Disabling unnecessary services in Windows : Services list and guide

When you start up your computer, there’s a good chance that dozens of services are running in the background, consuming resources without your knowledge. These processes, activated by default, can slow down your system, reduce its responsiveness and even affect its lifespan in terms of performance. Fortunately, you can disable unnecessary services (that you don’t use). In this article, I’ll take you step-by-step through the process of lightening Windows without compromising its smooth operation.

Ready to unlock your computer’s hidden potential?

Disable unnecessary services via the Windows Services console?

The Microsoft Windows operating system has a multitude of built-in services. While some are essential for proper operation, others may be unnecessary, depending on how you use them. By disabling these services manually, you can optimize your PC’s performance and reduce reboot times.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Then type services.msc and click OK.

3. This window lists the various Windows services.
4. Double-click on one of the services you wish to disable, then under Startup type, select Disabled.

Nothing could be simpler, but some services are essential to the proper use of your computer. Here’s a list of services you can potentially disable, depending on how you use them (below).

Find out how to uninstall UPW applications preinstalled by default on Windows.

List of unnecessary services to disable to speed up your PC

Here’s a list of services that you can safely disable if you don’t need them. To do this, use the Services Console rather than the Task Manager, which merely stops services temporarily.

Windows Search

This service allows you to search your files and applications more quickly by creating an index.
Recommendation: If you don’t use the search function often, or prefer to search manually, you can disable this service to improve your PC’s performance.

BitLocker drive encryption service

BitLocker encrypts the data on your hard disk to protect it against theft.
Recommendation: If you don’t use BitLocker to protect your data, you can safely disable this service.

Connected user experience and telemetry

This service sends Microsoft data on your PC usage.
Recommendation: If you value your privacy and do not wish to share this information with Microsoft, we recommend that you disable this service.

Optimizing delivery

This service optimizes the distribution of Windows updates to multiple PCs on the same local network.
Recommendation: If you only have one PC or a fast Internet connection, this service becomes superfluous and can be deactivated.

Telephone service

This service lets you make phone calls with your PC or connect a smartphone.
Recommendation: If you don’t make phone calls or connect a smartphone, you can deactivate this service.

Remote office service

This service enables remote access to your PC.
Recommendation: If you are not using this feature, disable it and any associated services, such as Remote Desktop Services Configuration and Remote Desktop Services User Mode Port Redirector.

Smart card

This service enables you to use a smart card to authenticate yourself on your PC.
Recommendation: If you don’t use a smart card, you can disable this service, as well as associated services such as the smart card device enumeration service and the smart card removal strategy.

Windows biometrics service

This service is used for biometric recognition systems, such as fingerprint readers or Windows Hello-certified cameras.
Recommendation: If your PC is not equipped with these biometric devices, disable this service.

Working files

This service is used in companies to share files on a central server.
Recommendation: If you only use your PC at home, this service is unnecessary and can be deactivated.

Xbox Services

Several services are linked to the Xbox platform, including authentication management, games saved on Xbox Live, and Xbox accessories management.
Recommendation: If you’re not a gamer and don’t use these services, you can disable them without impact.

Sensor service

This service is used for your PC’s sensors, such as the GPS chip or ambient light sensors.
Recommendation: if your PC is not equipped with these sensors, disable this service and all associated services.

Print spooler

This service is responsible for managing print jobs.
Recommendation: If you don’t have a printer or don’t plan to use one, this service is useless and can be disabled.

Parental control

This service allows you to manage restrictions and access control for children using your PC.
Recommendation: If you don’t have children using your PC, you can disable this service.

Don’t forget to restart your computer after making these changes for them to take effect.

If you notice any problems after disabling a service, you can always easily re-enable it in the same way via the Services Console.

What are all the Windows services for?

