as always, there is a lot different opinions. I studied them, summarized them and tried to draw general conclusions. I will not advise which services can definitely be disabled. Much in this matter depends on the individual parameters of the computer, the needs and tastes of users. Personally, on my weak netbook with Windows 10, I disabled all the services listed below - otherwise it remained an insane slowdown (I wrote more about all the measures taken to overclock my netbook in the article Optimizing and speeding up Windows 10 on a weak computer). On desktop computer I preferred not to touch anything and leave all settings at default. You must decide for yourself whether it is worth completely disabling some services that are running by default.

Some recommend creating a system restore point before experimenting with disabling services. Personally, I didn't do this. If only because it is not difficult for me, if suddenly it is needed, clean install Windows 10.

In general, without extreme necessity It's better not to disable any services in Windows 10 . This, in my opinion, can only be done when there are problems with low computer performance and you really need to overclock it at least a little.

Let me briefly remind you how to get to these same Services: click with the RIGHT mouse button on the menu Start, select the item “ Computer management", in the column on the left, double-click to open the item " Services and applications", then " Services" The service is disabled after double-clicking on it: in the item in the window that opens, select “ Startup type: Disabled».

On my insanely weak netbook, I turned off the following services quite painlessly:

  • NVIDIA Stereoscopic 3D Driver Service - this service is intended for NVidia video cards(You may not have it if you use a different video card). If you do not use 3D stereo images, then this service can be turned off.
  • Windows Search- with the help of this service in Windows 10 and earlier versions starting from “seven”, a search works across the contents of the computer. It is represented by the opportunity to find necessary files, folders and programs through a magnifying glass in the Control Panel, and is also implemented in the form search string in any folder. In fact, indexing the contents of your computer can waste quite a lot of valuable resources, so if this functionality is not critical for you and you want to speed up your operating system, try disabling this search service.
  • Offline files- a service that allows you to work autonomously with files available on the internal (local) network. As I understand it, you can safely disable it if the computer is not connected to any other network other than the Internet.
  • Windows Biometric Service- used for processing and storing biometric data. In my opinion, everything is clear here: if we don’t use fingerprint login or other biometric methods, we can easily turn it off.
  • Computer browser- used to create a list of computers on the network and provide it to programs upon request. Again, this service is only needed in local network.
  • Windows Firewall- protects your computer from unauthorized access from the Internet. If you have another firewall installed (for example, Comodo), feel free to disable it. In other cases, it’s better not to touch it.
  • IP Ancillary Service- supports network protocol IPv6. It is not needed very often, but it is necessary to look specifically at each case individually. If after turning it off the Internet continues to work normally, then you do not need it.
  • Secondary login- provides login to Windows from multiple accounts. If there is only one, then you can safely turn it off.
  • Grouping of network participants- organizes multi-user interaction in a peer-to-peer network. Simply put, it is needed if you have a local network or home group. Turn it off if there is none.
  • Print Manager- a service that allows you to queue print jobs and provides interaction with the printer. If there are no printers, you can disable it.
  • Remote Access Connection Manager- when this service is removed, the browser will not attempt to connect to the Internet when working with pages with updating elements. As I understand it, it is better not to disable .
  • Network Member Identity Manager- used to identify local network participants. Turn it off if you don't use HomeGroup.
  • Performance Logs and Alerts- this service, as the name suggests, collects data on computer performance. You can turn it off.
  • CNG Key Isolation- needed for cryptographic processes, helps to safely store the user’s private keys from running processes. I’m still figuring out what it is and what it’s eaten with.
  • Routing and remote access- provides routing for organizations in local and global networks. If there is no local network, turn it off.
  • IPsec Key Modules- for Internet key exchange and IP protocol with authentication. As I understand it, you can turn it off painlessly.
  • Setting up a Remote Desktop Server- Responsible for setting up and maintaining Remote Desktop Services and Remote Access sessions. If there is no local network, turn it off.
  • SSDP detection- enables detection of UPnP devices in home network. The necessity of this house is questioned by many experts. Better turn it off.
  • Smart Card Removal Policy- if you do not use them (smart cards), turn them off.
