Windows 10: Disable unnecessary services - that can go away

If you want to speed up Windows 10, depending on your system, you can disable quite a few unnecessary services on your computer. In this guide, we show what can go and how to deactivate redundant services.

Turn off unnecessary services in Windows 10

Note: Only deactivate services if you know which programs the services belong to. Google if necessary for a service. The "Bonjour" service is part of iTunes, for example, and doesn't sound important. Without the service, however, the software can no longer start.

1. Press the [Windows] and [R] keys simultaneously so that the "Execute" command opens.
2. Enter "msconfig" here and confirm with "OK". Then the system configuration starts.
3. Go to the "Services" tab above and you will find all programs that start with Windows.
4. If you activate the "Hide all Microsoft services" option below, only the services of installed software remain.
5. Check here which services you can deactivate. To do this, simply remove the tick in front of the service.
6. If you save your changes with the "OK" button, the deselected services will no longer be loaded the next time you start them.
7. Note: If you experience problems with software the next time you start the software, simply reactivate it in the same way. You cannot do much damage here.

Windows 10: turn off services for experts

If you are more familiar with Windows, you can also deactivate some system services. Laypeople should not take this step, however, as arbitrary deactivation of services can lead to major complications.

1. Press the [Windows] and [R] keys simultaneously so that the "Execute" command opens.
2. Enter "services.msc" here and confirm with "OK". Then the "Services" open.
3. Find a service you want and open it by double-clicking the name.
4. Then select the "Deactivated" option under "Start type" and save the changes with "OK".
5. Note: A list of all services that can be safely switched off can be found in the next paragraph.

Windows 10: These services are unnecessary

In the following list you will find a selection of services that are usually not required by Windows. However, the services may be necessary through the use of special programs or functions. Always check before you switch off a service that you really don't need it.

• Diagnostic Policy Service
• Print queue (if no printer is used)
• Enumerator service for portable devices
• Fax (if no fax is used)
• IP Subsidiary
• Program Compatibility Assistant Service
• remote registry
• Secondary registration
• TCP / IP NetBIOS Helper
• Monitoring distributed links
• Windows Search
• Windows Image Acquisition
• Windows Error Reporting Service
• Windows Time

Tip: With the free tool W10Privacy you switch off services under Windows 10 that are less functional, but spy on your data.