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9 Windows 10/11 services you can disable for gaming
6 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Windows 10includes plenty of Microsoft services. Those are basically small programs that provide a specific OS service. Some of those services are essential toWindows 10, but there are less essential services that users can turn off if they don’t need them.
Windows 10services consume system resources just like third-party software. Users can see services’ system resource consumption on Task Manager’s Processes tab (shown directly below). They don’t usually hog as much RAM as third-party software. However, there are still numerous superfluousWindows 10services that waste system resources.
Playersoften close third-party software before runninggames, but might sometimes overlookWindows 10services. Yet, turningWin 10services off can also free up more RAM forgaming. So it’s worth turning off some services before launching agame. These are some of the superfluousWindows 10services players can disable forgaming.
What Windows 10 services can I disable for gaming?
Print Spooler
ThePrinter Spoolerstores multiple print jobs within a queue. Thus, this service is essential for printing. However, users who don’t have printers can certainly turn this service off. Users with printers can at least temporarily disable the Printer Spooler before playing agame, and then turn it back on later.
Windows Insider Service
The Windows Insider Service provides essential infrastructure support for Microsoft’s Windows Insider Program, which gives registered users a preview of futureWindows 10 build updates.
However, users who aren’t registered with the Windows Insider Program can certainly turn off this one. At any rate, it’s certainly OK to turn this service off temporarily and switch it back on when it’s needed.
Bluetooth Support Service
Bluetooth enables users to wirelessly connect devices, such as speakers, with their desktops or laptops. The Bluetooth Support Service is essential forBluetooth connectivity, but it’s not essential for theWindows 10. So anybody who doesn’t have any Bluetooth devices to connect can certainly turn off the BSS.
Fax
Faxing is on its way to becoming obsolete. So doesWindows 10really need the Fax service that enables users to send and receive faxes? No, of course not, and users who have long since chucked out their fax machines can disable this service.
Remote Desktop Configuration and Remote Desktop Services
Win 10 includes a Remote Desktop utility with which users can connect to another PC. The Remote Desktop Configuration and Remote Desktop Services are both essential to have enabled to remove desktop connectivity. Users who don’t need remote connectivity can disable both of those services.
Downloaded Maps Manager
Download Maps Manager enables map apps to access downloaded maps.Windows 10includes a Maps app that certainly needs this service enabled. However, users who don’t utilize any map apps can turn off the DMM service.
Windows Mobile Hotspot Service
The Windows Hotspot Service enables users to share a mobile device’s internet connection with a laptop or desktop. Those who often utilize mobile hotspots will need to keep this on. However, users who have no need for a mobile hotspot can disable this service.
Windows Defender Firewall
It’s not usually recommended that users turn off Windows Defender Firewall, which can block software connections. However, that’s not really an essential system service; and the firewall can also block multiplayergames. Thus, it might be a good idea to temporarily turn off the WDF before playing agame. Note that some third-party antivirus software also incorporates firewalls, so you might not need the Windows Defender Firewall service on at all.
Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service
The Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service enables the touch keyboard inWindows 10. However, few users ever need Windows’ on-screen touch keyboard. As such, most users can turn off the Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service.
How to Turn Off the Above Windows 10 Services
Turn Off Third-Party Services
Many third-party software packages have their own services. Those services typically provide automatic updates for programs. For example, the Adobe Acrobat Update Service updates Adobe applications. Those third-party software services consume system resources, but none are essential toWindows 10.
Users can turn off third-party services via the Services window. However, theSystem Configuration utility(otherwise MSConfig) includes a handy Disable all option with which users can quickly turn off all third-party services to free up more RAM. This is how users can quickly turn off all third-party software services.
Turn Off Windows 10 Services With Wise Game Booster
Wise Game Booster is game booster software with which users can optimize their desktops or laptops forgaming. The software includes a Service Optimizer tab that lists superfluous services that can slow downgames. Users can then select to disable the service with the software.
Click theFree Downloadbutton on theWise Game Booster pageto download and install this software. Then users can open the Service Optimizer tab shown directly below after they’ve launched Wise Game Booster. Press theStop Servicebuttons to turn off the listed services.
Wise Game Booster also includes a handyOptimize Nowbutton that will optimize listed items to enhancegaming. Users can select that option by clicking the System Optimizer tab. Then press theOptimize Nowbutton.
Turning off the non-essentialWindows 10services listed above, along with third-party software services, can potentially free up quite a bit of RAM.Playersneed as much system resources as they can get for the latest Windows games, so don’t forget to disable some of those superfluous services.
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