  • Software Shadow Copy Provider (Microsoft)- can be turned off if you do not plan to use the system restore function.
  • Homegroup Listener- if you don't use it home group, it's better to turn it off.
  • Work folders- used to synchronize folders on various devices. Thanks to this, they can be used on any computer where this service is enabled. You can turn it off.
  • Collector Windows events - allows you to collect events from other computers. Turn it off.
  • Server- if the access function is not used shared files and printers, this service can be disabled.
  • Xbox Live Online Service- provides access to Xbox Live services. If you don't know what it is, turn it off.
  • Network login- Provides end-to-end authentication. Not needed at home.
  • Tablet PC input service- Enables pen and handwriting input on tablets. Turn it off on regular computers.
  • Geographic Location Service- tracks computer coordinates. You can turn it off.
  • Sensor Data Service- processes and stores information received from sensors installed on a PC.
  • Sensor service- manages sensors on a PC. Don't understand what we're talking about? Turn it off.
  • Download service Windows images(WIA)- can be turned off if you do not plan to connect a scanner or camera to the computer.
  • Client License Service- provides correct work Windows Store 10. Disable it when not using it.
  • AllJoyn Router Service- as far as I understand, you can turn it off, but I won’t give a guarantee.
  • Microsoft Windows SMS Router Service- forwards messages according to pre-created rules. I'm figuring it out.
  • Net.Tcp Port Sharing Service- provides the ability to share TCP ports using the Net.Tcp protocol. If the computer is not used as a server, then you can safely turn it off.
  • Portable Device Enumerator Service- is responsible for the ability to synchronize and automatically play files from portable devices. Rarely used, can be turned off.
  • Service Bluetooth support - everything is obvious here. If you don't use it, turn it off.
  • Program Compatibility Assistant Service- Monitors programs for compatibility problems. Such situations (incompatibility) arise quite rarely and even when they do occur, this service is rarely able to help. Let's turn it off.
  • Registration Service Windows errors - in case of any failures, sends error data to Microsoft so that the company can fix it. It's quite possible to turn it off.
  • Encryption service BitLocker drives - makes it possible to encrypt disks. This function is used very rarely by home users. You can turn it off if you don’t understand why it’s needed at all, or you just don’t use it.
  • Smart card- provides access to smart card readers. If there are none, you need to turn it off.
  • Volume Shadow Copy- creating a backup copy of the content hard drive(for example, previous versions of text files). If you do not plan to use recovery of deleted files, turn it off. This is also worth doing because the service consumes a lot of valuable resources and also performs recovery very slowly.
  • Remote registry- used to change registry settings remote user. On home computer should be turned off.
  • Application Identity- Helps AppLocker identify blocked applications. You can disable it if AppLocker is not used or you don’t even know what kind of beast it is.
  • Diagnostic system unit- just turn off this unnecessary thing.
  • Diagnostic Service Node- similar to the previous paragraph.
  • Fax- Responsible for the operation of the fax machine. If you don't have it, feel free to turn it off.
  • Performance counter library host- I still haven’t figured it out. Many people write that you can turn it off painlessly.
  • Security Center- a service that monitors changes in settings and parameters Windows security 10. In particular, it controls antivirus software and firewall. If they are disabled or do not work correctly, this center gives the user a corresponding message. You can also turn it off.
  • Center Windows updates - well, everything is clear here without comment: the service is responsible for updating the Windows 10 operating system. Whether to disable it or not is up to everyone to decide for themselves.

You can also turn off all services associated with hardware visualization Hyper-V- they are designed to work on virtual machines and are needed by a few. Wherever you see Hyper-V mentioned in the service name, you can disable it.

Some services in the Windows 10 operating system appear when installed by the user various programs. Many of them may also be unnecessary. But here everything is again very individual.

You can disable unnecessary services in Windows in the “Start” menu - “Control Panel” - “Administrative Tools” - “System Components” - “ Local Services" An easier option: press Win+R (Start->Run), enter services.msc in the window and press Enter to go to the services window.

If for some reason standard features Windows and the service manager are not enough, you can use free program Easy Service Optimizer from the developer Sordum. It displays all names, descriptions of services and other necessary data from the system and allows you to accurately search for services and change their status.

Why disable services?

Windows starts a large number of services at system startup, in the belief that the user may need them. Unused services consume resources and slow down your computer. Disabling unnecessary services can improve performance and relieve CPU and memory load.

