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Windows Vista Services List


Jeremy

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Windows Vista Ultimate Edition Services List

Organized by Status and Startup Type

None of the configurations have been changed, this is 100% default.

Application Experience

Processes application compatibility cache requests for applications as they are launched

Started, Automatic, Local System

Base Filtering Engine

The Base Filtering Engine (BFE) is a service that manages firewall and Internet Protocol security (IPsec) policies and implements user mode filtering. Stopping or disabling the BFE service will significantly reduce the security of the system. It will also result in unpredictable behavior in IPsec management and firewall applications.

Started, Automatic, Local Service

COM+ Event System

Supports System Event Notification Service (SENS), which provides automatic distribution of events to subscribing Component Object Model (COM) components. If the service is stopped, SENS will close and will not be able to provide logon and logoff notifications. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Started, Automatic Local, Service

Computer Browser

Maintains an updated list of computers on the network and supplies this list to computers designated as browsers. If this service is stopped, this list will not be updated or maintained. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Started, Automatic, Local System

Cryptographic Services

Provides four management services: Catalog Database Service, which confirms the signatures of Windows files and allows new programs to be installed; Protected Root Service, which adds and removes Trusted Root Certification Authority certificates from this computer; Automatic Root Certificate Update Service, which retrieves root certificates from Windows Update and enable scenarios such as SSL; and Key Service, which helps enroll this computer for certificates. If this service is stopped, these management services will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Started, Automatic, Network Service

DCOM Server Process Launcher

Provides launch functionality for DCOM services.

Started Automatic Local System

Desktop Window Manager Session Manager

Provides Desktop Window Manager startup and maintenance services

Started Automatic Local System

DHCP Client

Registers and updates IP addresses and DNS records for this computer. If this service is stopped, this computer will not receive dynamic IP addresses and DNS updates. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Started Automatic Local Service

Diagnostic Policy Service

The Diagnostic Policy Service enables problem detection, troubleshooting and resolution for Windows components. If this service is stopped, diagnostics will no longer function. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Started Automatic Local Service

Distributed Link Tracking Client

Maintains links between NTFS files within a computer or across computers in a network.

Started Automatic Local System

DNS Client

The DNS Client service (dnscache) caches Domain Name System (DNS) names and registers the full computer name for this computer. If the service is stopped, DNS names will continue to be resolved. However, the results of DNS name queries will not be cached and the computer's name will not be registered. If the service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Started Automatic Network Service

Function Discovery Resource Publication

Publishes this computer and resources attached to this computer so they can be discovered over the network. If this service is stopped, network resources will no longer be published and they will not be discovered by other computers on the network.

Started Automatic Local Service

Group Policy Client

The service is responsible for applying settings configured by administrators for the computer and users through the Group Policy component. If the service is stopped or disabled, the settings will not be applied and applications and components will not be manageable through Group Policy. Any components or applications that depend on the Group Policy component might not be functional if the service is stopped or disabled.

Started Automatic Local System

IKE and AuthIP IPsec Keying Modules

The IKEEXT service hosts the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) and Authenticated Internet Protocol (AuthIP) keying modules. These keying modules are used for authentication and key exchange in Internet Protocol security (IPsec). Stopping or disabling the IKEEXT service will disable IKE and AuthIP key exchange with peer computers. IPsec is typically configured to use IKE or AuthIP; therefore, stopping or disabling the IKEEXT service might result in an IPsec failure and might compromise the security of the system. It is strongly recommended that you have the IKEEXT service running.

Started Automatic Local System

IP Helper

Provides automatic IPv6 connectivity over an IPv4 network. If this service is stopped, the machine will only have IPv6 connectivity if it is connected to a native IPv6 network.

Started Automatic Local System

IPsec Policy Agent

Internet Protocol security (IPsec) supports network-level peer authentication, data origin authentication, data integrity, data confidentiality (encryption), and replay protection. This service enforces IPsec policies created through the IP Security Policies snap-in or the command-line tool "netsh ipsec". If you stop this service, you may experience network connectivity issues if your policy requires that connections use IPsec. Also,remote management of Windows Firewall is not available when this service is stopped.

Started Automatic Network Service

Multimedia Class Scheduler

Enables relative prioritization of work based on system-wide task priorities. This is intended mainly for multimedia applications. If this service is stopped, individual tasks resort to their default priority.

