Which Windows 10 Services can you safely disable?

[Karlston]

Windows 10 has many Services to make sure that the operating system functions smoothly. While it is best to leave the Service configuration at their default values, there are some performance & tweak enthusiasts who want to make their Windows run even smoother. If you are wondering which Windows 10 Services are safe to disable, then this guide will help you. We strongly recommend that you create a System Restore Point first and also make notes of the changes you make to your Services configuration.

 

 

Before we go ahead, it’s a good idea to understand Windows Services section. Type services.msc in the search box and hit Enter to open the Windows Services Manager. Once the Services window opens, you can see the complete list of services, both from Windows OS, and the installed applications which are running on your system.

 

Every service has Name, Description, Status, Startup Type and Log On As. Double click on any Service to look at its Properties.

• Startup Type: Some services are set to Automatic or Automatic (Delayed), while others are Manual and Disabled.
• Service Status: It is the current status of the service.  Action buttons are available for you to change it.
• Dependencies:  Many services depend on other small and big services. Some other function can also rely on it. If that’s the case, you will be warned if you choose to disable it.

You will notice that many services which set to Manual. These services are started only when they are needed. They might be kept running or set to stop mode when not needed anymore. Services with Startup Type as Automatic start with Windows. Applications like the AntiVirus program need to be available as soon as Windows 10 starts.

The best strategy to disable Windows 10 Services

Many want to disable services because they might help to speed up their computer. It is best to look at services which are in Automatic mode. They are the only ones which increase computer boot time. In the services list, click on the Startup Type header to list all automatic services.

 

 

Now click on the Service, and check if you can change status. Sometimes none of the buttons are enabled including Stop. If that’s the case, skip this service and move to the next one.

 

When you find a service which can be stopped or set to manual, make sure to read about the service and check on dependencies. If you see any service is depending on this one, do not disable it. If it’s a stand-alone service, check to what the service is related.

 

For example, the Bonjour Service is needed by applications from Apple like iTunes. You can choose to disable it or choose Automatic (Delayed).  On the contrary, services like IP Helper should not be disabled if you use IPv6. It is essential for 6to4, ISATAP, Port Proxy, and Teredo, and IP-HTTPS.

It’s best to leave Windows 10 Services as is

Any service which is from Microsoft, i.e., Windows 10 “ONLY” Services, should be kept as is. It’s not easy to understand for a general consumer to understand the impact it will make when you disable a service. While many websites and blogs would suggest you services which you can disable, we don’t support that logic.

 

If there is a service that belongs to a third-party application, you can choose to set to Manual or Automatic (Delayed). That will help to boot your computer fast. Even better, make sure to remove the application from the Startup List.

Which Windows 10 services are safe to disable

Nevertheless, if you still want to see what you can disable, then it all depends on your system:

1. Are you a single PC home user?
2. Do you use the Internet?
3. Are you connected to a network or domain?
4. Are you using a desktop or a laptop?
5. And so on.

The following Windows Services can be safely disabled. Instead of setting the Startup type to Disabled, you may set it to Manual, to be on the safe side.

• AVCTP service – Disable it if you do not use Bluetooth Audio Device or Wireless Headphones.
• BitLocker Drive Encryption Service – disable it if you do not use BitLocker storage encryption.
• Bluetooth Support Service – Disable it if you do not use any Bluetooth device
• Computer Browser – This will then disable Network discovery of systems on the local network
• Connected User Experiences and Telemetry – Disables Feedback, Telemetry and Data Collection
• Diagnostic Policy Service
• Diagnostic Tracking Service – Turns off Telemetry and Data Collection
• Distributed Link Tracking Client – If your PC is not connected to a network
• Downloaded Maps Manager – If you don’t use the Bing Maps app
• File History Service – If you never use Windows Backup or System Restore
• IP Helper – (If you don’t use IPv6 connection)
• Infrared monitor service – If you never use File transfer via infrared devices.
• Internet Connection Sharing – An old service that can be disabled
• Netlogon – Disable it if you are not on a domain controller environment.
• Program Compatibility Assistant Service – This will hinder your running in the Compatibility Mode though
• Print Spooler – If you don’t use a Printer
• Parental Control – If you do not use the Parental Control feature.
• Remote Registry – Best to disable it. No one will be able to access your Registry remotely.
• Secondary Logon
• TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper – If you are not a part of a Workgroup network
• Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service – If you do not have a touch device
• Windows Error Reporting Service – If you don’t want to save or send error reports
• Windows Image Acquisition – If you don’t use a Scanner
• Windows Camera Frame Server – If you never use a webcam or an integrated camera
• Windows Insider Service – Disable it if you are not a part of the Windows Insider Program.
• Windows Search – Do it only if you never use Windows Search but instead use a 3rd-party search software.

 

So you see there is no one-shoe-fits-all scenario, and so it becomes imperative that you know your system and what you want.

 

If you need good advice, then the Black Viper’s Windows 10 Service Configurations is one resource advanced users may want to look at.

 

Windows 7 users may want to look at this Windows 7 Services Optimization Guide

 

Source: Which Windows 10 Services can you safely disable? (The Windows Club)

[straycat19]

All of them, but that is a slow process.  Format C:/ works better.  Makes your computer 100% safe and secure. 

 

Seriously, I always used BlackViper's recommendations as a base to start with.  They never pointed me in a wrong direction though every machine is different and based upon the use and programs installed you many not be able to disable everything that is recommended.  His longevity on the internet proves his knowledge of the subject.

[jackadision]

The Windows system won’t come straight perfect out of the box, there are many Microsoft services are running in the background especially in the Windows 10 system.

Well, there are plenty of services running in the background and consumes lots of system resources and RAM. And this is what makes the computer slowdown.

 

Here check out the list of services that are safe-to-disable in Windows 10 for better and smooth gaming experience and improve Windows 10 performance

 

• Windows Defender & Firewall
• Windows Mobile Hotspot Service
• Bluetooth Support Service
• Print Spooler
• Fax
• Remote Desktop Configuration and Remote Desktop Services
• Windows Insider Service
• Secondary Logon
• Downloaded Maps Manager
• Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service
• Offline Files
• Windows Connect Now
• Remote Registry
• Application Layer Gateway Service
• Smart Card

Well, there are lots more services that you can disable if you don't need them. to know more about it and how to disable it visit: Disable Windows 10 services for gaming