It is important to note that for all modern computers, disabling Windows services in order to improve performance and performance does not make sense. Noticeable efficiency can only be seen on older computers (with 2GB of RAM or less). At the same time, a “noticeable” increase in performance means a reduction in the load on the processor by several percent, as well as freeing up a hundred or two megabytes of RAM.

Before disabling the service, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with its functionality. Without many Windows components cannot work, so it is important not to disable unnecessary things in the pursuit of performance. You should remember about other ways to speed up your PC: cleaning the registry, deleting system files and cache, using CCleaner.

It is important to remember that a disabled service will start when the system is restarted if the autostart settings have not been changed. And if they have been changed, then the problem may appear when the service is required, but cannot start. Disabled services with autostart disabled will have to be started manually if necessary. This is a problem for most users because when problems arise months later, it is difficult to remember which services were disabled and what they were responsible for.

Disabling services in Services Manager

In all Windows versions There is Windows Services Manager for working with services. It allows you to enable/disable services and set startup options. Although many services in Windows are barely used by regular users and can be disabled completely, it is strongly recommended not to do so.

To reduce the load on the system and increase performance/performance, for all unused services it is enough to set the “Manual” option in the autorun settings. In this case, the service will not be used by Windows and will not consume computer resources. In this case, the system will be able to start the service when it is really needed.

There are several ways to start Windows Services Manager:

  1. Click “Start” - “Run”, enter services.msc and press Enter.
  2. Type services.msc in the search bar in the Start menu.
  3. Open “Start” - “Control Panel” - “Administrative Tools” - “Services”.

The services window displays all services present on the computer, including disabled ones. The startup type column should have the status “Manual” or “Automatic”. It is not advisable to place services in a completely disabled state.

New versions of the OS have other launch settings: delayed launch, trigger launch, and so on. It is not recommended to change these settings without understanding your actions. It is worth making sure that increasing productivity in this way is really effective measure to solve the performance problem.

Windows 10

In the new Windows 10 operating system great amount services that the user can disable. Optimizing performance through such actions is doubtful. It is better to compare the difference in performance immediately after restarting the computer - changes in the operation of services will take effect, while others running processes will not change the picture.

You can compare performance differences using Task Manager or third party utilities with similar functionality. You must first clear the system and/or registry of unnecessary files, remove all unnecessary programs from their autorun settings. Below is a list of services for Windows 10 and previous versions of the OS (Windows 8 (8.1), 7, Vista, XP), disabling which (putting them in manual mode) should not cause negative consequences for the operation of the system.

  • Diagnostic Tracking Service And Diagnostic Policy Service— System Diagnostic Tracking Service and Diagnostic Policy Service, respectively.
  • Downloaded Maps Manager— map manager for working with downloaded content. Can be disabled if you are not using the Maps application on your computer.
  • — disabling the client of changed connections is possible only if the computer is not connected to any of the networks.
  • Bluetooth support— if the Bluetooth module is not used.
  • Connected User Experiences and Telemetry— Telemetry and functionality for connected users.
  • Router service AllJoyn— the AllJoyn framework ensures the interaction of devices, users and applications via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
  • IP Helper— the service can be disabled if an IPv6 connection is not used.
  • Dmwappushservice— push message routing service. The service routes push messages over the WAP network and is not required by the vast majority of users. Disabling this service is one way to stop all kinds of data being collected from your Windows 10 device and sent to Microsoft.
  • Print Spooler— Print Spooler can be disabled if the computer is not connected to the printer or the printer is not in use.
  • - Program Compatibility Assistant service, which allows you to run old games and applications in compatibility mode. To be fair, this function rarely required and for really old software.
  • Remote Registry- a remote registry, which can be disabled forever for the vast majority of users as unnecessary.
  • Security Center And Secondary Logon- “security center” and “secondary login”. Disabling both services should be safe for the system and not interfere with the user.
  • Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service— Touch keyboard and handwriting support service. You can disable it completely if such functionality is not used and is not planned.
  • Windows Image Acquisition- Windows image download service or WIA. Can be disabled if the system does not use a scanner.
  • BitLocker— disk encryption service.
  • Hyper-V- Hyper-V services can be disabled only if virtual ones are not used Hyper-V machines. The list of services is as follows: heartbeat service, data exchange service, guest shutdown service, time synchronization service, virtual machine session service, remote desktop virtualization service. There should be a Hyper-V prefix next to the service name - you can use the page search to find and disable all services.
  • Xbox Live Online Service— it makes sense to disable it if any of the Xbox consoles are missing.
  • Superfetch— can be disabled only if SSD drives are used.

