Optimize Vista by Disabling Unused, Unneeded or Unnecessary Windows Services
Like in Windows XP, when Windows Vista is installed, Microsoft configure the operating system to enable and turn on background services based on the default recommended settings for Windows Vista services. However, not all of these running processes in background are been used, needed, critical or necessary. To free up and conserve memory, reduce RAM usage and CPU resources, some of these services can be stopped and disabled. By turning off some background processes, Windows Vista can be optimized to be more responsive and speed up, especially in system with lesser memory.
To disable any of the services in Windows Vista, simply press Windows + R keyboard shortcuts (equivalent with pressing Start button and then click Run), and then type services.msc into the Run textbox. Hit Enter and Services window which allows user to manage services will appear. Double click on the service which the startup type setting you want to modify to bring its properties window. Set the Startup type to Disabled in the drop down list, and then press OK. If you want to play safe, the Startup type can be set to Manual. Manual setting will cause the services do not start when Windows boots up, and only be started when they’re needed. Nevertheless, the service will still be launched, so to disable permanently, the Startup type has to set to Disabled.
On page 2, there is a list is more than 130 services that exist in Windows Vista, with their description. It’s best to read and understand what each service means before deciding on how to optimize the Vista system. But, depending on which Vista edition you’re using, not all services listed below will appear in the system Services configuration. Only machine running Windows Vista Ultimate likely to see all entries from the list.
To speed up and optimize Windows Vista for performance and responsiveness, the following services can generally be able to disable without affecting functionality of Windows Vista for average or common users, as long as you don’t use the functions or devices that depends on the services. Check page 2 for full description and dependencies. It should not been applied to computers on domain or corporate network before you understand what tasks are performing by each of the services. Beside, if the service hasn’t been started when you check on it, it’s not necessary to disable it as it makes no different to system resources used, since non-starting process use no processing power and memory.
- Application Management
- Background Intelligent Transfer Service
- Base Filtering Engine
- Block Level Backup Engine Service
- Certificate Propagation
- COM+ Event System
- Computer Browser
- Diagnostic Policy Service
- Diagnostic System Host
- Distributed Link Tracking Client
- Fax
- Function Discovery Provider Host
- Function Discovery Resource Publication
- Human Interface Device Access
- IKE and AuthIP IPsec Keying Modules
- Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
- IP Helper
- IPSec Policy Agent
- KtmRm for Distributed Transaction Coordinator
- Messenger Sharing Folders USN Journal Reader Service
- Microsoft iSCSI Initiator Service
- Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider
- Net.Tcp Port Sharing Service
- Network Access Protection Agent
- Network List Service
- Network Location Awareness
- Offline Files
- Parental Controls
- PnP-X IP Bus Enumerator
- Portable Device Enumerator Service
- Print Spooler
- Program Compatibility Assistant Service
- Quality Windows Audio Video Experience
- ReadyBoost
- Remote Access Connection Manager
- Remote Registry
- Routing and Remote Access
- Secondary Logon
- Security Center
- Server
- Shell Hardware Detection
- SL UI Notification Service
- Smart Card
- Smart Card Removal Policy
- SNMP Trap
- SSDP Discovery
- Superfetch
- Tablet PC Input Service
- TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
- Telephony
- Terminal Services
- UPnP Device Host
- Volume Shadow Copy
- WebClient
- Windows Backup
- Windows Defender
- Windows Error Reporting Service
- Windows Firewall
- Windows Image Acquisition
- Windows Media Center Extender Service
- Windows Media Center Receiver Service
- Windows Media Center Scheduler Service
- Windows Media Center Service Launcher
- Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service
- Windows Search
- Windows Time
- WinHTTP WebProxy Auto-Discovery Service
- Virtual Disk
- Volume Shadow Copy
- Wired AutoConfig
For those who doesn’t use Windows Aero theme, the following services can be disabled:
- Application Experience
- Desktop Window Manager Session Manager
For those who doesn’t use any themes in Windows Vista, the following services can be disabled:
- Application Experience
- Desktop Window Manager Session Manager
- Windows Themes
Windows Vista Services configuration is not absolute. Each users can have their own optimum configuration. Thus, there are plenty of lists which suggest and recommend “safe” settings, or optimal settings based on the functionality of the Vista system, whether it’s laptop or desktop, been used as network server or not, or been used by average users or geeks. Check out the recommendations at Black Viper and TweakHound.
Pages: 1 2
Related Articles
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- Windows Vista and Server 2008 Services Optimization (with Batch Command Script Optimizer)
- Svchost.exe Using 100% CPU Resources in Vista – Identify Causing Services
- Remove Unused Drivers and Services with Total Service and Driver Control (TSDC)
- Host Process for Windows Services Has Stopped Working Error – Workaround Fix
- How to Remotely Enable Remote Desktop (Terminal Services or RDP) via Registry in Windows 2000/XP/2000/Vista/2008
- TuneUp Utilities 2010 Review (Optimize and Clean Windows 7/Vista/XP)
- Optimize and Increase BitTorrent (BT) Download Speed in Vista
- Install and Run IIS (Internet Information Services) Server 7 in Vista
- Disable and Turn Off HomeGroup Services to Hide or Remove Home Group from Windows 7 Explorer
Entries (RSS)
November 9th, 2009 00:35
I am still trying to figure out what I just read in “19 responses to optimize Vista”. Wow!! I thought you had to be literate before you could be computer literate. My experience tells me that you can get any answer you need on the internet if you use the correct search phrases. I am going to try googling the search terms at the end of this article and I bet somewhere in there will be the info that i NEED.