Started Automatic Local System

Network List Service

Identifies the networks to which the computer has connected, collects and stores properties for these networks, and notifies applications when these properties change.

Started Automatic Local Service

Network Location Awareness

Collects and stores configuration information for the network and notifies programs when this information is modified. If this service is stopped, configuration information might be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Started Automatic Network Service

Network Store Interface Service

This service delivers network notifications (e.g. interface addition/deleting etc) to user mode clients. Stopping this service will cause loss of network connectivity. If this service is disabled, any other services that explicitly depend on this service will fail to start.

Started Automatic Local Service

Offline Files

The Offline Files service performs maintenance activities on the Offline Files cache, responds to user logon and logoff events, implements the internals of the public API, and dispatches interesting events to those interested in Offline Files activities and changes in cache state.

Started Automatic Local System

Plug and Play

Enables a computer to recognize and adapt to hardware changes with little or no user input. Stopping or disabling this service will result in system instability. Started Automatic Local System

Portable Device Enumerator Service Enforces group policy for removable mass-storage devices. Enables applications such as Windows Media Player and Image Import Wizard to transfer and synchronize content using removable mass-storage devices.

Started Automatic Local System

Print Spooler

Loads files to memory for later printing

Started Automatic Local System

Program Compatibility Assistant Service

Provides support for the Program Compatibility Assistant. If this service is stopped, the Program Compatibility Assistant will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any services that depend on it will fail to start.

Started Automatic Local System

ReadyBoost

Provides support for improving system performance using ReadyBoost.

Started Automatic Local System

Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

Serves as the endpoint mapper and COM Service Control Manager. If this service is stopped or disabled, programs using COM or Remote Procedure Call (RPC) services will not function properly.

Started Automatic Network Service

Secondary Logon

Enables starting processes under alternate credentials. If this service is stopped, this type of logon access will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Started Automatic Local System

Security Accounts Manager

The startup of this service signals other services that the Security Accounts Manager (SAM) is ready to accept requests. Disabling this service will prevent other services in the system from being notified when the SAM is ready, which may in turn cause those services to fail to start correctly. This service should not be disabled.

Started Automatic Local System

Server

Supports file, print, and named-pipe sharing over the network for this computer. If this service is stopped, these functions will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Started Automatic Local System

Shell Hardware Detection

Provides notifications for AutoPlay hardware events.

Started Automatic Local System

Software Licensing

Enables the download, installation and enforcement of digital licenses for Windows and Windows applications. If the service is disabled, the operating system and licensed applications may run in a reduced function mode.

Started Automatic Network Service

Superfetch

Maintains and improves system performance over time.

Started Automatic Local System

System Event Notification Service

Monitors system events and notifies subscribers to COM+ Event System of these events.

Started Automatic Local System

Tablet PC Input Service

Enables Tablet PC pen and ink functionality.

Started Automatic Local System

Task Scheduler

Enables a user to configure and schedule automated tasks on this computer. If this service is stopped, these tasks will not be run at their scheduled times. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Started Automatic Local System

TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper

Provides support for the NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) service and NetBIOS name resolution for clients on the network, therefore enabling users to share files, print, and log on to the network. If this service is stopped, these functions might be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Started Automatic Local Service

Terminal Services

Allows users to connect interactively to a remote computer. Remote Desktop and Terminal Server depend on this service. To prevent remote use of this computer, clear the checkboxes on the Remote tab of the System properties control panel item.

Started Automatic Network Service

Themes

Provides user experience theme management.

Started Automatic Local System

UPnP Device Host

Allows UPnP devices to be hosted on this computer. If this service is stopped, any hosted UPnP devices will stop functioning and no additional hosted devices can be added. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Started Automatic Local Service

User Profile Service

This service is responsible for loading and unloading user profiles. If this service is stopped or disabled, users will no longer be able to successfully logon or logoff, applications may have problems getting to users' data, and components registered to receive profile event notifications will not receive them.

Started Automatic Local System

WebClient

Enables Windows-based programs to create, access, and modify Internet-based files. If this service is stopped, these functions will not be available. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Started Automatic Local Service

Windows Audio

Manages audio for Windows-based programs. If this service is stopped, audio devices and effects will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Started Automatic Local Service

Windows Audio Endpoint Builder

Manages audio devices for the Windows Audio service. If this service is stopped, audio devices and effects will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start

Started Automatic Local System

Windows Defender

Scan your computer for unwanted software, schedule scans, and get the latest unwanted software definitions.