Many articles also advise disabling services Windows Defender Service ( Windows Defender), Windows Search, Windows Error Reporting Service, and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS). This is not recommended for a number of reasons, especially with the latter service - it is used to distribute Wi-Fi from a laptop and similar popular features.

Windows 8/8.1

Windows 8/8.1 has fewer services that can be safely disabled without harming the system. The list contains rarely used services, disabling which will not affect the performance of the system. You should always check to see if a specific functionality is used on a specific computer.

  • Diagnostic Policy Service— the diagnostic policy service can be disabled on any computer without any problems, but sometimes errors like “The service could not start on this Windows computer” occur.
  • Computer Browser- Computer browsers. The service can be disabled if the computer is not connected to any network.
  • BranchCache— Caching technology network traffic transmitted over WAN channels. Most users can turn off this service without any negative consequences.
  • Distributed Link Tracking Client— you can find a lot of advice on the Internet suggesting disabling the “Changed Relationship Tracking Client.” This will only happen without consequences for a computer that is not connected to the network, so it is still not recommended to turn it off.
  • Family Safety— the functionality can be completely disabled if you do not plan to use it.
  • Hyper-V- If virtual machines Hyper-V is not used, all related services can be disabled. They all have Hyper-V in their name, so finding them won't be difficult. The exact set of services may differ on Windows 8/8.1, so searching by page/services is your best option.
  • IP Helper- IP Assisted Service may be disabled if the device is not using an IPv6 connection.
  • Windows Biometric Service- another component that you can do without in everyday work.
  • Program Compatibility Assistant Service- The Program Compatibility Assistant service is required to run older software in compatibility mode. If there is no such need, the constantly running “compatibility assistant” can be switched to manual mode.
  • Print Spooler- in Windows 8/8.1, Print Manager is responsible for working with printers, so it can be disabled if they are absent.
  • — The portable device enumerator service can be disabled if external devices are not connected to the computer. The benefit of such an action is doubtful, since the consumption of PC resources from such functionality is minimal.
  • Remote Registry And Secondary Logon— Remote registry and Secondary login. Both components can be switched to manual mode when not in use.
  • Server— the service with the self-explanatory name “Server” can be turned off if the system is not used as a server.
  • - Windows error logging service, responsible for saving logs and sending error reports.
  • Windows Image Acquisition, WIA- The image download service is required by Windows 8/8.1 for the scanner to operate. If there is no scanner, WIA can be switched to manual mode or turned off.

Services Windows Search(system search function) and Security Center(Security Center) is not recommended to be disabled. The functionality of the former is required regularly, and the Security Center performs really important protective functions, especially if an antivirus is not installed on the computer.

Windows 7

In Windows 7, there are more than a dozen services that can be safely disabled (switched to manual mode) in order to optimize and increase performance. Below is a list of services that are safe to disable, with notes that will help you decide on the autostart method you choose.

  • Distributed Link Tracking Client And Computer Browser- The Client for tracking changed connections and the Browser by the computer can be switched to manual mode if the computer is not connected to any network.
  • Desktop Window Manager Session Manager- Desktop Window Manager Session Manager. A service with such a complex name is needed only to ensure the functioning of themes Aero design. If Aero themes are not used, the component can be launched manually.
  • Diagnostic Policy Service— diagnostic service (diagnostic policy service).
  • Remote Registry— It is recommended to disable the remote registry on all versions of Windows if its functionality is not used. In addition to a slight reduction in load, disabling the registry often has a positive effect on security.
  • Print Spooler— print manager, required for the printer to work.
  • IP Helpersupport service IP for connecting via IPv6.
  • Server— if the PC is not connected to the local network and is not used as a server.
  • Offline Files— a service that caches data and allows you to continue working with documents from the public domain (network) when you disconnect from the server and go offline. Disabling this service should not interfere with the average user's experience.
  • Portable Device Enumerator Service— the portable device enumerator service is used on server versions of Windows to work with remote devices.
  • Tablet PC Input Service— Tablet PC input service.
  • Themes— the “Themes” service can be disabled if themes are not used (standard Windows decoration 7).
  • Windows Error Reporting Service- a service that logs errors and sends reports about them to Microsoft.
  • Windows Media Center Service Launcher- the component is responsible for Windows startup Media Center.
  • BitLocker— the BitLocker disk encryption service is definitely not needed by those who don’t even know what it is.
  • Bluetooth— Bluetooth support service if there is no Bluetooth module on the computer or it is not used.

Programs that are installed on a Win7 computer by a user can also install and run own services. Examples of such programs include desktop software or antivirus software. The user should decide whether to disable such services independently. As a standard, it is not recommended to turn off the search function Windows Search, security services and firewall.

If you want to further optimize system performance, you should pay attention to the next section about Windows Vista. This list of services is more complete, and the functionality and names are almost identical to Windows 7.

Windows Vista

About Windows Vista last years They write little, since this version of the OS is used relatively rarely. Here is the most complete list of Windows Vista services, short description their functionality and recommended autorun settings.

Vista has plenty of unused components that you can safely disable (or set to manual) for optimization and performance reasons. If the service is not listed below, then its startup type should be set to " Automatically«.

Services whose startup settings can be set to manually:

  • Microsoft. NET Framework NGEN v2.0.50727- one of the most important frameworks required for Windows to work. You can’t turn it off completely - you can set the start to “ manually«.
  • Windows CardSpace— a component for working with digital IDs.
  • Quality Windows Audio Video Experience is a service for high-quality audio and video streaming.
  • Windows Driver Foundation - User-mode Driver Framework— a framework for managing driver host processes.
  • Protection agent network access — the agent functionality is necessary for network access protection (NAP) on client computers; it is practically not used by ordinary users.
  • WMI Performance Adapter— the service works only when the Performance Data Helper component is activated.
  • Windows Backup— ensures archiving and Windows recovery, used when creating restore points - backup copies system state.
  • Windows Firewall— Microsoft’s protection system can be completely turned off or switched to manual launch mode on computers running Windows Vista. However, this should only be done if the computer has protection that is similar or better ( paid antiviruses and so on.). Otherwise, disabling the built-in firewall is strongly discouraged.
  • Grouping of network participants- row group services necessary for the functioning of peer-to-peer networks.
  • Dispatcher automatic connections remote access— the dispatcher is needed to automatically create a connection to a remote network. Used when any software accesses remote DNS by address or NetBIOS name.
  • Network Member Identity Manager— allows you to identify users within a peer-to-peer network.
  • Performance Logs and Alerts— the service collects scheduled performance data and alerts from local and remote PCs, then the information is logged or a notification is displayed. Disabling the service will result in no performance information being collected or logged. Also, all services that directly depend on this or use the received data will not start.
  • Windows Presentation Foundation 3.0.0.0 font cache— an application for optimizing work with fonts by caching them. You can disable it, but it will reduce the performance of Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) applications.
  • Configuring Terminal Services— configuration of terminals (TSCS) and remote access, support for ongoing sessions.
  • SSDP detection- necessary to connect and interact with devices and programs that use the SSDP discovery protocol.
  • Windows Instant Connections— when the service is stopped, the immediate logger stops working Windows connections, which issues network identities to subscribers.

In addition to those indicated, in the mode manually The following services can be transferred to Windows Vista:

  1. Reports on problems and their solutions (support for the functionality of an element in the Control Panel).
  2. Basic TPM services.
  3. Extensible Authentication Protocol EAP.
  4. Software Shadow Copy Provider (Microsoft).
  5. PNRP protocol.
  6. DFS replication.
  7. Stream ordering server.
  8. Windows Event Collector.
  9. Network connections.
  10. COM+ system application.
  11. WLAN auto-configuration service.
  12. Windows Image Upload (WIA) service.
  13. Microsoft iSCSI Initiator Service.
  14. Block-level archiving module service.
  15. User Profile Service ( manually- if the user is on a computer one, otherwise - automatically).
  16. General service network resources Windows Media Player.
  17. Software Licensing Notification Service.
  18. Themes (if standard design is used).
  19. Telephony.
  20. Link layer topologist.
  21. Volume shadow copy.
  22. Diagnostic service node.
  23. Diagnostic system unit.
  24. Universal PNP device node.
  25. Windows Modules Installer.
  26. Windows Installer.
  27. Color Windows system(WCS) (Windows Color System) - disabling it may cause some colors to appear incorrectly on the screen.
  28. Function Discovery Provider Host - discovery function provider host.

