I suggest we use this thread to suggest to each other which services can be turned off, because we do not need them. This is a work in progress. I did not follow this post 100% and neither should you. Change services according to your computer config. If you do not have one of these services, chances are you already disabled the option in 'Turn Windows features on or off' or you are running a different edition of Windows Vista.
Start > services.msc > Enter
Winkey + R > services.msc > Enter
Application Experience - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Safe: Leave as is
Application Information - Default: Manual (Started)
- Safe: Leave as is
Application Layer Gateway Service - Default: Manual
- Used for certain software services | If this service is started already, leave on Manual (Safe) | If it is not, set to Disabled
Application Management - Default: Manual
- If you don't "deploy software through Group Policy", Set to Disabled
Background Intelligent Transfer Service - Default: Automatic (Delayed Start) (Started)
- Safe: Leave as is (unless you don't use Windows Update)
Base Filtering Engine - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Disabling this service reduces security of the OS (needed for firewall, some unusual protocols, remote access, and internet connection sharing), Safe: Leave as is
Block Level Backup Engine Service - Default: Manual
- Since this service is on manual and does not start, it may be needed at some point, but it isn't a critical service
Certificate Propagation - Default: Manual
- If you don't use Smart Cards, Safe: Set to Disabled
CNG Key Isolation - Default: Manual
- This service may be needed if you are on Wired/Wireless Lan Autoconfig Since and will be using EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol), Otherwise: Set to Disabled
COM+ Event System - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Responsible for many things including the Backup and Restore Center, Safe: Leave as is
COM+ System Application - Default: Manual
- Since this service is on manual and does not start, it may be needed at some point, but it isn't a critical service
Computer Browser - Default: Automatic
- If you aren't on a network, Safe: Set to Disabled
Cryptographic Services - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Needed for some connections/websites (Microsoft/Windows Update?), confirms signatures of windows files, Safe: Leave as is
DCOM Server Process Launcher - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Safe: Leave as is
Desktop Window Manager Session Manager - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't use the advanced Aero Glass transparency interface, Safe: Set to Disabled
DFS Replication - Default: Manual
- If you aren't on a network, Safe: Set to Disabled
DHCP Client - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Typically needed for most Internet Connections (maybe not if you have a static IP), Safe: Leave as is
Diagnostic Policy Service - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't care for Windows finding solutions to problems (including fixing internet connection problems in vista and ie7), Safe: Set to Disabled
Diagnostic Service Host - Default: Manual
- If you don't care for Windows finding solutions to problems, Safe: Set to Disabled
Diagnostic System Host - Default: Manual (Started)
- If you don't care for Windows finding solutions to problems, Safe: Set to Disabled
Distributed Link Tracking Client - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't have links between NTFS Files, Safe: Set to Disabled
Distributed Transaction Coordinator - Default: Manual
- Since this service is on manual and does not start, it may be needed at some point, but it isn't a critical service (Set to Disabled)
DNS Client - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Needed once in a while, Safe: Leave as is
Extensible Authentication Protocol - Default: Manual
- Disabling this service reduces security of the OS (needed for firewall, some unusual protocols, remote access, and internet connection sharing), Safe: Leave as is
Fax - Default: Manual
- If you don't use a fax or a scanner, Safe: Set to Disabled
Function Discovery Provider Host - Default: Manual (Started)
- If not on a network (needed for certain uncommon network components), Safe: Set to Disabled
Function Discovery Resource Publication - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If not on a network (needed for certain uncommon network components), Safe: Set to Disabled
Group Policy Client - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Safe: Leave as is (can technically be disabled if not used, will look into possible problems later)
Health Key and Certificate Management - Default: Manual
- Safe: Set to Disabled
Human Interface Device Access - Default: Manual
- If you don't use the extra buttons on your keyboard or use the software for it, Safe: Set to Disabled
IKE and AuthIP IPsec Keying Modules - Default: Automatic
- Safe: Set to Disabled
Infrared Monitor service - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't have/use infrared, Safe: Set to Disabled
Interactive Services Detection - Default: Manual
- Since this service is on manual and does not start, it may be needed at some point, but it isn't a critical service
Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) - Default: Disabled
- Possibly not needed (will look into), Safe: Leave as is
IP Helper - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't want IPv6 support, Safe: Set to Disabled
IPsec Policy Agent - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Possibly not needed (will look into), Safe: Leave as is
KtmRM for Distributed Transaction Coordinator - Default: Automatic (Delayed Start)
- Possibly not needed (will look into), Safe: Leave as is
Link-Layer Topology Discovery Mapper - Default: Manual
- Since this service is on manual and does not start, it may be needed at some point, but it isn't a critical service
Microsoft .Net Framework NGEN v.20.50727_X64/X86 - Default: Manual
- Safe: Leave as is
Microsoft iSCSI Initiator Service - Default: Manual
- If you don't use iSCSI, Safe: Set to Disabled
Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider - Default: Manual
- Since this service is on manual and does not start, it may be needed at some point, but it isn't a critical service
Multimedia Class Scheduler - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Needed for Windows Audio, Safe: Leave as is
Net.Tcp Port Sharing Service - Default: Disabled
- Safe: Leave as is
Netlogon - Default: Manual
- Since this service is on manual and does not start, it may be needed at some point, but it isn't a critical service
Network Access Protection Agent - Default: Manual
- Safe: Set to Disabled
Network Connections - Default: Manual (Started)
- Unless you aren't using the internet, Safe: Leave as is
Network List Service - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Unless you aren't using the internet, Safe: Leave as is
Network Location Awareness - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Unless you aren't using the internet, Safe: Leave as is
Network Store Interface Service - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Unless you aren't using the internet, Safe: Leave as is
Offline Files - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Unless you use them, Safe: Set to Disabled
Parental Controls - Default: Manual
- Unless you use them, Safe: Set to Disabled
Peer Name Resolution Protocol - