30+ Windows 11 Services to Disable for Gaming

Windows 11 is the latest operating system released by Microsoft, and it comes with a lot of features that enhance user experience. However, not all of these features and services are necessary for gamers. While some may argue that these services have only a minor impact on computer performance, for slower computers with lower-end hardware, every bit of performance counts.

In this article, we will be discussing the Windows 11 services you can safely disable for better gaming and performance, as well as providing tips on how to further improve your computer’s performance on Windows 11.

Windows 11 Services to Disable for Gaming

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What to Do Before Disabling Services in Windows 11

Before disabling any services in Windows, it’s important to take a few steps to ensure that you don’t accidentally disable a critical service and negatively impact your system. Here are some steps you can take before disabling services in Windows:

Create a System Restore Point

Creating a system restore point before disabling services is an essential step. This ensures that you can restore your system to a previous state if you experience any issues after disabling services. To create a system restore point, search for “Create a restore point” in the Windows search bar, then click on “Create” to create a new restore point.

Research the Service

Before disabling a service, it’s important to research the service to understand what it does and whether it’s necessary for your system. You can search for the service name online to find more information about its purpose and whether it can be safely disabled.

Disable Services One at a Time

To ensure that you don’t accidentally disable critical services, it’s best to disable services one at a time and test your system after each change. This way, you can identify which service is causing any issues and easily revert the change.

Monitor Your System

After disabling services, it’s important to monitor your system to ensure that it’s running smoothly. If you notice any issues, you can easily restore your system to the previous restore point and re-enable any services that you disabled.

The Risks of Disabling Windows Services

While disabling unnecessary services can improve system performance and free up resources, it’s important to note that disabling the wrong services can have potential risks. Some of the risks of disabling Windows services include:

Security risks – Disabling certain services may pose security risks as they may be responsible for running security features, such as Windows Defender or Windows Firewall. Disabling these services may leave your system vulnerable to threats, viruses, and other malicious attacks.

Stability risks – Disabling certain services may also lead to stability risks, as they may be responsible for running critical system components. Disabling these services may cause system crashes, freezes, and other errors, which can negatively impact your user experience.

Compatibility issues – Disabling certain services may also cause compatibility issues with certain programs and applications. These services may be required for the proper functioning of specific applications or hardware devices, and disabling them may cause those programs or devices to stop working.

Unsupported configurations – Disabling certain services may lead to unsupported configurations and may prevent your system from receiving updates or new features from Microsoft. This can cause your system to become outdated and vulnerable to security threats.

Related issue: How to Fix Game Stuttering on Windows 11

30+ Windows 11 services you can safely disable

Disabling unnecessary Windows 11 services may help improve gaming performance and free up system resources. However, it’s important to know which services to disable and which ones to keep enabled for the sake of system stability and security.

Some Windows 11 services are essential for running basic functions, security features, and maintaining the seamless Windows experience, and we won’t be discussing those. In this article, we’ll focus on the services you can safely disable to improve gaming and overall system performance.

Keep in mind that even among the services we’ll list, some may be required in specific cases. It’s important to read their basic descriptions to understand when a service may be needed and which ones can be turned off without issue.

Connected User Experiences and Telemetry: This service collects usage data and sends it to Microsoft for analysis. If you’re concerned about privacy, you can safely disable it.
Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service: This service enables touch keyboard and handwriting input for touch-enabled screens. If you don’t have a touch-enabled screen, you can disable it.
Netlogon: This service helps establish and secure channels between a computer and the domain controller. If you’re not part of a domain or network, you can safely disable it.
Xbox Live Services: These services enable Xbox app features such as accessory management, game saves, and networking. If you don’t use the Xbox app, you can disable them.
Windows Image Acquisition: This service is needed for scanners and digital cameras. If you don’t have these devices or don’t plan to use them, you can disable the service.
Geolocation Service: This service allows apps to provide location-based services and notifications. If you don’t want your location to be tracked, you can disable it.
Program Compatibility Assistant Service: This service detects software incompatibility issues for old games and software. If you’re not using legacy software, you can disable it.
Device Management Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) Push message Routing Service: This service collects and sends user data to Microsoft. If you value your privacy, you can disable it.
Retail Demo Service: This service is only meant for vendors and retailers who showcase Windows features to customers. If you’re not a vendor or retailer, you can safely disable it.
Windows Error Reporting Service: This service allows the reporting of issues and logs to be generated when a program stops working or responding. In most cases, you can safely disable it.
Internet connection sharing: This service is only required for small home or office networks where connection sharing, translation, and intrusion prevention are needed. If you’re not part of any such network, you can disable it.
Print Spooler: This service is needed for printing. If you haven’t connected to a printer in a while or don’t plan to use one, you can disable the service.
Certificate propagation: This service is related to the Smart Card service and is needed to detect when a Smart Card is plugged in and install drivers for it. If you don’t use Smart Cards, you can disable it.
Enterprise App Management Service: This service is needed to manage enterprise apps provided by organizations and companies. If you’re not part of an organization or company, you can disable it.
Windows Biometric Service: This service is only needed for computers and laptops with fingerprint sensors. If you don’t have a fingerprint sensor, you can disable it.
Windows Insider Service: This service is only meant for Windows Insiders who test upcoming features. If you’re not a Windows Insider, you can disable it.
Network connection broker: This service lets Microsoft Store apps get notifications from the internet. If you don’t use Microsoft Store apps, you can disable it.
Remote Desktop Configuration and Remote Desktop Services: These services let you connect to other PCs in the vicinity. If you don’t need remote connectivity, you can disable them.
Portable Device Enumerator Service: This service is needed for making group policy changes for removable drives and to synchronize content for applications like Windows Media Player and Image Import Wizard
Parental Control: This service allows parents to put restrictions on what their kids can access on the internet. If you don’t have kids or know how to filter content for them on the browser, you can disable it.
Windows Mobile Hotspot Service: This service is needed for sharing your mobile’s internet connection with your PC. If you don’t use this feature, you can disable the service.
Windows Connect Now: This service is needed for desktops and laptops to connect to wireless networks and devices. If you have a desktop setup without a wireless card, you don’t need this service and can disable it.
Smart Card and other related services: These services enable Windows to use Smart Cards for security purposes in corporations and large organizations. If you’re a home user or your organization doesn’t require Smart Cards, you can disable them.
Windows event log: This service allows logs to be generated about Windows events, such as querying, subscribing to, and archiving events. If you don’t need this service, you can disable it.
Remote Registry: This service lets any user access and modify the Windows registry. For security purposes, it’s recommended that you disable this service, although your ability to edit the registry locally or as admin won’t be affected.
Phone Service: This service is needed for the Your Phone app and its features. If you don’t use the app, you can disable the service.
Downloaded Maps Manager: This service is only needed for Bing Maps. If you don’t use Bing Maps, you can disable the service.
AllJoyn Router Service: This service lets you connect Windows to the Internet of Things (IoT) and communicate with smart devices. If you’re not using any IoT devices, you can turn it off.
FAX: This service is only needed if you plan to send or receive faxes. If not, you can disable it.
Secondary logon: This service allows standard users to run specific applications with admin privileges. If you’re the only user of your PC, you can disable this service.