Started Automatic Local System

Windows Error Reporting Service

Allows errors to be reported when programs stop working or responding and allows existing solutions to be delivered. Also allows logs to be generated for diagnostic and repair services. If this service is stopped, error reporting might not work correctly and results of diagnostic services and repairs might not be displayed.

Started Automatic Local System

Windows Event Log

This service manages events and event logs. It supports logging events, querying events, subscribing to events, archiving event logs, and managing event metadata. It can display events in both XML and plain text format. Stopping this service may compromise security and reliability of the system.

Started Automatic Local Service

Windows Firewall

Windows Firewall helps protect your computer by preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to your computer through the Internet or a network.

Started Automatic Local Service

Windows Management Instrumentation

Provides a common interface and object model to access management information about operating system, devices, applications and services. If this service is stopped, most Windows-based software will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Started Automatic Local System

Windows Search

Provides content indexing and property caching for file, email and other content (via extensibility APIs). The service responds to file and email notifications to index modified content. If the service is stopped or disabled, the Explorer will not be able to display virtual folder views of items, and search in the Explorer will fall back to item-by-item slow search.

Started Automatic Local System

Windows Time

Maintains date and time synchronization on all clients and servers in the network. If this service is stopped, date and time synchronization will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Started Automatic Local Service

Workstation

Creates and maintains client network connections to remote servers using the SMB protocol. If this service is stopped, these connections will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Started Automatic Local Service

Background Intelligent Transfer Service

Transfers files in the background using idle network bandwidth. If the service is disabled, then any applications that depend on BITS, such as Windows Update or MSN Explorer, will be unable to automatically download programs and other information.

Started Automatic (Delayed Start) Local System

KtmRm for Distributed Transaction Coordinator

Coordinates transactions between MSDTC and the Kernel Transaction Manager (KTM). Started Automatic (Delayed Start) Network Service

Security Center

Monitors system security settings and configurations.

Started Automatic (Delayed Start) Local Service

Windows Update

Enables the detection, download, and installation of updates for Windows and other programs. If this service is disabled, users of this computer will not be able to use Windows Update or its automatic updating feature, and programs will not be able to use the Windows Update Agent (WUA) API.

Started Automatic (Delayed Start) Local System

Application Information

Facilitates the running of interactive applications with additional administrative privileges. If this service is stopped, users will be unable to launch applications with the additional administrative privileges they may require to perform desired user tasks.

Started Manual Local System

Application Management

Processes installation, removal, and enumeration requests for software deployed through Group Policy. If the service is disabled, users will be unable to install, remove, or enumerate software deployed through Group Policy. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Started Manual Local System

Diagnostic System Host

The Diagnostic System Host service enables problem detection, troubleshooting and resolution for Windows components. If this service is stopped, some diagnostics will no longer function. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Started Manual Local System

Function Discovery Provider Host

Host process for Function Discovery providers.

Started Manual Local Service

Network Connections

Manages objects in the Network and Dial-Up Connections folder, in which you can view both local area network and remote connections.

Started Manual Local System

SSDP Discovery

Discovers networked devices and services that use the SSDP discovery protocol, such as UPnP devices. Also announces SSDP devices and services running on the local computer. If this service is stopped, SSDP-based devices will not be discovered. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Started Manual Local Service

Windows Connect Now - Config Registrar

Act as a Registrar, issues network credential to Enrollee. If this service is disabled, the Windows Connect Now - Config Registrar will not function properly.

Started Manual Local Service

WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service

WinHTTP implements the client HTTP stack and provides developers with a Win32 API and COM Automation component for sending HTTP requests and receiving responses. In addition, WinHTTP provides support for auto-discovering a proxy configuration via its implementation of the Web Proxy Auto-Discovery (WPAD) protocol.

Started Manual Local Service

Windows Media Center Service Launcher

Starts Windows Media Center Scheduler and Windows Media Center Receiver services at startup if TV is enabled within Windows Media Center.

Automatic (Delayed Start) Local Service

Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)

Provides network address translation, addressing, name resolution and/or intrusion prevention services for a home or small office network.

