Each version of Windows carries a certain set of installed programs, functions and applications, while the user can disable (remove) unnecessary features, or add those that are needed but not installed by default. By removing unnecessary features, programs or applications, you can free up quite a lot of disk space, which is especially true for $100 tablets that Lately flooded the market.
In this guide, we'll show you how to add or remove features in Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1.
We will perform all the necessary actions in a window called “Windows Components”.
How to open Windows Features in Windows 7
You can open the Windows Features window from the Uninstall or change a program section (also known as Programs and Features). The easiest way to open Windows Features is to use the Start menu. To do this, you need to open the menu, enter “include components” in the search bar and click on the corresponding item in the search results (see screenshot below).
How to open Windows Features in Windows 8 and 8.1
On the desktop, press the Win + S key combination, type “turn on features,” and then in the search results, click on “Turn Windows features on or off.”
In addition, there is another method that also works in Windows 7. Open the “Control Panel” and in the “Programs” section, click on the “Uninstall a program” link.
As a result, you will see the Windows Components window.
How to remove Windows components
The Windows Features window is a list of all the features, programs, and applications available for a specific Windows versions. Features that are checked are already installed and available on your computer. To view additional information about a component, just hover your mouse over it.
To remove a component or program, simply uncheck its box. You can remove multiple components at once. After that, click "OK".
When you clear the checkbox, you'll see a warning that disabling the feature may affect other features, programs, or settings. To find out more, you can click on the "Online Details" link at the bottom of the alert. If you agree with the consequences of your choice, click Yes. Otherwise, click “No” and the deletion (disabling) process will be canceled.
Windows takes time to make the necessary changes. Some features can be removed or disabled without requiring a system reboot. If this is the case for the feature you selected, you will be informed that Windows has made the requested changes.
After removing some components, Windows may tell you that you need to restart your computer in order for the changes to take effect. Click "Restart Now" and wait for the process to complete. Keep in mind that the reboot will take longer than usual because the operating system will have to spend extra time configuring itself according to your instructions.
How to add Windows components
Adding components to Windows consists of the same steps as removing them. The only difference is that instead of unchecking the boxes, you need to check them.
During the installation process, depending on what you choose to install, Windows may ask you for permission to download some files from Windows Update. Let the operating system do this to complete the installation successfully. And in some cases, Windows may even ask installation disk operating system.
Conclusion
Does it make sense to remove some unused components and programs if you don't have enough disk space? The answer is Yes!
For example, if you, being Windows user 7, don't use gadgets, Windows Media Center, DVD Studio, Internet Games, Other Games, and Fax and Scanner, removing these components will free up a total of 0.24 GB (245 MB). This is a significant saving when disk space is a real concern.
Have a great day!
I'm tired of this endless update of Windows 7! Downloads and installs every day. Internet speed slows down, computer slows down, and reboots without asking. And this system doesn’t care whether I’m watching a movie, writing a term paper, or making an important report for management. And updates are installed for 2 hours, and do not allow you to turn off your PC or laptop.
And most importantly - there is almost no sense! Yes, vulnerabilities are eliminated, but you will not notice the difference at all BEFORE the update and AFTER it. Unless the traffic eats up, but there’s no room local disk C will pick it up again. In general, complete hemorrhoids.
Therefore, if you are also tired of this option, turn it off! Especially for those who do not know how to disable updates on Windows 7, below is attached detailed instructions with screenshots.
There are 2 ways to turn off the annoying Windows 7 auto-update feature
First, let's look at shutting down automatic update on Windows 7 OS. This is necessary so that the system does not download anything and does not start installation without your permission.
If you suddenly need to turn on the search for updates, then open the same window and select one of the first three items to choose from (whichever is more convenient).
However, after this, the message “Center” will constantly pop up at the bottom of the screen (near the clock). Windows updates disabled. Please turn it on."
So that it doesn't get boring:
Ready. You just removed this message, and you won't be bothered by it anymore.
Method 2: Windows Update
For this:
- Open Start – Control Panel – Administrative Tools.
- Launch the “Services” shortcut.
- Scroll down the window and select “Windows Update” at the very bottom.
