Complete List of Windows 10 & 11 Services to Disable for Maximum Performance

Follow Qurkx on Facebook
Never miss an update – join 15K+ followers
Follow

Your Windows PC runs dozens of background services, each quietly working to enhance functionality, maintain compatibility, or collect data for Microsoft. Some of these services are essential, supporting tasks like search, updates, and system operations. But among them, there are also services that aren't particularly useful. These quietly consume CPU, memory, and bandwidth, sometimes slowing down even a perfectly healthy PC.

Complete List of Windows 10 & 11 Services to Disable for Maximum Performance
Complete List of Windows 10 & 11 Services to Disable for Maximum Performance

The good news is that Microsoft does let you disable them easily, so you can reclaim system resources and improve performance without breaking Windows. For more ways to speed up your system, check out our Top Windows Hacks Productivity Tips guide.

In this guide, we'll show you exactly which services you can safely disable, how to do it, and what to do when you encounter the dreaded "Parameter incorrect" error.

How to Access Windows Services

Before we begin, here's how to open the Services Manager:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter
  3. The Services window will open showing all services on your system

To disable a service:

  1. Find the service in the list
  2. Double-click on it to open its Properties
  3. Change the Startup type to Disabled
  4. Click Stop if the service is currently running
  5. Click Apply followed by OK

For more hidden Windows features, you might want to explore these 7 Hidden Windows 11 Shortcuts to Double Your Productivity.

Complete List of Services You Can Safely Disable

Here is a comprehensive list of Windows services that are safe to disable for most users. These services consume system resources without providing essential functionality for everyday use.

Telemetry and Data Collection Services

Connected User Experiences and Telemetry (DiagTrack)

  • Why disable: Collects diagnostics data and usage habits to send back to Microsoft, consuming bandwidth and system resources
  • When to disable: Always, if you value privacy and want to stop data collection

Windows Error Reporting (WerSvc)

  • Why disable: Sends error reports to Microsoft when applications crash, using resources unnecessarily
  • When to disable: Always, if you don't need to send crash reports to Microsoft

Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP)

  • Why disable: Collects telemetry data for Microsoft to improve Windows, wasting bandwidth
  • When to disable: Always, if you don't want to participate in Microsoft's improvement program

Device Management Enrollment Service (DmEnrollmentSvc)

  • Why disable: Manages device enrollment for enterprise management, useless for home users
  • When to disable: If you are not using enterprise or work device management

Performance and Search Services

SysMain (Superfetch) (SysMain)

  • Why disable: Preloads frequently used applications into memory, but on modern SSDs this causes high disk usage and slowdowns
  • When to disable: If you are using an SSD drive instead of an HDD

Windows Search (WSearch)

  • Why disable: Indexes files on your computer to make searching faster, consuming CPU and disk resources
  • When to disable: If you don't frequently search for files on your PC

Windows Indexing Service (cisvc)

  • Why disable: Indexes content and properties of files on local and remote computers
  • When to disable: If you don't use Windows search often or have a small number of files

Printing and Fax Services

Print Spooler (Spooler)

  • Why disable: Manages printing jobs on your computer, using resources even when no printer is connected
  • When to disable: If you don't own or use a printer

Print Workflow Service (PrintWorkflowService)

  • Why disable: Manages print workflows and job processing, unnecessary without a printer
  • When to disable: If you don't own or use a printer

Fax Service (Fax)

  • Why disable: Manages fax-related functionality, outdated for most users
  • When to disable: If you don't use fax functionality on your PC

Connectivity and Networking Services

Windows Mobile Hotspot Service (icssvc)

  • Why disable: Allows your PC to act as a Wi-Fi hotspot, consumes resources when not needed
  • When to disable: If you don't use your PC as a mobile hotspot

Delivery Optimization (DoSvc)

  • Why disable: Uses P2P technology to download Windows updates from other PCs, consuming bandwidth
  • When to disable: Always, to save bandwidth and prevent unwanted uploads