Disabled Local System

Net.Tcp Port Sharing Service

Provides ability to share TCP ports over the net.tcp protocol.

Disabled Local Service

Routing and Remote Access

Offers routing services to businesses in local area and wide area network environments.

Disabled Local System

Windows Media Center Extender Service

Allows Windows Media Center Extender devices to locate and connect to the computer.

Disabled Local Service

Application Layer Gateway Service

Provides support for 3rd party protocol plug-ins for Internet Connection Sharing

Manual Local Service

Block Level Backup Engine Service

Engine to perform block level backup and recovery of data

Manual Local System

Certificate Propagation

Propagates certificates from smart cards.

Manual Local System

CNG Key Isolation

The CNG key isolation service is hosted in the LSA process. The service provides key process isolation to private keys and associated cryptographic operations as required by the Common Criteria. The service stores and uses long-lived keys in a secure process complying with Common Criteria requirements.

Manual Local System

COM+ System Application

Manages the configuration and tracking of Component Object Model (COM)+-based components. If the service is stopped, most COM+-based components will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Manual Local System

DFS Replication

Replicates files among multiple PCs keeping them in sync. On Client, it is used to roam folders between PCs; on server, it is used to provide high availability and local access across a wide area network (WAN). If the service is stopped, file replication does not occur, and the files on the server become out-of-date. If the service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will not start.

Manual Local System

Diagnostic Service Host

The Diagnostic Service Host service enables problem detection, troubleshooting and resolution for Windows components. If this service is stopped, some diagnostics will no longer function. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Manual Local Service

Distributed Transaction Coordinator

Coordinates transactions that span multiple resource managers, such as databases, message queues, and file systems. If this service is stopped, these transactions will not occur. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Manual Network Service

Extensible Authentication Protocol

The Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) service provides network authentication in such scenarios as 802.1x wired and wireless, VPN, and Network Access Protection (NAP). EAP also provides application programming interfaces (APIs) that are used by network access clients, including wireless and VPN clients, during the authentication process. If you disable this service, this computer is prevented from accessing networks that require EAP authentication.

Manual Local System

Fax

Enables you to send and receive faxes, utilizing fax resources available on this computer or on the network.

Manual Network Service

Health Key and Certificate Management

Provides X.509 certificate and key management services for the Network Access Protection Agent (NAPAgent). Enforcement technologies that use X.509 certificates may not function properly without this service

Manual Local System

Human Interface Device Access

Enables generic input access to Human Interface Devices (HID), which activates and maintains the use of predefined hot buttons on keyboards, remote controls, and other multimedia devices. If this service is stopped, hot buttons controlled by this service will no longer function. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Manual Local System

Interactive Services Detection

Enables user notification of user input for interactive services, which enables access to dialogs created by interactive services when they appear. If this service is stopped, notifications of new interactive service dialogs will no longer function and there may no longer be access to interactive service dialogs. If this service is disabled, both notifications of and access to new interactive service dialogs will no longer function.

Manual Local System

Link-Layer Topology Discovery Mapper

Creates a Network Map, consisting of PC and device topology (connectivity) information, and metadata describing each PC and device. If this service is disabled, the Network Map will not function properly.

Manual Local Service

Microsoft .NET Framework NGEN v2.0.50727_X86

Microsoft .NET Framework NGEN

Manual Local System

Microsoft iSCSI Initiator Service

Manages Internet SCSI (iSCSI) sessions from this computer to remote iSCSI target devices. If this service is stopped, this computer will not be able to login or access iSCSI targets. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Manual Local System

Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider

Manages software-based volume shadow copies taken by the Volume Shadow Copy service. If this service is stopped, software-based volume shadow copies cannot be managed. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Manual Local System

Netlogon

Maintains a secure channel between this computer and the domain controller for authenticating users and services. If this service is stopped, the computer may not authenticate users and services and the domain controller cannot register DNS records. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Manual Local System

Network Access Protection Agent

Enables Network Access Protection (NAP) functionality on client computers

Manual Network Service

Parental Controls

This service enables Windows Parental Controls on the system. If this service is not running, Parental controls will not work.

