Microsoft is finally bringing Xbox Live to Windows PCs and phones in a meaningful way with Windows 10, and with it comes the possibility of online multiplayer gaming using Microsoft's gaming. Win+G it with Xbox Game Bar, the customizable, gaming overlay built into Windows 10. Xbox Game Bar works with most PC games, giving you instant access to widgets for screen capture and sharing, finding new teammates with LFG, monitoring and closing resource-heavy applications, and chatting with Xbox friends across Xbox console, mobile, and PC—all without leaving your game. 6 things you can do with the Xbox app in Windows 10. Stream games from your Xbox One to your PC. Allowing you to stream games from your Xbox One console to your Windows 10 PC is probably the best. Manage installed games. Socialize with other gamers. Check your gaming.
While working on a Windows PC—generally—we never think or care about various types of services that constantly run in the background. Some of these services (processes) are absolutely necessary to power the important features and functions we use on a daily basis. But, some of these background services are either never used or are rarely used by us. Naturally, these unnecessary services take system resources to run and function—continuously. This guide is aimed at identifying these unnecessary services which can be disabled altogether after scrutinizing each one of them. Though I've shortlisted such services, the exact pool of services that needs to be disabled on your PC entirely depends on your requirements. If you think a specific service is mandatory for your daily work, skip it altogether. Some of these services may be available only on a Windows 10 Pro edition. Always take a note of services you're going to disable. Let's get started and find out all the unnecessary background services running on our Windows PC.Let me emphasize once again that the services you want to disable are only and only dependent on your needs. Apart from that, if you're absolutely not sure about the working of a service—simply—skip it!
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If you're using a home desktop PC or a Windows 10 laptop and that too far, not attached to a local network, almost all of the background services mentioned below can be safely disabled.
1. AllJoyn Router Service
Display Name: AllJoyn Router Service
Command: C:WINDOWSsystem32svchost.exe -k LocalServiceNetworkRestricted -p
Default Startup: Manual (Trigger Start)
Dependencies: None
If you're either not using smart devices (e.g. smart bulb) in your home or simply doesn't want to control them through your PC, go ahead and disable this service without giving a second thought.
In the future, if you ever install smart devices in your home, enable this service again to manage them easily while sitting in front of your computer screen.
2. Connected User Experiences and Telemetry
Display Name: Connected User Experiences and Telemetry
Command: C:WINDOWSSystem32svchost.exe -k utcsvc -p
Default Startup: Automatic
Dependencies: DCOM Server Process Launcher, RPC Endpoint Mapper
The name of this service itself hints at its functionality. Privacy-focused users should definitely disable this service—without any fail. This service collects event-driven usage pattern data.
This data is sent back to Microsoft to assess and analyze how the users are using the Windows system on a daily basis. This assessment is used to improve the Windows platform.
3. Distributed Link Tracking Client
Display Name: Distributed Link Tracking Client
Command: C:WINDOWSSystem32svchost.exe -k LocalSystemNetworkRestricted -p
Default Startup: Automatic
Dependencies: DCOM Server Process Launcher, RPC Endpoint Mapper
This service maintains the file links on an NTFS volume both locally and on the local network. The file links work correctly even if they're renamed or removed.
Generally, a normal user never needs this service and one should disable it—all together. If you're using links to a lot of NTFS files on a local network, you may want to use this service.
4. Device Management Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) Push message Routing Service
Display Name: Device Management Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) Push message Routing Service
Command: C:WINDOWSsystem32svchost.exe -k netsvcs -p
Default Startup: Manual
Dependencies: DCOM Server Process Launcher, RPC Endpoint Mapper
This is yet another service associated with data collection and telemetry. Though by default, it starts on a manual basis, I'll strongly recommend disabling it on your computer.
Even Microsoft's official documentation places no objection on disabling this service. This is one of the first services I disable on a new Windows 10 PC to strengthen the privacy of the user.
