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Windows XP - Disable all unnecessary Windows services

January 21, 2013
Updated: February 8, 2025
Quick overview:

Den Diensten von Windows den Hahn zudrehen: Der Windows-Systemstart besteht aus verschiedenen Stadien wie z.B. der Initalisierungphase der Treiber oder dem Laden benötigter Systemdateien. Im späteren Stadium werden so genannte Dienste gestartet, die für verschiedene Bereiche wie z.B. automatische Updates oder Netzwerk zuständig sind. Einige von diesen Diensten (Services im Fachjargon) sind für den Arbeitsbetrieb des Rechners notwendig - andere wiederum fristen ein Mauerblümchendasein und finden auf den meisten Heim-PCs kaum Gebrauch.

Welchen Windows Diensten sollte ich vertrauen - und welche deaktivieren? Dieser Windows-Tweaks Artikel hilft Ihnen bei der Entscheidung: Welchen brauche ich? Wo sollte ich die Finger von lassen? Die Deaktivierung lässt die Hintergrundaktivitäten sinken, Systemressourcen gewinnen und schaufelt Arbeitsspeicher frei, der für andere Programme genutzt werden kann. Ich empfehle vor der Deaktivierung der XP Services eine Sicherung vom System anzulegen, denn dieser Vorgang ist sehr experiementell und daher etwas gefährlich. Bedenken Sie, dass jedes System unterschiedlich reagieren kann - verschiedene Faktoren wie die verwendete Software oder Hardware bzw. Technologien hängen teilweise vom Erfolg der Durchführung der folgenden Hinweise ab. Wir verhindern aber Zustände, in denen die Änderungen nicht mehr rückgängig gemacht werden können - vertrauen Sie also ruhigen Herzens der nachfolgenden Tabelle.

Tracking down services: start finding and deactivating


Die Windows XP Macher haben die Konfiguration von Diensten ein wenig versteckt untergebracht. Rufen Sie die gesamte Liste auf, indem Sie wie folgt vorgehen:

1. Klicken Sie nacheinander auf Start > Systemsteuerung und doppelklicken Sie dort auf das Symbol Verwaltung.

2. Sie gelangen zu einem neuen Fenster - hier entscheiden Sie sich für Dienste.

Windows services

3. Ein Doppelklick genügt und eine gewaltige Liste tut sich auf. Um einen Dienst ihrer Wahl, gemäß der unten anzutreffenden Liste, zu deaktivieren oder auf manuellen Autostart zu setzen sind lediglich ein paar kleine Handgriffe nötig. Doppelklicken Sie auf einen gewünschten Eintrag und wählen Sie die gewünschte Einstellung unter Starttyp.

Windows services

Windows services - important notes on deactivation

Damit Sie, bei Fehlern, Ihre Dienste wieder auf die ursprünglichen Werte zurücksetzen können, habe ich in der fünften Spalte Standard die Einstellungen direkt nach einer frischen Installation aufgelistet. Wir empfehlen zudem, immer nur 1-3 Dienste auf einen Schlag zu deaktivieren, damit Sie mögliche Fehler einkreisen können. Testen Sie nach einem Neustart, ob Ihr System bzw. ihre Applikationen noch einwandfrei funktionieren. Ein Backup von allen Diensten können Sie mit Hilfe des Tipps am Ende des Artikels erstellen!

In der nachfolgenden Tabelle finden Sie zunächst unter Dienst den Namen des Dienste - so wie er auch in der Systemsteuerung erscheit. Empfohlene Einstellung spiegelt die sicherste und dennoch auf Systemtuning zugeschnittene Einstellung wieder: Hiermit können sie wenig falsch machen, wenn Sie unsere Warnungen und Hinweise beim Vorgehen der Dienste beachten. Viele Dienste, die Sie vermutlich nicht benötigen und automatisch starten, wurden auf Manuell gesetzt. Falls diese doch benötigt werden, startet Windows diese nachträglich. Die Tuner-Einstellung zeigt, welche Dienste Sie deaktivieren können und welche zum Starten von Windows benötigt werden. Lesen Sie besonders hier die Beschreibungen, da nach dem blinden Anwenden der Windows Dienste viele wichtige Anwendungsbereiche (Internet, Netzwerk, Drucker etc.) nicht mehr funktionieren. Setzen Sie diese Liste nur auf Einzelplatz-PCs, die beispielsweise einzig und allein als Gaming-Rechner agieren, um oder wenn Sie bei einzelnen Diensten wissen, was Sie tun. Die Standardeinstellungen entsprechen Microsofts Standard nach einer frischen Installation und sind Ihr Rückhalt, falls etwas schiefgehen sollte.