Manual Local Service

Peer Name Resolution Protocol

Enables Serverless Peer Name Resolution over the Internet. If disabled, some Peer to Peer and Collaborative applications, such as Windows Meetings, may not function

Manual Local Service

Peer Networking Grouping

Provides Peer Networking Grouping services

Manual Local Service

Peer Networking Identity Manager

Provides Identity service for Peer Networking

Manual Local Service

Performance Logs & Alerts

Performance Logs and Alerts Collects performance data from local or remote computers based on preconfigured schedule parameters, then writes the data to a log or triggers an alert. If this service is stopped, performance information will not be collected. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Manual Local Service

PnP-X IP Bus Enumerator

The PnP-X bus enumerator service manages the virtual network bus. It discovers network connected devices using the SSDP/WS discovery protocols and gives them presence in PnP. If this service is stopped or disabled, presence of NCD devices will not be maintained in PnP. All pnpx based scenarios will stop functioning.

Manual Local System

PNRP Machine Name Publication Service

This service publishes a machine name using the Peer Name Resolution Protocol. Configuration is managed via the netsh context 'p2p pnrp peer'

Manual Local Service

Problem Reports and Solutions Control Panel Support

This service provides support for viewing, sending and deletion of system-level problem reports for the Problem Reports and Solutions control panel.

Manual Local System

Protected Storage

Provides protected storage for sensitive data, such as passwords, to prevent access by unauthorized services, processes, or users.

Manual Local System

Quality Windows Audio Video Experience

Quality Windows Audio Video Experience (qWave) is a networking platform for Audio Video (AV) streaming applications on IP home networks. qWave enhances AV streaming performance and reliability by ensuring network quality-of-service (QoS) for AV applications. It provides mechanisms for admission control, run time monitoring and enforcement, application feedback, and traffic prioritization.

Manual Local Service

Remote Access Auto Connection Manager

Creates a connection to a remote network whenever a program references a remote DNS or NetBIOS name or address.

Manual Local System

Remote Access Connection Manager

Manages dial-up and virtual private network (VPN) connections from this computer to the Internet or other remote networks. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Manual Local System

Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator

Manages the RPC name service database.

Manual Network Service

Remote Registry

Enables remote users to modify registry settings on this computer. If this service is stopped, the registry can be modified only by users on this computer. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Manual Local Service

SL UI Notification Service

Provides Software Licensing activation and notification

Manual Local Service

Smart Card

Manages access to smart cards read by this computer. If this service is stopped, this computer will be unable to read smart cards. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Manual Local Service

Smart Card Removal Policy

Allows the system to be configured to lock the user desktop upon smart card removal.

Manual Local System

SNMP Trap

Receives trap messages generated by local or remote Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) agents and forwards the messages to SNMP management programs running on this computer. If this service is stopped, SNMP-based programs on this computer will not receive SNMP trap messages. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Manual Local Service

Telephony

Provides Telephony API (TAPI) support for programs that control telephony devices on the local computer and, through the LAN, on servers that are also running the service.

Manual Network Service

Terminal Services Configuration

Terminal Services Configuration service (TSCS) is responsible for all Terminal Services and Remote Desktop related configuration and session maintenance activities that require SYSTEM context. These include per-session temporary folders, TS themes, and TS certificates.

Manual Local System

Terminal Services UserMode Port Redirector

Allows the redirection of Printers/Drives/Ports for RDP connections

Manual Local System

Thread Ordering Server

Provides ordered execution for a group of threads within a specific period of time.

Manual Local Service

TPM Base Services

Enables access to the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), which provides hardware-based cryptographic services to system components and applications. If this service is stopped or disabled, applications will be unable to use keys protected by the TPM.

Manual Local Service

Virtual Disk

Provides management services for disks, volumes, file systems, and, hardward array objects such as subsystems, luns, controllers, etc.

Manual Local System

Volume Shadow Copy

Manages and implements Volume Shadow Copies used for backup and other purposes. If this service is stopped, shadow copies will be unavailable for backup and the backup may fail. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Manual Local System

Windows Backup

Provides Windows Backup and Restore capabilities.

Manual Local System

Windows CardSpace

Securely enables the creation, management, and disclosure of digital identities.

Manual Local System

Windows Color System

The WcsPlugInService service hosts third-party Windows Color System color device model and gamut map model plug-in modules. These plug-in modules are vendor-specific extensions to the Windows Color System baseline color device and gamut map models. Stopping or disabling the WcsPlugInService service will disable this extensibility feature, and the Windows Color System will use its baseline model processing rather than the vendor's desired processing. This might result in inaccurate color rendering.

