Windows 10 Services You Can Safely Disable & How to Guide

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Key notes

  • If you want to tweak and boost your PC's performance, you don't always have to download specialized software to do so.
  • Simply disabling a few unessential services can have your Windows 10 PC working like never before.

Did you know that you can safely disable Windows services to boost your computer’s performance?

However, the problem comes in determining which services are safe to disable and which ones are not. To save you from a bit of trial and error, we’ve devised the following guide.

In it, we have listed all the Windows services you can disable to boost your computer’s performance for gaming or enhance security.

In addition to this, we have also included a short section that shows you how to disable said services in Windows 10.

So you may find it beneficial to read this guide until the end. Without further ado…

What Windows 10 services can I disable?

Application Layer Gateway ServicePhone Service
Alljoyn Router ServiceProgram Compatibility Assistant Service
AVCTP ServicePrint Spooler
BitlockerParental Control
Bluetooth Support ServiceRemote Registry
Connected User Experience and TelemetryRetail Demo Service
Certificate PropagationSecondary Logon
Diagnostic Policy ServiceSmartcard
Diagnostic Service HostTCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Diagnostic System HostTouch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service
Distributed Link Tracking ClientWindows Error Reporting Service
Download Maps ManagerWindows Insider Service
Enterprise App Management ServiceWindows Image Acquisition
FaxWindows Biometric Service
File History ServiceWindows Camera Frame Server
GameDVR and BroadcastWindows Connect Now
Geolocation ServiceWindows Insider Service
IP HelperWindows Media Player Network Sharing Service
Internet Connection SharingWindows Mobile Hotspot Service
NetlogonWindows Search
Offline FilesWindows Update
Parental ControlXbox Accessory Live Auth Manager
Payments and NFC/SE ManagerXbox Live Auth Manager
Xbox Live Networking ServicesXbox Live Game Save

How can I disable Windows Services?

  1. Open a Windows Run Dialog (Win + R).
  2. Type in services.msc.
    run-services-from-windows-run-dialog-services
  3. Right-click on the service and select Properties.
    service-right-click-context-menu-properties
  4. Click on the Stop button (if the service is running).
  5. Change the Startup type to Disabled.
  6. Click on OK.
    service-properties-general-tab-disable-windows-10-services

Disable Windows 10 services to improve performance: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Frees up memory and boosts Windows Performance.
  • Can assist you in troubleshooting a problem.

Cons

  • Will stop certain Windows quality-of-life features from working.

You can safely disable all 48 Windows 10 services listed in this guide. However, it’s important to note that you may still need some of these services, depending on how you use your computer.

For instance, if you are a gamer, it would be inadvisable to stop the Xbox-related services. Thus, you should apply the tips in this guide with a bit of discernment.

Some of the functions of these services can be replaced with third-party applications. For example, you can replace the Windows Search service with a third-party file finding program.

Disabling these Windows 10 services isn’t permanent. Make a note of each service you disable. You may be required to re-enable them in the future.

Either way, we hope you’ve found this guide to be helpful. If you have your own list of inessential services, please share it down below. As always, thank you for reading.

More about the topics: Windows 10 Guides

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