Bluetooth Support Service (bthserv)

  • Why disable: Manages Bluetooth connections on your device, unnecessary without Bluetooth devices
  • When to disable: If you don't use any Bluetooth devices

Internet Connection Sharing (SharedAccess)

  • Why disable: Enables network address translation and sharing internet connections
  • When to disable: If you don't share your internet connection with other devices

Routing and Remote Access Service (RemoteAccess)

  • Why disable: Enables VPN and remote access capabilities, unnecessary for most users
  • When to disable: If you don't use VPN or remote access features

TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper Service (lmhosts)

  • Why disable: Provides NetBIOS name resolution support for legacy systems, outdated for modern networks
  • When to disable: If you are not using legacy network applications

Phone Service (PhoneSvc)

  • Why disable: Manages telephony services on your PC, obsolete for most users
  • When to disable: If you don't use phone or dial-up connectivity

Gaming and Entertainment Services

Xbox Live Auth Manager (XblAuthManager)

  • Why disable: Manages Xbox Live authentication for gaming, useless without Xbox gaming
  • When to disable: If you don't play Xbox games on your PC

Xbox Live Game Save (XblGameSave)

  • Why disable: Syncs game saves for Xbox games on Windows, consumes resources
  • When to disable: If you don't play Xbox games or don't need cloud saves

Xbox Networking Service (XboxNetApiSvc)

  • Why disable: Manages Xbox Live networking features and multiplayer, unnecessary without Xbox gaming
  • When to disable: If you don't play Xbox multiplayer games

GameDVR and Broadcast User Service (BcastDVRUserService)

  • Why disable: Manages game recording and broadcasting features, uses resources even when not gaming
  • When to disable: If you don't record or stream gameplay

Security and Privacy Services

Remote Registry (RemoteRegistry)

  • Why disable: Allows remote users to modify registry settings on your computer, major security risk
  • When to disable: Always, for security reasons

BitLocker Drive Encryption Service (BDESVC)

  • Why disable: Manages BitLocker encryption for drives, useless if you don't use encryption
  • When to disable: If you don't use BitLocker drive encryption

Security Center (wscsvc)

  • Why disable: Monitors security settings and status of Windows, consumes resources
  • When to disable: If you don't need security notifications

Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (Sense)

  • Why disable: Provides advanced threat detection and response capabilities, unnecessary for home users
  • When to disable: If you are not using enterprise security features

Backup and File Services

File History Service (fhsvc)

  • Why disable: Manages file backup and version history, useless without backup setup
  • When to disable: If you don't use File History for backups

Offline Files (CscService)

  • Why disable: Caches network files for offline access, unnecessary for most users
  • When to disable: If you don't work with offline network files

Distributed Link Tracking Client (TrkWks)

  • Why disable: Maintains links between NTFS files and computers in a network
  • When to disable: If you are not on a network with multiple computers

Accessibility and Input Services

Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service (TabletInputService)

  • Why disable: Enables touch keyboard and handwriting input, useless without touchscreen
  • When to disable: If you use a desktop PC without a touchscreen

Windows Speech Recognition (SpeechService)

  • Why disable: Provides speech recognition capabilities, consumes resources when unused
  • When to disable: If you don't use voice commands or speech recognition

Human Interface Device Service (hidserv)

  • Why disable: Manages HID devices like keyboards and mice, but usually unnecessary
  • When to disable: If you use standard keyboard and mouse without special features

Multimedia and Audio Services

Windows Audio Endpoint Builder (AudioEndpointBuilder)

  • Why disable: Manages audio devices and endpoints, but may affect audio if disabled
  • When to disable: Only if you don't use audio on your PC (rarely recommended)

Windows Audio Service (Audiosrv)

  • Why disable: Provides audio functionality for Windows applications
  • When to disable: Only if you don't need sound (not recommended for most users)

Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service (WMPNetworkSvc)

  • Why disable: Shares media libraries over the network using UPnP, unnecessary
  • When to disable: If you don't use Windows Media Player or network sharing