Manual Local Service

Windows Driver Foundation - User-mode Driver Framework

Manages user-mode driver host processes

Manual Local System

Windows Event Collector

This service manages persistent subscriptions to events from remote sources that support WS-Management protocol. This includes Windows Vista event logs, hardware and IPMI-enabled event sources. The service stores forwarded events in a local Event Log. If this service is stopped or disabled event subscriptions cannot be created and forwarded events cannot be accepted.

Manual Network Service

Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)

Provides image acquisition services for scanners and cameras

Manual Local Service

Windows Installer

Adds, modifies, and removes applications provided as a Windows Installer (*.msi) package. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Manual Local System

Windows Media Center Receiver Service

Windows Media Center Service for TV and FM broadcast reception

Manual Network Service

Windows Media Center Scheduler Service

Starts and stops recording of TV programs within Windows Media Center

Manual Network Service

Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service

Shares Windows Media Player libraries to other networked players and media devices using Universal Plug and Play

Manual Network Service

Windows Modules Installer

Enables installation, modification, and removal of Windows updates and optional components. If this service is disabled, install or uninstall of Windows updates might fail for this computer.

Manual Local System

Windows Presentation Foundation Font Cache 3.0.0.0

Optimizes performance of Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) applications by caching commonly used font data. WPF applications will start this service if it is not already running. It can be disabled, though doing so will degrade the performance of WPF applications.

Manual Local Service

Windows Remote Management (WS-Management)

Windows Remote Management (WinRM) service implements the WS-Management protocol for remote management. WS-Management is a standard web services protocol used for remote software and hardware management. The WinRM service listens on the network for WS-Management requests and processes them. The WinRM Service needs to be configured with a listener using winrm.cmd command line tool or through Group Policy in order for it to listen over the network. The WinRM service provides access to WMI data and enables event collection. Event collection and subscription to events require that the service is running. WinRM messages use HTTP and HTTPS as transports. The WinRM service does not depend on IIS but is preconfigured to share a port with IIS on the same machine. The WinRM service reserves the /wsman URL prefix. To prevent conflicts with IIS, administrators should ensure that any websites hosted on IIS do not use the /wsman URL prefix.

Manual Network Service

Wired AutoConfig

This service performs IEEE 802.1X authentication on Ethernet interfaces

Manual Local System

WLAN AutoConfig

This service enumerates WLAN adapters, manages WLAN connections and profiles.

Manual Local System

WMI Performance Adapter

Provides performance library information from Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) providers to clients on the network. This service only runs when Performance Data Helper is activated.

Manual Local System

Edited by Jeremy
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Obviously some of them could simply be disabled because they wouldn't be used with some set-ups. I'd recommend that you just don't disable them instead set the ones you don't use to 'Manual' in case they are needed then they will start up. Some you can't disable in the GUI and need to do in the registry. for example: Task Scheduler - need to disable in registry (see the Vista Tricks and Tips section - i posted something about this)

Theres a list somewhere, I don't have it with me right now but i'll find it again and post it later unless someone posts first.

Wow :blink:

I wonder how much better performance could be obtained by disabling most of those...

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Obviously some of them could simply be disabled because they wouldn't be used with some set-ups. I'd recommend that you just don't disable them instead set the ones you don't use to 'Manual' in case they are needed then they will start up. Some you can't disable in the GUI and need to do in the registry. for example: Task Scheduler - need to disable in registry (see the Vista Tricks and Tips section - i posted something about this)

Theres a list somewhere, I don't have it with me right now but i'll find it again and post it later unless someone posts first.

Wow :blink:

I wonder how much better performance could be obtained by disabling most of those...

over the next couple of days i will be working to the services in vista.... and seeing which ones can be sussesfully disabled without huge difference to functionality

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OK, here are some services you may be able to do without from a list i got from somewhere, don't remember right now, with a few changes in the wording, and a few of my own experieces included - as always USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. And...also...just because a service is started doesn't mean its actually doing anything, some just start to be ready 'just in case' and really don't do anything else so its entirely possible that you will see services started that are not really using system resources and impacting performance.

Computer Browser: Maintains an updated list of computers on the network and supplies this list to computers designated as browsers. If you aren't on a network environment, set to Disabled. If your on a home network leave this enabled. You will not see a performace boost from disabling it.