To change settings, you must have administrator rights. The following services can be fully disable:

  • Fax— the name speaks for itself; can be turned off when not using fax.
  • Manage certificates and health key- Manages the X.509 certificate and manages keys for the Network Access Protection agent. Make sure that the technologies and programs you are using do not use an X.509 certificate.
  • Remote registry- makes it possible to change the registry on one PC from another using remote access.
  • Application management— working with programs installed through group policy: installation and removal, building lists.
  • Smart card- Required to control access to smart card readers.
  • Application Layer Gateway Service- Allows you to support third-party protocols when using Internet connection sharing.
  • WS-Management- service remote control Windows, which uses the WS-Management protocol in its work.
  • PNRP Computer Name Publishing Service
  • Windows Media Center Receiver Service— components for the receiver, allowing you to receive and view TV and FM broadcasts in the built-in Windows Media Center player.
  • Windows Media Center Scheduler Service— the scheduler is required to start and stop recording TV programs in Windows Media Center.
  • Net.Tcp Port Sharing Service- allows multiple users to share TCP ports using the Net.Tcp protocol.
  • Portable Device Enumerator Service- applies settings group policy to removable storage devices and sets access rights for programs and files.
  • Windows Time Service— manages and synchronizes date and time on all computers, clients and servers on the network. You can turn it off, but there is hardly any point in doing so, since power consumption is minimal.
  • Windows Media Center Extender Service- allows the media console of the same name to find Windows Vista and connect to the computer.
  • Tablet PC input service- required for work graphics tablets and pen input.
  • Basic Filtration Service (BFE)- BFE applies user mode filtering to manage IP security and firewall policies. If your computer does not have antivirus or alternative reliable security products, disabling basic filtering can significantly reduce the security of your computer. For a PC without an antivirus, the BFE status should be “Automatic”.
  • Parental control- If standard features parental controls from Windows are not used.
  • Publishing feature discovery resources— publishes basic information about the computer and its functions. If resource publishing is disabled, other devices on the network will not be able to discover this computer.
  • Smart Card Removal Policy— makes it possible to change the settings of smart cards so that the desktop is blocked when the card is removed.
  • Terminal Services User Mode Port Redirector- if you are not using a remote desktop.
  • Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)- if not used general access to the Internet and local services.
  • Windows Media Center Service Launcher— launches the scheduler and receiver for the media center; you can disable it if the Media Center is not needed.
  • Access to HID devices— provides universal access to Human Interface Devices.

Even these lists are not exhaustive, since many programs are capable of creating services. You should carefully check the services that start automatically, remove outdated and unused programs or disable autorun for them.

Windows XP

In Windows XP you can turn off relatively a small amount of services, since at that time the OS functionality was not yet so bloated. Windows XP is morally and technically outdated, but continues to be used on weak machines, so additional optimization can be beneficial.

  • Alerter— sending notifications.
  • Distributed Link Tracking Client- The client for tracking changed connections may be disabled if the computer is not connected to the network.
  • Computer Browser- Computer browser should also be disabled only when working offline.
  • Internet Sharing (ICS)— Internet Connection Sharing, if you do not need Internet distribution.
  • Internet Firewall (ICF)— deactivating Internet Connection Firewall will reduce system protection; you should switch to manual mode only if there is alternative protection(antivirus software).
  • Remote Registry— the remote registry can be disabled permanently.
  • Messenger/Messaging Service- built-in Windows messaging service.
  • Server— if the computer is not connected to the local network and is not a server.
  • Secondary Logon- secondary login if one computer with Windows XP is used by several users.
  • System Restore or “System Restore Service”, when disabled, it will not create recovery points from which data can be restored in case of corruption or viruses.
  • Wireless Zero Configuration- if the module is not used wireless communication via Wi-Fi.
  • NetBIOS support module over TCP/IP— the functionality of TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper has already been described above, you can disable it without fear.

Disabling a significant part of Windows functionality will significantly increase performance weak computer. At the same time, you should remember about possible negative consequences: failures in the operation of programs and the system itself, loss of a significant part of the functions. Errors and “bugs” may appear, the causes of which will be difficult to determine.