Volume Shadow Copy (VSS)

  • Why disable: Creates shadow copies of files for backup and restore
  • When to disable: If you don't use System Restore or backup features

Update and Maintenance Services

Windows Update Service (wuauserv)

  • Why disable: Manages Windows Update functionality and downloads updates
  • When to disable: Set to Manual instead of Disabled, or if you prefer manual updates

Update Orchestrator Service (UsoSvc)

  • Why disable: Coordinates Windows Update operations and scheduling
  • When to disable: Set to Manual instead of Disabled

Windows Modules Installer (TrustedInstaller)

  • Why disable: Installs Windows updates and system components, critical for system
  • When to disable: NEVER disable this service

Location and Mapping Services

Downloaded Maps Manager (MapsBroker)

  • Why disable: Manages downloaded offline maps, useless without offline maps usage
  • When to disable: If you don't use offline maps on your PC

Geolocation Service (lfsvc)

  • Why disable: Provides location services and GPS functionality
  • When to disable: If you don't use location-based apps

Network Location Awareness (NlaSvc)

  • Why disable: Collects and stores network configuration and location information
  • When to disable: If you don't need network location detection

Virtualization and Hyper-V Services

Hyper-V Data Exchange Service (vmickvpexchange)

  • Why disable: Exchanges data between Hyper-V host and virtual machines, useless without Hyper-V
  • When to disable: If you don't use Hyper-V virtualization

Hyper-V Guest Shutdown Service (vmicguestinterface)

  • Why disable: Manages guest shutdown operations in virtual machines, useless without Hyper-V
  • When to disable: If you don't use Hyper-V virtualization

Hyper-V Heartbeat Service (vmicheartbeat)

  • Why disable: Monitors virtual machine health and responsiveness, useless without Hyper-V
  • When to disable: If you don't use Hyper-V virtualization

Hyper-V Remote Desktop Virtualization (vmicrdv)

  • Why disable: Provides remote desktop support for virtual machines, useless without Hyper-V
  • When to disable: If you don't use Hyper-V virtualization

Hyper-V Time Synchronization Service (vmictimesync)

  • Why disable: Synchronizes time between host and virtual machines, useless without Hyper-V
  • When to disable: If you don't use Hyper-V virtualization

Windows Store and App Services

Windows Store Service (WSService)

  • Why disable: Manages Windows Store app installations and updates
  • When to disable: If you don't use Microsoft Store apps

AppX Deployment Service (AppXSVC)

  • Why disable: Deploys and manages AppX applications from Windows Store
  • When to disable: If you don't install apps from Microsoft Store

Windows Push Notifications Service (WpnService)

  • Why disable: Manages push notifications for Windows apps, consumes resources
  • When to disable: If you don't want notifications from Windows apps

User Data Access Service (UserDataAccess)

  • Why disable: Provides access to user data for apps and services
  • When to disable: If you don't use apps that need user data

Payment and NFC/SE Manager (SEMgrSvc)

  • Why disable: Manages payment and NFC transactions for mobile devices
  • When to disable: If you don't use NFC or mobile payments

Remote Desktop and Management Services

Remote Desktop Services (TermService)

  • Why disable: Allows remote connections to your PC, security risk
  • When to disable: If you don't use Remote Desktop to connect to your PC

Remote Desktop Configuration (SessionEnv)

  • Why disable: Manages Remote Desktop session configuration, useless without Remote Desktop
  • When to disable: If you don't use Remote Desktop

Remote Desktop UserMode Port Redirector (UmRdpService)

  • Why disable: Redirects ports for Remote Desktop connections, useless without Remote Desktop
  • When to disable: If you don't use Remote Desktop

Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator (RpcLocator)

  • Why disable: Manages RPC name service database for remote computers, usually unnecessary
  • When to disable: If you are not in an enterprise network environment

Biometric and Authentication Services

Windows Biometric Service (WbioSrvc)

  • Why disable: Manages biometric devices like fingerprint scanners and facial recognition
  • When to disable: If you don't use fingerprint or facial recognition login

Credential Manager (VaultSvc)

  • Why disable: Securely stores and manages user credentials and passwords
  • When to disable: Only disable if you don't use saved credentials (not recommended)

How to Force Disable Services That Say "Parameter Incorrect"

Sometimes when you try to disable a service using Command Prompt or PowerShell, you might encounter an error message like:

[SC] ChangeServiceConfig2 FAILED 87: The parameter is incorrect

This error typically occurs due to a syntax issue with the command. Here's how to fix it and successfully disable the service.