Desktop Window Manager Session Manager: Provides Desktop Window Manager startup and maintenance services. If you are not running the Aero Glass transparency interface, set to Disabled. (OK, for slow machines or those that lack a lot of memory or great Vid cards after youv'e looked at Aero Glass for a while, if you turn it off you will notice an improvement, so consider doing away with the Aero Glass unless you have a fast machine with a great Vid card and lots of memory. Pretty eye-candy is nice but if your more interested in peformance then consider loosing Aero maybe and going to a classic desktop.). Actually the performace gain from disabling the Aero theme is not from disabling the service, its from lessening the load on the Vid card and memory.

Distributed Link Tracking Client: Maintains links between NTFS files within a computer or across computers in a network. If you don't have links between NTFS Files, set to Disabled. Don't disable this if your using SQL or something on a home network. You will not see a performace boost from disabling it but if your not on a network or have links then why bother.

IP Helper: Provides automatic IPv6 connectivity over an IPv4 network. If you don't need IPv6 support, set to Disabled. It really doesn't hurt to leave this enable, you will not see a performace boost from disabling it.

Offline Files: The Offline Files service performs maintenance activities on the Offline Files cache, responds to user logon and logoff events, implements the internals of the public API, and dispatches interesting events to those interested in Offline Files activities and changes in cache state. If you don't use offline files, set to Disabled. Yep, you will see some difference with this disabled for access times sometimes because everytime something starts up for some reason offline files are checked, however, overall, you will not see a performace boost from disabling it.

Portable Device Enumerator Service: Enforces group policy for removable mass-storage devices. Enables applications such as Windows Media Player and Image Import Wizard to transfer and synchronize content using removable mass-storage devices. If you don't own any portable device, set to Disabled. If you do then set it to Manual. You will not see a performace boost from disabling it.

Print Spooler: Loads files to memory for later printing. If you have no printer installed in your system, set to Disable. If you do have a printer or you decide to install one later, make sure to Enable this service otherwise your printer installation may fail. This service manages the printing priority in your system plus the order in which documents will be printed after loading them to memory. You will not see a performace boost from disabling it.

Program Compatibility Assistant Service: Provides support for the Program Compatibility Assistant.

If you don't use the Program Compatibility Assisant, set to Disabled. You will not see a performace boost from disabling it.

ReadyBoost: Provides support for improving system performance using ReadyBoost.

If you don't use USB drives (flash drives) as a memory booster, set to Disabled. Otherwise buy a flash drive, connect it to your USB port and use it as system memory you will notice an improvement in performance (well...at least some people do, make sure the flash drive memory is at least equal to the memory installed in the machine). You will not see a performace boost from disabling it.

Security Center: Monitors system security settings and configurations. If you run an Antivirus software, firewall, etc and you don't want Windows to monitor your system security configuration, set to Disabled. Note that this action must be taken only if you monitor and take care of your system security by yourself. Most users use third party applications to secure their OS. If that's your case you do NOT need to have this service enabled. You do see a slight boost sometimes in some areas but its subjective, actually there is no performance boost from disabling it it just seems like there is but there really isn't.

Server: Supports file, print, and named-pipe sharing over the network for this computer.

If you don't send files or print them over a network, set to Disabled. Your system doesn't need to run as a server at anytime unless your have a Home network to share files and print documents. You will not see a performace boost from disabling it.

Table PC Input Service: Enables Tablet PC pen and ink functionality. If you don't toy with Tablet PC, set to Disabled...unless...if you plan on using the neat little snipping tool with Vista then don't disable this. You will not see a performace boost from disabling it.

TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper: Provides support for the NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) service and NetBIOS name resolution for clients on the network, therefore enabling users to share files, print, and log on to the network.

If you don't plan to share files between computers within a network, set to Disabled. You will not see a performace boost from disabling it.

Terminal Services: Allows users to connect interactively to a remote computer. If you don't remotely connect to other computers, set to Disabled. You will not see a performace boost from disabling it.

WebClient: Enables Windows-based programs to create, access, and modify Internet-based files.