/* Table style for Windows 11 services */ table.windows-services { border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; } table.windows-services th, table.windows-services td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; } table.windows-services th { background-color: #f2f2f2; text-align: left; } /* Color code: Red = Critical, Orange = Dependent on use, Green = Can be disabled */ .service-critical { background-color: #ffcccc; /* Red */ } .service-conditional { background-color: #ffe5cc; /* Orange */ } .service-deactivable { background-color: #ccffcc; /* Green */ }

Service name	Description	Criticality
RPC (Remote Procedure Call)	Essential for inter-process communication and overall Windows stability.	Critical
DCOM Server Process Launcher	Launches DCOM servers to run distributed applications.	Critical
RPC Endpoint Mapper	Manages access requests to RPC services.	Critical
Plug and Play	Ensures automatic device detection and configuration.	Critical
Windows Firewall / Windows Defender Firewall Service	Protects the system against unauthorized access and external threats.	Critical
Windows Update	Manages system updates. Keep for security or manage manually.	Depends on use
Windows Defender Antivirus	Provides native antivirus protection. Disable only if another solution is installed.	Usage-dependent
Task Scheduler	Automatically executes scheduled tasks and system operations.	Critical
DHCP Client	Dynamically assigns IP addresses required for network connection.	Critical
DNS Client	Resolves domain names into IP addresses for Internet browsing.	Critical
Network Location Awareness	Determines network location to apply appropriate security policies.	Critical
Network List Service	Provides information on connected networks.	Critical
Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)	Provides information and events for system management and monitoring.	Critical
Windows Event Log	Records system events for logging and troubleshooting.	Critical
COM+ Event System	Supports event communication between COM+ applications.	Critical
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)	Handles background data transfers, especially for Windows Update.	Depends on usage
Print Spooler	Manages the print queue. Can be deactivated if no printer is in use.	Can be disabled
Windows Search	Indexes files to speed up searches. Can be disabled if not in use.	Can be disabled
Superfetch (SysMain)	Optimizes performance by preloading frequently used applications.	Depends on usage
Bluetooth Support Service	Manages communication with Bluetooth devices.	Usage-dependent
Windows Audio	Manages system audio playback.	Usage-dependent
Windows Audio Endpoint Builder	Manages audio devices.	Usage-dependent
Windows Installer	Supports software installation, maintenance and uninstallation.	Critical
Application Experience	Helps ensure compatibility of older applications with newer versions of Windows.	Depends on use
Windows Error Reporting Service	Collects and sends error reports to Microsoft to improve the system.	Usage-dependent
Windows Event Collector	Collects events from other machines on the network.	Depends on usage
Windows Time	Synchronizes system time with a time server.	Critical
IP Helper	Supports IPv6 protocols and virtual networks.	Critical
Windows Process Activation Service	Manages process activation for web applications and other services.	Critical
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)	Manages image acquisition from scanners or cameras.	Depends on usage.
Cryptographic Services	Manages encryption and certificate security.	Critical
Certificate Propagation	Facilitates the communication of certificates between devices.	Usage-dependent
Distributed Link Tracking Client	Maintains links to shortcuts and files on the network.	Critical
Function Discovery Provider Host	Facilitates detection and publication of network resources.	Critical
Function Discovery Resource Publication	Publishes network resources for easy discovery by other devices.	Critical
Human Interface Device Service	Manages interface devices (keyboards, mice, etc.).	Usage-dependent
AppX Deployment Service (AppXSVC)	Manages the deployment and updating of Windows Store applications.	Usage-dependent
Program Compatibility Assistant Service	Helps resolve compatibility problems with older applications.	Usage-dependent
Smart Card	Manages smart card devices for authentication.	Usage-dependent
Smart Card Removal Policy	Manages secure disconnection of smart cards.	Usage-dependent
Windows Update Medic Service	Helps maintain and repair the Windows Update service.	Usage-dependent
Windows Store Service	Manages access and downloads from the Microsoft Store.	Usage-dependent
WSDPrint (WSD-Print Service)	Manages printing to WSD-compatible printers.	Can be disabled
Windows Backup	Supports system backup and restore.	Depends on use
Windows Biometric Service	Manages biometric devices (fingerprints, facial recognition).	Usage-dependent
Windows Camera Frame Server	Manages access to cameras and video streams.	Usage-dependent
Windows Connect Now	Facilitates rapid configuration of wireless connections.	Usage-dependent
Windows Remote Management (WinRM)	Enables remote management of Windows via WS-Management.	Usage-dependent
Windows Insider Service	Manages updates and returns from the Windows Insider program.	Usage-dependent
Windows Location Provider	Provides location information for certain applications.	Usage-dependent
Windows Remote Desktop Services	Manages remote desktop connections.	Usage-dependent
Network Connectivity Assistant	Helps with network connectivity and troubleshooting.	Critical
Security Center	Monitors system security status (antivirus, firewall, updates, etc.).	Depends on usage