Optimize Windows Services for Speed

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Services are like programs that run in the background and are not visible to the user. A lot of services are required for Windows to work properly, but others are either less useful or entirely useless.

Open Windows Services List

To open the Windows services list:

  • Click Start
  • In the search bar type "services.msc"
  • There should be 1 result, right click and "Run as Administrator"


When Services Start

In the new Window is a list of the services that run with Windows. Sort the list by clicking the "Startup Type" column. Now you can see which services run and when they run.

There are 4 ways services start themselves

  • Automatic - Services that always run
  • Automatic (Delayed Start) - Services that run a few minutes after startup
  • Manual - Services that run only when called
  • Disabled - Services that will not run at all


Disable Services

Windows comes with most features and services enabled to provide the user with a lot of functionality. Rarely will any user need or want them all, so we can disable the ones we do not need.

Disable services at your own risk

Here is a list of services you do not need to have a functioning computer. Below will be a list of services and the feature lost as well as the general speed increase. You can disable everything on this list for full speed if you choose.

  • Themes
    • You lose pretty window borders, rounded corners, and colored start bar
    • Speed: 20% faster interaction with Windows
  • Security Center
    • You lose annoying messages saying you have no antivirus
    • Speed: Slight increase, less popups
  • Windows Defender
    • You lose some minor malware/virus protection
    • Speed: Slight increase, less popups
  • Windows Search
    • You no longer have files show in the Start search bar
    • Speed: Slight increase, also reduces load on hard drive