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On boot up Windows loads up several so-called Services that offer different functionalities. Some Services are very important and a crucial part for your computer experience (e.g. Windows Update, Networking, Hardware detection) while others are only eating up resources and processor cycles (e.g. Alerter, Fax Service or Messenger). We recommend disabling a couple of services to free up vital Windows resources:

Windows Services and how you find them

Microsoft has somewhat hidden the access to the services so that Windows beginners dont mess up their systems: Open up Control Panel, double-click on Administrative News and Services. A large list with all the currently installed services pops up. To en-/disable a service you need to double-click on a service entry (e.g. Alerter) and select Disabled under Startup type. Hit OK.

Backup your Service settings

Although we have tested this tweak intensely you might encounter some problems. Remember, the Windows Services are a vital part of Windows. Please read careful every bit of advice we give here. We recommend performing a backup of the Services part within the Windows Registry as well:

1. Click Start/Run... and enter regedit. Expand the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ CurrentControlSet\Services key.

2. Click Registry/Export Registry File, enter a name (e.g. Services backup.reg) and hit Save. Double-click on this file to apply the backup (use Windows XPs safe mode by pressing F8 before boot logo appears).   

Services you can disable and some warnings

Cryptographic Services - Service Packs, Windows Updates and other Microsoft downloads might not work without the Cryptographic Service.

DCOM-Service-Process Launcher - Disabling this service might result in applications that dont start anymore.

DHCP-Client - Using a router in your network you will notice that the internet connection feature will be disabled without this service.

Designs - You dismiss the fancy Luna (and all other XP) styles.

Help and support - This services sets itself to Automatic again.

IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service - Without this service you cannot use the internal CD-Burning feature.

Network connections and telephony - Your internet and network connections dont work after you have disabled this service.

Print Spooler - Disabling this service results in a none functional printer and scanner

Telephony/Remote Access Auto Connection Manager - Internet connection does not work without these two services

Removable Storage - External drives (such as a ZIP-Driver or external DVD-Burner) will be disabled with this service deactivated.

Shell Hardware Detection - Some readers (having deactivated this service) reported that their floppy disk drive was accessed during boot up.

Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) - Without this service Windows doesnt recognize your scanner.

Lets get moving: Disable unnecessary services

The following table lists up all services and our recommendations as well as the default settings.

Remember, these settings are for systemtuners only and will cause problems while working with specific functions of your system (such as Smart Card reader or some network features). This is just a guideline. You have to choose for yourself which service you might need and which not. It is vital that you do not apply all the settings at once. We recommend disabling 5 services at a time and testing your Windows environment for issues.

Congratulations, you have successfully disabled a great lot of the Windows services. This will give you free resources, a slightly faster boot time and performance.