If you don't use it, set to Disable. The WebClient service provides WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning) integration in the Explorer shell. It makes it possible to use "web folders" and to browse the file systems of web servers (not unlike FTP, but better - adds secure password authentication and file locking) within an Explorer window. WebDAV is an extension of the HTTP/1.1 protocol. It is not needed. You can use Internet Explorer 5 and above for this functionality (File > Open > enter URL and check the "Open as Web Folder" checkbox), as well as a host of other downloadable tools that implement WebDAV. You will not see a performace boost from disabling it.

Windows Defender: Scan your computer for unwanted software, schedule scans, and get the latest software definitions. Its not all that bad as some might think but If you don't want it then disable it, it does help on slower systems to disable it but make sure your running something to protect your system. Oh faster systems you don't see that big of an improvement by disabling it, although disabling it does speed up start up and log-in a little, overall, you will not see a performace boost from disabling it..

Windows Error Reporting Service: Allows errors to be reported when programs stop working or responding and allows existing solutions to be delivered. Also allows logs to be generated for diagnostic and repair services. If you feel bothered when a program stops working and Windows asks you to send a report, set to Disabled. Bye bye report. You can leave it as is if you think you may need it for reports and troubleshooting. I'd recommend that you leave this enabled as error reporting, although its not too obvious in Vista, helps drive many things for performance tuning and it just doesn't ask you to send a report like many are thinking. You will not see a performace boost from disabling it.

Windows Time: Maintains date and time synchronization on all clients and servers in the network.

If you don't need to keep your system synchronized, set to Disabled. (It auto-updates the system clock). In a practical sense if your BIOS clock is correct the windows clock will be correct also. If your BIOS clock is not correct and doesn't stay correct after you set it then it might be time for a new CMOS battery on the mother board. You will not see a performace boost from disabling it.

Windows Update: Enables the detection, download, and installation of updates for Windows and other programs. Its not necessary to have this running 24/7, after all if you get a new update its going to prompt you to restart anyway so you might just as well check for updates your self. Recommend you set this service to Manual and check for updates manually once a week or maybe once every 15 days. Note: changing it to Manual will prevent the service from running when the system boots up but it will be automatically loaded when you run Windows Update manually. To run Windows Update, click on Start/ All Programs/ Windows Update. You will not see a performace boost from disabling it.

Edited by Spooky
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Yes, i understand exactly what he's saying. You will not see much of a performace boost by disabling services. Services in Vista have a different sturcture than XP and are designed to have minimal impact on system performance.

actually services have no architecture in vista so even if one disables them all he'll not see as great improvements as in xp

Does anyone else besides me find that to make no sense at all? :wacko:

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Yeah suure...small impact seems small because machines which are running Vista are usually dual core and have 1GB ram or more.

Disable Search indexing and tell me you don't see a speedup. To index constantly only that search which I do once a month can go quicker is insane but that's just my opinion.

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what are you running? I haven't noticed any performance impact from it. How does it work out for you if you turn it off?

Yeah suure...small impact seems small because machines which are running Vista are usually dual core and have 1GB ram or more.

Disable Search indexing and tell me you don't see a speedup. To index constantly only that search which I do once a month can go quicker is insane but that's just my opinion.

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Just check in Task Manager 3 processes taking CPU time for that indexing.

I'm on Core 2 Duo 6600. It's not like it's going two times faster with it disabled, it is in the response time, slight but there. And then multiply that by 20-30 useless services to me and you get a significant boost.

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while its indexing thats normal. But it shouldn't be indexing that much after the initial install, mostly when you delete something, change something, or install/add something. Can you qualify 'significant boost'? If you disable 20-30 services thats like 60 - 80 % of the services and then you'll see a very significant performance loss. You haven't actually disabled that many have you? Well...yeah, its slight but the 'slightness' is only temporary, it doesn't have any significant effect on total performance just maybe at certain times. I hardly see any indexing at all and then when it does do something its really fast and I don;t see any performance hit with it at all. I saw the services your talking about but mine aren't using any CPU time like they are doing anything, they are idle with 0 CPU time being used. My Vista boxes are not on the internet right now while I make some network changes but i'll look again when I bring them back on line.

How much indexing are you seeing? Continual, intermittant, more then twice every few minutes, several times an hour...?

Just check in Task Manager 3 processes taking CPU time for that indexing.

I'm on Core 2 Duo 6600. It's not like it's going two times faster with it disabled, it is in the response time, slight but there. And then multiply that by 20-30 useless services to me and you get a significant boost.

Edited by Spooky
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