Disabling unnecessary services in Windows

To optimize the performance of your Windows PC, it may be useful to disable certain unnecessary services. Microsoft offers a simple way of managing these services via the Services console. In this article, I’ll explain how to proceed and which services you can safely disable.

Disable unnecessary services via the services console

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.

List of main Windows services that can be disabled

Here’s a list of services 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.

• Alljoyn router service: This service enables Windows to communicate with connected devices via the Internet of Things (IoT). If you don’t connect “smart” devices to your PC, disable this service without hesitation.

• BitLocker drive encryption service: BitLocker encrypts the data on your hard disk to protect it against theft. If you don’t use BitLocker, for example if your PC is always at home, you can disable this service.
• Connected user experience and telemetry: This service sends Microsoft data on the use of your PC. If you value your privacy and do not wish to share this information, please disable this service.
• Delivery optimization: This service optimizes the distribution of Windows updates to multiple PCs on the same local network. If you only have one PC or a fast Internet connection, this service is not necessary.
• Optimize drives: This service defragments hard disks to improve their performance. If your PC has only SSDs, or if you prefer to defragment manually, disable it.
• Phone service: If you don’t make phone calls with your PC or connect a smartphone, deactivate this service.
• Remote Desktop service: This service enables remote access to your PC. If you don’t need it, disable it and the associated services Remote Desktop Service Configuration and Remote Desktop Service User Mode Port Redirector.
• Smart card : Smart card If you do not use a smart card to authenticate yourself on your PC, disable the related services : Smart Card Device Enumeration Service and Smart Card Removal Strategy.
• Windows biometrics service: If your PC does not have a fingerprint reader or a Windows Hello-certified camera, disable this service.
• Work folders: This service is useful in the workplace for sharing files on a central server. At home, it’s useless, so disable it.
• Xbox services: If you are not a gamer, you can disable several services related to this platform: Xbox Live Authentication Manager , Xbox Live Saved Games, Xbox Accessory Management Service and Xbox Live Networking Service.
• Sensor service: If your PC does not have a GPS chip or ambient light sensor, disable the following services: Sensor Data Service , Sensor Service and Sensor Monitoring Service.
• Print spooler: If you don’t have a printer and don’t intend to use one, the print spooler is useless, so disable it.
• Parental Controls: If you don’t have children using your PC, Parental Controls are superfluous, so disable them.

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 via the Services Console.