October 24th, 2009 15:09
Extensive testing has shown that disabling services does very little for performance. In most cases the dangers far outweigh the benefits.
There are a number of services a user will never use in their lifetime. For instance the Tablet PC Input Service.
Sorry to sound a bit harsh, but I honestly do wonder how you obtained your MCSA, services generally do start up processes and processes take up memory. Attempts to reduce memory load does at times result in a quicker and more responsive computer.
October 16th, 2009 00:03
Guides like this can be found all over the internet. This one isn’t as bad as some – but still not recommended.
Disabling services has many dangers, as a number of commenters on this post have learned. The documentation provided here and in the services applet is not complete. Many services have implications that are far from obvious and are not fully documented anywhere. Many on this list have important functions that you may rely on. Even experts have gotten themselves into real trouble with this.
Incidentally, setting a service to Manual is not a safe alternative to disabling it. In this state the system or an application CAN start it if necessary, but don’t expect that this will actually happen. With rare exceptions it will not.
Extensive testing has shown that disabling services does very little for performance. In most cases the dangers far outweigh the benefits.
Avoid the “BlackViper” website at all costs. Among true experts it is litte more than a bad joke.
Larry Miller
Microsoft MCSA
August 19th, 2009 17:52
Good article, Advise that you actually read what is suggested before attempting any. Especially where he tells you to check what each does before deciding to disable them. DO NOT DO ALL!!!!
July 8th, 2009 04:35
[...] are running there are also a myriad of tweaks you can apply: Optimisation guide for Windows XP Optimisation guide for Windows Vista …hopefully those links providing a starting point. Google for further information/guides/tips. [...]
June 24th, 2009 23:28
Wow there are a bunch of noobs here!
—–
Tyler
July 8th, 2008 02:20
5Do not use!!! I was smart enough not to disable a lot of them, but some of them, such as netlogon and network connections, will cut your internet from working. Do not use these!
——
Ya think??????? Duh!!!!!!! When I had to troubleshoot. I did shuit them all down and brought them back up to enable network access and Windows updates.
And
KEvin
September 27th, 2008 07:51
7sorry i mean
Make sure did learn how do rite sentences.
Sorry Kevin, You got it wrong in both posts. Did you mean “Make sure you learn to write sentences?” or “Make sure you learn how do do right sentences”? (which is terrible grammar. ) Stay away from PCs and anywhere you can post comments.
My God the comments are pathetic. This is a great list and helps explain what these services do. You have to know enough to decide if you can disable them or not. If you think you can disable them all STAY AWAY FROM ANYTHING THAT PLUGS INTO A WALL!
May 1st, 2009 10:34
[...] http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/04/06/optimize-vista-by-disabling-unused-unneeded-or-unnecessary-... [...]
April 19th, 2009 08:33
Thank you,
it’s a good post/list, makes perfect sense!!
April 7th, 2009 08:28
Thank you.
April 2009, I am on my way to do most of the list.
December 19th, 2008 12:02
Wow you guys are NOOBS making these comments, all they said that it was a list of default services in vista to assist you in making decisions o what to turn off. They did not say turn off all these services, you guys need to stop with the computers i think, they are a bit too techological for you.
November 29th, 2008 13:27
I am on my way to disable those window services you had mention in these articles.
Thank a lot for these useful articles.
November 2nd, 2008 04:58
[...] can speed up and optimize Windows Vista for performance and responsiveness manually by following these instructions or automatically by using Vista Services Optimizer. Vista Services Optimizer enables you to safely [...]
October 30th, 2008 22:59
Read carefull. There are lister all Vista services, you should not disable all of them because it is stupid
It’s like you saving electricity at your home and turn off main power switch.
Author wrote that you should understand what each service means and disable only those whitch you think your system would not use.
September 27th, 2008 07:51
sorry i mean
Make sure did learn how do rite sentences.
September 27th, 2008 07:17
Dear, whoever wrot this
Make sure do learn how to rite sentences.
Your friend, This is the worst page on the net>;
July 8th, 2008 02:20
Do not use!!! I was smart enough not to disable a lot of them, but some of them, such as netlogon and network connections, will cut your internet from working. Do not use these!
June 28th, 2008 02:13
[...] it becomes more important to optimize services that running on Windows Vista and Server 2008. By disabling unwanted and unnecessary services, or set them to manual start only when needed or required, it’s possible tweak Windows [...]
April 2nd, 2008 23:12
Do not follow the instruction. I had the same problem with Jake. Use auto-tweak utilities with wizard dialog.
January 28th, 2008 10:56
Do follow these instructions. I did and half of the things on my computer stopped working. find a different website!!!!!
August 9th, 2007 19:49
[...] Poţi chiar să opreşti anumite servicii pe care nu le foloseşti niciodată sau des. Pentru XP şi pentru Vista. [...]