5. Downloaded Maps Manager
Display Name: Downloaded Maps Manager
Command: C:WINDOWSSystem32svchost.exe -k NetworkService -p
Default Startup: Automatic (Delayed Start)
Dependencies: DCOM Server Process Launcher, RPC Endpoint Mapper
If you prefer to use Google Maps within the web browser and never use Microsoft (Bing) Maps, you don't need this service. This service facilitates access to the downloaded maps for the relevant applications.
If you're never going to use such kind of apps, disable this service. It's completely safe to turn-off and doesn't affect your system performance in any way.
6. Fax Service
Display Name: Fax
Command: C:WINDOWSsystem32fxssvc.exe
Default Startup: Manual
Dependencies: Print Spooler, Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Telephony
In fact, in this modern era, even offices are relying less on Fax services. If you ever want to use this service, make sure both the print spooler as well as the telephony services are active as well.
7. Offline Files
Display Name: Offline Files
Command: C:WINDOWSSystem32svchost.exe -k LocalSystemNetworkRestricted -p
Default Startup: Manual (Trigger Start)
Dependencies: DCOM Server Process Launcher, RPC Endpoint Mapper
If your Windows 10 PC is connected to a local network and you often access network folders both in online and offline mode, this service is essential for you. Otherwise, disable it.
Most home computers are standalone systems and therefore do not need this service at all. In case, you ever decide to use this service, make sure the offline cached files are stored in encrypted form.
8. Parental Controls
Display Name: Parental Controls
Command: C:WINDOWSsystem32svchost.exe -k LocalService
Default Startup: Manual
Dependencies: None
This feature was first introduced in Windows Vista. At first glance, it may look like an absolutely essential service to the parents who're worried about their kids accessing the internet.
But nowadays, you can exercise and control content filtering both at the DNS and browser level. In fact, one can also use specialized software for the same. So, I'll recommend you to disable this service.
9. Portable Device Enumerator Service
Display Name: Portable Device Enumerator Service
Command: C:WINDOWSsystem32svchost.exe -k LocalSystemNetworkRestricted
Default Startup: Manual (Trigger Start)
Dependencies: DCOM Server Process Launcher, RPC Endpoint Mapper
If you're using Windows 10 Pro and have created custom group policies for the removable mass storage devices, you may use this service. But generally, this is not the case with a typical home computer.
Therefore, I'll strongly advise you to disable this unnecessary service. Remember, it won't affect your general USB stick usage unless you create custom group policies for the same.
10. Program Compatibility Assistant Service
Display Name: Program Compatibility Assistant Service
Command: C:WINDOWSsystem32svchost.exe -k LocalSystemNetworkRestricted -p
Default Startup: Manual
Dependencies: DCOM Server Process Launcher, RPC Endpoint Mapper
If you love to run legacy or poorly maintained applications on your Windows 10 PC, you may need this service. This service checks for compatibility problems while installing an application.
In most cases, you'll never need this service so it is advisable to disable this service. I've myself have not disabled it because I use a few legacy applications on my PC.
11. Remote Registry
Display Name: Remote Registry
Command: C:WINDOWSsystem32svchost.exe -k localService -p
Default Startup: Automatic
Dependencies: DCOM Server Process Launcher, RPC Endpoint Mapper
This service enables remote users (with enough privileges) to access and edit the PC's local registry. Naturally, in almost all of the cases, we never need this feature.
For your computer's safety and security, I'll recommend disabling this service. Your local registry editing operations are not affected by this service—in any way.
12. Retail Demo Service
Display Name: Retail Demo Service
Command: C:WINDOWSSystem32svchost.exe -k rdxgroup
Default Startup: Manual
Dependencies: None
This service is generally used by retailers and vendors to run the PC in the demo mode to showcase the operating system's features to the potential customers and resellers.
Xbox Live Windows 10
It's quite obvious that the customer himself will never need to run his PC in the demo mode. Therefore, go ahead and disable this service with confidence as it's not going to affect your computer's functioning.
In fact, in this modern era, even offices are relying less on Fax services. If you ever want to use this service, make sure both the print spooler as well as the telephony services are active as well.