Method 1: Using Command Prompt (Recommended)

  1. Right-click on the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin)
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
sc config "ServiceName" start= disabled

Important: There must be a space after the = sign. The syntax is start= disabled (with a space), not start=disabled

  1. If you see the message [SC] ChangeServiceConfig SUCCESS, it worked
  2. To stop the service immediately if it's running, use:
sc stop "ServiceName"

Example to disable Windows Update:

sc config "wuauserv" start= disabled sc stop "wuauserv"

Important: Make sure you use the service name (not the display name) when using the sc command. The service name is what appears when you click on the service in services.msc

Method 2: Using PowerShell

  1. Right-click on the Start button and select Terminal (Admin)
  2. Type the following commands:
Set-Service -Name "ServiceName" -StartupType Disabled Stop-Service -Name "ServiceName" -Force

Example:

textSet-Service -Name "wuauserv" -StartupType Disabled Stop-Service -Name "wuauserv" -Force

Method 3: Why the Error Happens and How to Fix It

The "Parameter incorrect" error usually means:

  1. Missing space after = – The command start=disabled is incorrect. It should be start= disabled
  2. Wrong service name – You're using the display name instead of the service name. Check services.msc to find the correct service name
  3. Service already disabled – The service might already be turned off, so the script couldn't turn something off that wasn't on to begin with

Method 4: If You Want to Set It to "Manual" Instead of "Disabled"

If you prefer the service to start only when needed (consuming 0 resources until an app asks for it), use:

  • Command Prompt:
sc config "ServiceName" start= demand
  • PowerShell:
Set-Service -Name "ServiceName" -StartupType Manual

Bonus: Chris Titus Windows Utility

If manually disabling services feels overwhelming, the Chris Titus Windows Utility is a game-changer. It lets you debloat Windows, disable telemetry, remove preinstalled apps, manage Windows services, and apply sensible privacy presets, all with simple toggles.

For a detailed guide, check out our article: Windows Debloating with Chris Titus Tool – Complete Guide.

Important Precautions

1. Create a System Restore Point

Always create a system restore point before making changes. This allows you to roll back if something goes wrong.

2. Never Disable Critical Services

Leave these services running:

  • Windows Defender – Your antivirus protection
  • Windows Firewall – Network security
  • Windows Update – Security patches (though you can set it to manual)

3. Test After Each Change

If you're disabling multiple services, test your system after each change to identify which service caused a problem if something breaks.

4. Check After Windows Updates

Some services like SysMain can be re-enabled after Windows updates. It's worth checking after updates to make sure your disabled services stay disabled

Services You Should NEVER Disable

Here are services you should never disable:

  • Windows Defender Antivirus – Protects against malware
  • Windows Firewall – Blocks unauthorized network access
  • Windows Update – Receives security patches
  • Plug and Play – Detects new hardware
  • Remote Procedure Call (RPC) – Required for many system functions
  • DCOM Server Process Launcher – Required for many applications
  • Windows Management Instrumentation – System monitoring and management

Final Words

Disabling unnecessary Windows services is one of the most effective ways to speed up your PC and reclaim system resources. With the complete list above, you can safely disable services that are wasting your CPU, memory, and bandwidth.

If you encounter the "Parameter incorrect" error, remember the simple fix – add a space after the = sign in your sc config command. Start with the services that matter most to you, and enjoy a faster, more responsive Windows experience!