Also see: GPU 100% Usage When Idle or Gaming (Good or Bad)

How to Disable Services in Windows 11

There are different methods to disable services in Windows 11. Here are two popular methods that you can use:

Using Services.msc

Services.msc is a built-in Windows 11 tool that allows you to view and modify system services. Here’s how to use Services.msc to disable services:

Open the Start menu and search for “Services“.
Click on the “Services” app to open it.
In the Services window, locate the service that you want to disable.
Right-click on the service and select “Properties“.
In the Properties window, under the “General” tab, change the “Startup type” to “Disabled“.
Click on the “Apply” button to save the changes.
Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

While you can straightaway select “Disabled” for the Startup type option, it’s a better idea to stop a service and set it to manual instead of disabling it completely. This will prevent the service from starting automatically with Windows, but you can still start it manually if needed.

Here’s how to stop a service and set it to manual using Services.msc:

Follow step 1-3 in the instruction above.
Right-click on the service and select “Stop“.
Right-click on the service again and select “Properties“.
In the Properties window, under the “General” tab, change the “Startup type” to “Manual“.
Click on the “Apply” button to save the changes.
Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Using MSConfig

MSConfig is another built-in Windows 11 tool that allows you to modify system services. Here’s how to use msconfig to disable services:

Open the Start menu and search for “msconfig“.
Click on the “System Configuration” app to open it.
In the System Configuration window, select the “Services” tab.
Locate the service that you want to disable.
Uncheck the box next to the service to disable it.
Click on the “Apply” button to save the changes.
Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

It’s important to note that not all services can be safely disabled. Some services are critical for the functioning of your system and should not be disabled. Before disabling any services, it’s important to research the service to understand its purpose and whether it can be safely disabled.

Also, as mentioned earlier, it’s best to disable services one at a time and test your system after each change. This will help you identify any issues caused by the change and easily revert the change if necessary.

Additional Tips to Improve Windows 11 Performance for Gaming

Disabling unnecessary services is just one way to improve your computer’s performance for gaming. Here are some additional tips that you can try to further optimize your system.

Using O&O ShutUp10++

O&O ShutUp10++ is a free tool that allows you to disable privacy-related features and services in Windows 11 that are not essential for gaming. By disabling these features and services, you can free up system resources and improve gaming performance.

Here’s how to use O&O ShutUp10++:

Download and install O&O ShutUp10++ from the official website.
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https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10
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Launch the program.
Browse through the list of features and services that can be disabled and select the ones that you want to disable.
To apply recommended settings, click the “Actions” drop-down menu and select “Apply only recommended settings” (or other options that better suit your need). To undo changes, select “Undo all changes“.
Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

It’s important to note that disabling certain privacy-related features and services may affect the functionality of other programs and services, so it’s important to proceed with caution and only disable the ones that are not essential for your system’s functioning.

Using Optimizer

Optimizer by hellzerg is another free tool that can help improve gaming performance on Windows 11. This tool optimizes your system’s settings and tweaks certain features to free up system resources and boost gaming performance.

Here’s how to use Optimizer by hellzerg:

Download and install Optimizer from its GitHub releases page.
Launch the program and explore each tab.
Browse through the list of settings that can be optimized and select the ones that you want to apply.
Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

It’s important to note that optimizing certain settings may affect the functionality of other programs and services, so it’s important to proceed with caution and only optimize the ones that are not essential for your system’s functioning.

To Wrap Things Up

In summary, Windows 11 comes with many features and services, but not all of them are necessary for gamers. Disabling unnecessary services can improve computer performance and enhance the gaming experience. Just remember to take precautions and disable services safely. You can also use additional tools such as O&O ShutUp10++ or Optimizer by hellzerg to further improve performance. With these tips, you can get the most out of your Windows 11 system for gaming.