7. Offline Files
Display Name: Offline Files
Command: C:WINDOWSSystem32svchost.exe -k LocalSystemNetworkRestricted -p
Default Startup: Manual (Trigger Start)
Dependencies: DCOM Server Process Launcher, RPC Endpoint Mapper
If your Windows 10 PC is connected to a local network and you often access network folders both in online and offline mode, this service is essential for you. Otherwise, disable it.
Most home computers are standalone systems and therefore do not need this service at all. In case, you ever decide to use this service, make sure the offline cached files are stored in encrypted form.
8. Parental Controls
Display Name: Parental Controls
Command: C:WINDOWSsystem32svchost.exe -k LocalService
Default Startup: Manual
Dependencies: None
This feature was first introduced in Windows Vista. At first glance, it may look like an absolutely essential service to the parents who're worried about their kids accessing the internet.
But nowadays, you can exercise and control content filtering both at the DNS and browser level. In fact, one can also use specialized software for the same. So, I'll recommend you to disable this service.
9. Portable Device Enumerator Service
Display Name: Portable Device Enumerator Service
Command: C:WINDOWSsystem32svchost.exe -k LocalSystemNetworkRestricted
Default Startup: Manual (Trigger Start)
Dependencies: DCOM Server Process Launcher, RPC Endpoint Mapper
If you're using Windows 10 Pro and have created custom group policies for the removable mass storage devices, you may use this service. But generally, this is not the case with a typical home computer.
Therefore, I'll strongly advise you to disable this unnecessary service. Remember, it won't affect your general USB stick usage unless you create custom group policies for the same.
10. Program Compatibility Assistant Service
Display Name: Program Compatibility Assistant Service
Command: C:WINDOWSsystem32svchost.exe -k LocalSystemNetworkRestricted -p
Default Startup: Manual
Dependencies: DCOM Server Process Launcher, RPC Endpoint Mapper
If you love to run legacy or poorly maintained applications on your Windows 10 PC, you may need this service. This service checks for compatibility problems while installing an application.
In most cases, you'll never need this service so it is advisable to disable this service. I've myself have not disabled it because I use a few legacy applications on my PC.
11. Remote Registry
Display Name: Remote Registry
Command: C:WINDOWSsystem32svchost.exe -k localService -p
Default Startup: Automatic
Dependencies: DCOM Server Process Launcher, RPC Endpoint Mapper
This service enables remote users (with enough privileges) to access and edit the PC's local registry. Naturally, in almost all of the cases, we never need this feature.
For your computer's safety and security, I'll recommend disabling this service. Your local registry editing operations are not affected by this service—in any way.
12. Retail Demo Service
Display Name: Retail Demo Service
Command: C:WINDOWSSystem32svchost.exe -k rdxgroup
Default Startup: Manual
Dependencies: None
This service is generally used by retailers and vendors to run the PC in the demo mode to showcase the operating system's features to the potential customers and resellers.
Xbox Live Windows 10
It's quite obvious that the customer himself will never need to run his PC in the demo mode. Therefore, go ahead and disable this service with confidence as it's not going to affect your computer's functioning.
13. Secondary Logon
Display Name: Secondary Logon
Command: C:WINDOWSsystem32svchost.exe -k netsvcs -p
Default Startup: Manual
Dependencies: None
This service is often used by a non-privileged account to temporarily use a privileged account (without logging off) to run and complete a specific task. It's somewhat similar to Linux
sudo command.For most home users, this service is of no use. Because it has no dependencies, you can enable or disable it in the future—without any issues. I keep it disabled and advice the same to you too.
14. TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Display Name: TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Command: C:WINDOWSSystem32svchost.exe -k LocalServiceNetworkRestricted -p
Default Startup: Manual (Trigger Start)
Dependencies: Ancillary Function Driver for Winsock
If your Windows PC is connected to a local network powered by NetBIOS over TCP/IP, this service is essential to facilitate smooth network operations. It's basically a legacy networking protocol.
Nowadays, the NetBIOS protocol is not used on modern computers. Therefore, one can disable it. Especially, standalone Windows PC should disable it as this service is of no use on such systems.
15. Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service
Display Name: Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service
Command: C:WINDOWSSystem32svchost.exe -k LocalSystemNetworkRestricted -p
Default Startup: Manual (Trigger Start)
Dependencies: DCOM Server Process Launcher, RPC Endpoint Mapper
Once again, the name of this service gives you a clear hint that what it is all about. This service facilitates the functioning of the touch keyboard and handwriting operations for touch-enabled screens.
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If your Windows 10 PC does not have a touch-enabled screen, this service is useless for you. In such a case, you can disable it—right away. On my PC too, I've kept it disabled.
16. Windows Error Reporting Service
Display Name: Windows Error Reporting Service
Command: C:WINDOWSSystem32svchost.exe -k WerSvcGroup
Default Startup: Manual
Dependencies: None
This is one of the important services listed here one must disable on his PC. This service generates the error and diagnostics data logs for the applications installed on your Windows PC.
This data is sent to both Microsoft and to the relevant third-party entities. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you disable this data collection and sharing service.
17. Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)
Display Name: Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)
Command: C:WINDOWSsystem32svchost.exe -k imgsvc
Default Startup: Manual
Dependencies: DCOM Server Process Launcher, RPC Endpoint Mapper
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If you're not connecting a scanner or a still picture digital camera to your PC, this service is not needed at all. If it's the other way around, you may need this service to acquire images from such devices.
If you keep this service in its default state, it starts automatically upon detection of a device which relies on it for proper functioning. If you're planning to buy such a device, do not disable this service.
18. Windows Insider Service
Display Name: Windows Insider Service
Command: C:WINDOWSsystem32svchost.exe -k netsvcs -p
Default Startup: Manual
Dependencies: DCOM Server Process Launcher, RPC Endpoint Mapper
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The Windows Insider Program enables savvy users to run and test upcoming builds of the operating system before it is available to the general public.A typical home PC user prefer to run the current and stable version of Windows. Therefore, this service is definitely an unnecessary one and should be disabled. I keep it disabled too.
19. Xbox Live Auth Manager
Display Name: Xbox Live Auth Manager
Command: C:WINDOWSsystem32svchost.exe -k netsvcs -p
Default Startup: Manual
Dependencies: Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Xbox Game Monitoring, Xbox Live Game Save
Now, this one too is quite obvious. As the name implies, this service provides authentication support for the users using Xbox Live. I'm not a gamer so I don't need this service at all.
If you're in the same boat, disable this service. If you're playing standalone game applications on your Windows PC, then too, you can disable this service—without any worry.
20. Xbox Live Game Save
Display Name: Xbox Live Game Save
Command: C:WINDOWSsystem32svchost.exe -k netsvcs -p
Default Startup: Manual
Dependencies: User Manager, Xbox Live Auth Manager
This game data saving and syncing service associated with Xbox Live is only needed if you're using this very gaming platform. Otherwise, you can disable it altogether.
This service is dependent on the service mentioned right before this one. If you're going to use this service, make sure the other one is enabled as well. I keep both these services—disabled.
People have been putting quite a few crazy predictions on their 2020 bingo card but I doubt anyone saw the return of the Xbox One SmartGlass app coming.
Last week, on Christmas Day to be exact, the old app began reinstalling itself on some user's Windows 10 devices despite the fact that it had been replaced by the newer Xbox app several years ago.
I noticed it downloading when I went to manually check for app updates in the Microsoft Store app, something I like to do every now and then so that I have an idea of what apps have updated with new features. Seeing its app icon in the update list was definitely a surprise but what was really odd was the fact that I'd never actually had the SmartGlass app installed on my Surface Pro. It's a newer model that I got just over a year ago. Something on Microsoft's end seems to have pushed the app out to users.
One potential reason for the re-emergence of the Xbox One SmartGlass app could be to help gamers complete Xbox Achievements that require its use. Strange thing is though, the app doesn't appear to work. Any attempt to log in simply results in an error.
The whole thing is very strange.
Has the Xbox One SmartGlass app reinstalled itself on one of your devices? Do you think a simple glitch is behind this or could Microsoft be planning something else for the classic Xbox app? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments below and then follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more Xbox gaming news.
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