XP Services - what Windows Tweaks recommends

 

Service

Recommended setting

Tuner setting

Description

Default settings
     

Filing folder

Manual

Deactivated

Enables remote access to the storage folder.

Manual

Registration service

Manual

Deactivated

The login service is only required in a network domain.

Manual

Application management

Manual

Deactivated

Support for installation services: If you have problems with the (de)installation of applications, we recommend activating the service.

Automatic

Workstation service

Automatic

Deactivated

The connection to remote servers is no longer established: Problematic with network and Internet connections; if you need them, we do not recommend deactivating the service.

Automatic

ASP.NET State Service

Manual

Deactivated

Only required in ASP.NET development environments.

Manual

Automatic updates

Automatic

Deactivated

Without this service, Windows updates can no longer be installed.

Automatic

COM+ event system

Manual

Manual

Distribution of system event notifications. This service should not be disabled, otherwise system functionality may be impaired.

Automatic

COM+ system application

Manual

Deactivated

COM components are no longer executable. If problems occur with Windows, we recommend leaving this service on "Manual".

Manual

Computer browser

Automatic

Deactivated

Enables access to network computers (shares, printers, etc.)

Automatic

DCOM server process start

Manual

Deactivated

Enables DCOM services to be started (see above).

Manual

Designs

Manual

Deactivated

If deactivated, Windows XP will only use the classic Windows 2000 design.

Automatic

DHCP Client

Manual

Deactivated

IP addresses and names are no longer sent to ComputerWindows ServicesWindows Services in the network: DSL connections, network connections (with dynamic IP) and Internet connection sharing no longer work after deactivation.

Automatic

Portable media serial number service

Manual

Deactivated

Transferring protected media files (e.g. purchased WMAs) to devices may no longer work after deactivation.

Automatic

DNS client

Manual

Deactivated

Saves DNS names in a cache. If it is deactivated, XP simply gets these names again (from the network or Internet), which is why the service is not necessarily needed.

Automatic

Distributed Transaction Coordinator

Manual

Deactivated

This service is linked to "Distributed link monitoring" (see below)

Manual

Print queue

Automatic

Deactivated

Loads data into the memory for later printing. If you have problems printing, you should go back to "Manual" or even "Automatic".

Automatic

Event log

Automatic

Automatic

Monitors events from user logon to logoff and helps solve problems. Cannot be stopped.

Automatic

Error reporting

Manual

Deactivated

Sends a report to Microsoft after crashes or errors. Can be deactivated with a clear conscience.

Automatic

Gateway service at application level

Manual

Deactivated

The firewall and internet connection sharing interface can be used and extended by third-party manufacturers. If, for example, firewalls no longer work, we recommend activating it.

Manual

Protected memory

Manual

Deactivated

Saves passwords or encrypted data temporarily so that they do not have to be typed in every time you are prompted.

Automatic

HID Input Service

Manual

Deactivated

Support for hotkeys on keyboards/mice or remote controls.

Automatic

Help & Support

Manual

Deactivated

Connects you to the "Help & Support" page in the Start menu. Can be disabled.

Automatic
     

HTTP-SSL

Manual

Deactivated

Support for secure SSL (Secure Socket Layer) pages such as home banking or secure shopping pages.

Manual

IMAPI CD burning COM services

Manual

Deactivated

Provides support for writing data to CD. If burning programs refuse to work, we recommend activating the service or setting it to "Automatic".

Manual

Index service

Manual

Deactivated

Indexes data for faster searches and saves these indexes in the working memory. As the index service sometimes consumes large amounts of RAM, we recommend deactivating it on weaker systems (less than 512 MB RAM).

Manual

Intelligent background transfer service

Manual

Deactivated

Used for certain web applications (the most prominent example is Windows Update).

Manual

IPSEC services

Manual

Deactivated

Secure transmission of IP packets. If you experience problems with data transmission, we recommend activating it.