- Next, in the “Startup type” field, select “Disabled” and click “Stop”. Save the changed settings by clicking “Apply” and close the window.
Ready. You have just completely disabled the update service on Windows 7 (searching for and installing them).
This procedure is carried out the same way on all computers and laptops running Windows 7. The version (Home, Professional, Ultimate) or bitness (32- or 64-bit) does not affect this.
Why do you need to turn off auto-update in Windows 7?
- Unlicensed installed copy of Windows. At the very least, activation may fail during the update. In the worst cases, the computer or laptop does not turn on after a reboot and you have to reinstall the OS (Microsoft developers know how to give surprises 🙂).
- Limited Internet. If you have a limited amount of traffic, then regular updates will cost a pretty penny.
- Slow internet speed. Auto-updates greatly reduce loading speed. And if it’s already small for you, then...
- Low hard drive space. Auto-updates do not take up much space, but over time they can accumulate to 10-20 GB. And if there is little space left on your hard drive, your computer (or laptop) will run slowly.
- You cannot turn off your PC during auto-update. This is terribly annoying (don't leave it on overnight!).
By the way, as an option, you can disable only auto-update. That is, select the 2nd or 3rd option in the Update Center settings (so that the installation decision is made by you personally).
Those who have updated their computer system to Windows 10 are faced with the problem of having a watermark on the screen. This is a reminder to the user that the update version is not complete. Today we will talk about how to remove the Windows 10 Activation message.
Why does a message asking for activation appear?
Before trying to remove the inscription, let's consider the reason for its appearance. If, then after the initial boot the OS will require full activation. This is necessary in order to confirm the licensed version, while excluding the pirated use of Microsoft system products. Previously, the activation message was also found in Windows 8.
After thirty trial days of working with new system, the period expires and an automatic notification appears about . This sign does not affect the operation in any way, but a huge number of users are very annoying and want to remove it.
There are three ways to hide the inscription:
- Purchasing a full licensed version.
- Standard settings in the OS support center.
- Using utilities, which are specialized programs for carrying out certain work with the OS.
How to remove using standard Windows tools
To fix the problem you can use standard means OS. The problem is that Microsoft company prohibited this action on some systems. If this option works for you, then we will explain how to remove the Activate Windows 10 message forever.
A more complex way to remove the watermark is by cleaning system32:
Hiding a watermark using Re-Loader Activator
This application has existed since XP. After the release of 10 it was updated. Re-Loader Activator is an easy-to-use program that will quickly help remove watermarks. Follow the following instructions:
- Download Re-Loader Activator from the Internet. Download the program only through the official website.
Hiding a watermark using UWD
UWD is another great anti-lettering program.
- We go to the UWD program website and download the file by clicking “Download Universal Watermark Disabler”. Or download directly from our website:
First, about why I named the article so strangely: “”? Why couldn’t it be written in normal language: “How to disable the Windows key” or, almost in “not ours” - “How to disable Windows key". What kind of phrase is this truncated: “Disable the Vin key”?
It’s as if I was too lazy to write the word Windows in full and only had enough strength for some “castrated” “Win..”
Yes, I must admit that I was really too lazy to write the word Windows in full and wrote only Win..
Too lazy, but not for me! And those 600 Yandex users who, according to statistics, type exactly this phrase, in such a stripped-down version, monthly in the search bar.
And keep in mind that this is only according to Yandex, but there is also Google, Rambler and other search engines. Well, gentlemen, which of us is a quitter? You’re always in a damn hurry to get somewhere, you don’t even have time to write the word “Windows” in full.
Well, okay, the topic of the article has been clarified. Now let's get to the heart of the matter:
How to disable the Vin key?
There are two options for solving this enormous problem.
First, this is to disable the Windows key by editing the system registry:
To do this, go to the search bar of the Start menu and enter a query like: regedit
After that, we get to the registry editor.
Next, in the registry editor, go to the section HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout and in the right side of the registry editor we create a new binary parameter, giving it the name “ Scancode Map».
Next, simply click on the parameter name “ Scancode Map", right-click, select the item context menu « Change binary data" and enter as in the picture below. The input is made in two characters, the values on the left and right are inserted automatically.
That's all!
Press the button " OK", close the registry editor and reboot. Now the Windows key will not work.
But if you are not yet “age enough” to rule on your own Windows registry and the question: how to disable the VIN key is still relevant for you, I can offer another option for solving this “global world” problem.
You can disable the Windows key using SharpKeys
The SharpKeys program is designed to redirect almost all computer keys. Therefore, it is natural that with its help you can easily solve the question: How to disable the Vin key?
And so, let's get started:
In the main window of the SharpKeys program, click the button “ Add" (Add)..
In the left column, select the item “ Special: Left Windows", and on the right - " Turn Key Off» (turn off the key, selected by default). Click " OK" We do the same thing, but now for right key(if you have one) - " Special: Right Windows» .
We return to the main program window, click the “ Write to registry"and reboot the computer..
That’s it, that’s it for sure now!
I hope I helped you find out how to disable the Vin key and now I have a counter request: Don’t be lazy and drop a few words in the comments. I really want to know why you needed to disable the Windows key? It’s just, to be honest, I don’t understand who and for what reason it might bother...
In this article we will touch on the age-old question that torments inquiring minds trying to squeeze the last drop of performance out of a computer.
What are Windows services
Windows Services are essentially the same applications, just without a user interface. They run in the background and provide the operating system with various features and functions. Not all services are developed by Microsoft and not all are available immediately after installation. Many applications and drivers install their own services on the system. The services are actively used by antiviruses, as they constantly monitor the health of your system and provide protection against malware. The advantage of services is the ability to start during the operating system startup even before applications start, as well as the ability to monitor everything that is running on your computer. This is why antiviruses can reliably protect the computer they are running on.
Many "computer specialists" recommend disabling some Windows services 10, while pursuing a wide variety of goals. Some are tinkering with the list of operating system services in an attempt to improve their privacy (a tin foil hat, unfortunately, is not included with Windows 10), while others are trying to squeeze out the last drop of performance. Disabling Windows 10 services is a double-edged sword. Yes, disabling services can indeed partially improve the performance of your system, but the effect will be extremely small, if noticeable at all. Often, or upgrading any other component gives a much more noticeable performance increase than experimenting with Windows services.
Generally speaking, we are against disabling Windows 10 services. You see, Microsoft developers sometimes release crooked software, but they are not fools - they know much more than the average “tyzhprogrammer”. Services, services, processes and Windows components polished and improved over the years. They are optimized well enough to minimally load your computer's resources (here we are not talking about exceptions when a bug or virus leads to abnormal loads on the processor, disk, memory or network). In this case, the principle “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” applies. Often, users harm their computer rather than improve its performance by blindly trying to disable some Windows 10 services. If our statement about optimizing Windows 10 services is not enough for you and you still want to experiment, in this article we have compiled a list of services that can be safely disable it without making your computer worse.
To be fair, it should be said that together with a third-party software third-party services enter the system. Sometimes it is worth disabling them if it becomes known about malicious practices of developers or if the code is simply crooked. It is also worth disabling Windows services if you are trying to diagnose your computer and detect the causes of performance degradation, freezes, or other anomalies.
Disabling Windows 10 services
Before proceeding directly to disabling Windows services, we strongly recommend that you. This is your insurance against the unforeseen consequences of disconnecting a particular service. If you did something wrong and the system began to work worse, rolling back to a previous restore point will quickly return everything to its place and save you from headaches and time spent on computer software repairs.
How to disable a service in Windows 10
Everything is done quite simply:
Important: There are so-called “optimizers” that take on the task of disabling operating system services. Don't use them! Don't let third-party software decide which services will work on your PC and which won't. Carefully study the services that you want to disable, and also decide for yourself whether to disable them or not. In addition, do not use third-party software to disable or enable them. This procedure is extremely simple and, if you have already taken up this matter, it is best to know how to configure such a sensitive section of the operating system.
What services can be turned off in Windows 10
Please note that some of these services may not be available on older versions of Windows, such as Windows 7 or Windows 8 / 8.1. By the way, many of the truly unnecessary and unnecessary services for the average user are already in the “Manual” mode. Here we return to the point above, where we said that Windows developers are not fools and do not push ordinary consumers with services they do not need.
- AllJoyn Router Service. This service is responsible for communication between the operating system and nearby IoT devices.
- Fax. Explanations are unnecessary here. If you don’t use a fax in conjunction with a computer, you can safely disable the service.
- BitLocker Drive Encryption Service. If you don't need encryption of your drives and don't use BitLocker software, you can disable the service.
- Bluetooth Audio Gateway Service. If you don't have Bluetooth on your computer or don't plan to talk to Cortana through a headset, turn off the service.
- Bluetooth support. Disable it only if you don’t use Bluetooth at all (or don’t have it at all). Disabling this service while you have connected devices may cause them to stop working with your computer.
- Client License Service. We recommend disabling this service only for those who do not use applications from the store at all. If you have installed from Microsoft Store programs, after disabling this service they may stop starting.
- Smart card. It is unlikely that your home PC is configured to work with smart cards. Disable this service if you do not use smart cards. Especially if you don’t even know what it is. This also includes Smart Card Reader Enumeration Service, Smart Card Removal Policy.
- Downloaded map manager. Can be disabled if you do not use the built-in Maps application. If you use it, disabling the service may cause problems with the application.
- Encrypting File System (EFS)) . Required for data encryption technology to work inside the file NTFS systems. Not needed if you do not use and do not plan to use data encryption.
- Microsoft iSCSI Initiator Service. iSCSI is an acronym for InternetSmallComputerSystemInterface. This service allows the user's computer to access information in highly remote data centers using existing infrastructure. You can turn it off.
- Offline files. You can disable it if you don't use the Offline Files feature or don't know what it is. By the way, this feature is not available in the home edition of Windows.
- Payment manager and NFC/ Protected elements. It does exactly what it says, namely processes payments using NFC. It is useful on devices with the appropriate chip, but the vast majority of tablets and laptops (and even more so on desktop PCs) do not have such chips, so you can disable it.
- Parental control. If you have no one to control, disable this service.
- Print Manager. You only need to disable it if you do not have a printer or do not use network printers, and virtual printers. This service is directly linked to the service Fax.
- Nvidia Stereoscopic 3D Driver Service. This service is available on computers with Nvidia video cards. Allows you to work with stereoscopic images. You can turn it off if you don't use it.
- Hyper Guest Service Interface-V. Disable if not in use virtual machines. This also includes Service Hypwer-VPowerShellDirect, Pulse service, Time synchronization service Hyper-V, Data exchange service, Hyper-V, Remote Desktop Virtualization Service, Shutdown service as a guest.
- Remote Desktop Service. With this service, users can remotely connect to and control other computers. Disable it if you can’t imagine yourself in such scenarios.
- Geographic Location Service. Disabling this service will prevent apps from receiving location information.
- Store demo service. Until you put your computer up for sale in retail store, you definitely won't need this service.
- Wi-Fi Services Connection Manager Service-FiDirect. This service is needed to connect your computer to wireless screens and docking stations using Miracast technology and its analogues.
- Windows Insider Service. If you don't plan to test early versions of Windows 10 in the Insider Program, feel free to disable this service. Don't forget to turn it on if you change your mind.
- General service network resources Windows Player Media. This service allows you to share media libraries from your computer with other playback devices on your network.
- Windows ServiceMobileHotspot. The service is needed only for devices with cellular modules and allows you to distribute Mobile Internet. If a SIM card cannot be inserted into your computer, then you do not need the service.
- Secondary login. With this service, users can perform tasks as an administrator with account with normal rights. If you are the only person using the computer, you do not need this service.
- SuperFetch. This service is described in detail in the article "".
- Remote registry. This service allows users to remotely edit the operating system registry. Someone thinks that activating it jeopardizes the user's safety, so they disable it.
- Sensor Service, Sensor Data Service And Sensor Monitoring Service. Feel free to turn off these services if you have a desktop PC. They are needed for laptops and tablets that use auxiliary sensors, such as a light sensor, screen rotation, and so on.
If you want to disable a service that is not mentioned in this list (it's safe to say that we didn't include a lot in this article), we recommend that you search for information about it online. The best is in the official Microsoft documentation. Alternatively, read several resources to gather several opinions on the justification of a particular service.
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