Manual

Compatibility for fast user switching

Manual

Deactivated

Provides support for fast user switching (under "Start/Logout"). This can be disabled on single user systems.

Manual

Configuration-free wireless connection

Manual

Deactivated

Support for wireless networks (WLAN).

Automatic

Cryptography service

Manual

Deactivated

Drivers or programs with a digital signature (e.g. Service Pack 2, DirectX etc.) can no longer be installed. If you receive error messages despite manual settings, the only solution is to set to "Automatic".

Automatic

Performance data logs and warnings

Manual

Deactivated

Displays a log for various performance data. Can be deactivated.

Manual

MS Software Shadow Copy Provider

Manual

Deactivated

Only required if you are actively using Microsoft's backup program in Windows XP Professional.

Manual

News service

Deactivated

Deactivated

Allows you to send and receive messages via a network. As advertising messages are often sent via the Internet, we recommend deactivating it.

Deactivated

NetMeeting remote desktop sharing

Manual

Deactivated

Only required in conjunction with NetMeeting and Remote Desktop usage.

Manual

Network DDE service

Manual

Deactivated

Transfers data from the storage folder to network computers (see "Storage folder"). Can be deactivated.

Manuel

Network DDE server service

Manual

Deactivated

 Manual

Network connections

Automatic

Deactivated

Without this service, you will no longer be able to access the Internet or network.

Automatic

Network utility service

Manual

Deactivated

Controls the login to a domain network. Administrators of conventional networks can safely disable this service.

Manual

NLA (Network Location Awareness)

Manual

Deactivated

Required for Internet connection sharing.

Manual

NT-LM-Sicherheitsdienst

Manual

Deactivated

Support for various network services such as Telnet.

Manual

Office Setup Source

Manual

Deactivated

Helps Office to repair components. Can be disabled.

Manual

Plug & Play

Automatic

Deactivated

Driver detection when connecting a device to the running system. Should be activated for the sake of simplicity when installing devices.

Automatic

QoS-RSVP

Manual

Deactivated

Allows applications to reserve a certain amount of Internet or network bandwidth for themselves. Since these applications hardly exist, you can deactivate it with a clear heart.

Manual

RAS connection management

Automatic

Deactivated

Required for correct network functionality.

Automatic

Remote procedure call (RPC)

Automatic

Automatic

Disabling this often leads to problems when starting the system, as many services are dependent on it.

Automatic

Remoteregistry

Manual

Deactivated

Allows remote users to edit their registry. If you do not use this feature, you can disable this service.

Manuel

Routing and RAS

Deactivated

Deactivated

Bidding routing services. If you do not use this, you can deactivate the service.

Deactivated

RPC Locator

Manual

Manual

Subservice of RPC (see above).

Manual

Secondary registration

Manual

Deactivated

Allows programs to be executed under a different user account (e.g. with higher privileges).

Automatic

Server

Manual

Deactivated

Enables the sharing of files or devices via the network.

Automatic

Shell hardware detection

Manual

Deactivated

Controls the autostart functionality of data carriers (e.g. CDs/DVDs or digital cameras).

Automatic

Security center

Manual

Deactivated

Service behind the Security Center and various security warnings (e.g. when the firewall is deactivated).

Automatic

Security account management

Manual

Deactivated

This service offers the functionality of "Secondary login" and "Protected storage".

Automatic

Session manager for remote desktop help

Manual

Deactivated

Support for remote desktop sessions.

Manual

Smartcard

Manual

Deactivated

Necessary if you dial into the company network via SmartCard.

Manual

SSDP search service

Manual

Deactivated

Support for currently not widespread UPnP devices. Can be disabled and poses a security risk.

Manual

System event notification

Automatic

Manual

Many applications use this service and can no longer be used after deactivation.

Automatic

System Restore Service

Manual

Deactivated

If you do not want to use System Restore, you can deactivate this service.

Automatic

Task planner

Automatic

Deactivated

Automatic scheduling of (for example) maintenance services such as defragmentation or backups.

Automatic

TCP/IP-NetBIOS utility

Manual

Deactivated

A relic from the old network days. Hardly needed these days.

Automatic

Telephony

Automatic

Deactivated

Required for dial-up via modem/ISDN and in some cases also for DSL.

Manual

Telnet

Manual

Deactivated

A security hole that attackers can exploit. If you do not use Telnet, we recommend deactivating it.

Manual

Terminal services

Manual

Deactivated

If you use terminal services, this service is important. For normal users, we recommend disabling it.

Manual

Monitoring distributed links

Manual

Deactivated

Monitors shortcuts on NTFS disks on the network or on your own computer. Even on standalone computers (with NTFS file system), we recommend setting this service to "Manual". Use the "Disabled" settings if no problems occur.

Automatic

Universal Plug & Play device host

Manual

Deactivated

Support for UPnP devices (see SSDP search service). Can be deactivated.

Manual

Uninterruptible power supply

Manual

Deactivated

Do you use a UPS facility to prevent data loss due to power failure? If so, this service is required.

Manual

Management of logical data carriers

Automatic

Deactivated

Used for partitioning and managing hard disks.

Automatic

Management service for the administration of logical data carriers

Manual

Deactivated

(see "Logical disk management"). However, if you use it, it can also be set to "Manual", as it can start itself if necessary, unlike the actual service.

Manual

Volume shadow copy

Manual

Deactivated

Only required if you use Microsoft's backup program.

Manual

Warning service

Deactivated

Deactivated

(see news service).

Deactivated

Web client

Manual

Deactivated

According to Microsoft's description, this is important for Internet programs. On our test computers and for many users, deactivation does not lead to any restrictions for WWW, FTP, file sharing, etc.

Manual

Removable disk

Manual

Deactivated

Necessary for data carriers such as ZIP or tape drives.

Manual

Windows Audio

Automatic

Deactivated

Support for your sound card.

Automatic

Windows Installer

Manual

Deactivated

Required for Windows Installer based setup applications.

Manual

Windows image capture

Manual

Deactivated

Support for scanners, webcams or digital cameras.

Manuel

Windows Firewall/shared Internet connection

Manual

Deactivated

If your computer does not connect to the Internet/network, you can deactivate this service.

Automatic

Windows administration instrumentation

Automatic

Automatic

One of the most important services of the computer. Provides access to various data and functions of the computer.

Automatic

Windows timer

Manual

Deactivated

Support for clock synchronization.

Automatic

WMI power adapter

Manual

Deactivated

Only useful for system administrators with WMI monitoring tools.

Manual

Herzlichen Glückwunsch - Bestanden!
Sie haben nun viele Dienste verändert und sicherlich ihre eigenen Erfahrungen mit der Liste gesammelt. Zögern Sie nicht und mailen Sie sie mir an hilfe@windows-tweaks.info!

Kleiner Hinweis am Rande: Sollten Sie eine Neuinstallation planen, ist es hilfreich, wenn Sie sich die optimierten Einstellungen gleich mitnehmen. Somit entfällt das erneute Konfigurieren der Dienste. Weiterhin sollten Sie vor dem Einstellen der Dienste ein Backup, dass Sie per Doppelklick einfügen können, erstellen:

1. Öffnen Sie die Windows-Registrierung indem Sie auf Start/Ausführen klicken und regedit eintippen.

2. Navigieren Sie zum Schlüssel HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ CurrentControlSet\Services und klicken Sie auf Datei/Exportieren. Wählen Sie nun den Pfad sowie den Dateinamen und speichern Sie diesen gesamten Teil der Registrierung. In Zukunft können Sie auf diese Datei einen Doppelklick ausführen damit die Einstellungen sofort übernommen werden!

Founded Windows Tweaks as a teenager in 2001, his helpful PC tricks made it Germany's most visited Windows site (at the time Sandro looked like this). He then went on to write for international publications such as PC-Praxis, Computerbild, PCWorld in the USA, IMTEST.de and Hifi.de. Sandro's main job is as Global Product Marketing Lead and Consultant for various global tech companies, including Microsoft, AVG, Avast, Nero, TeamViewer, Swiss IT Security Group and now currently in the fintech sector for Gendigital. But he can't get rid of his passion and shares his tweaks here again. Privately, he enjoys traveling the world and loves Asia, especially Japan, Singapore and Korea, but also natural places like Iceland and the Nordics. You can reach Sandro via e-mail.

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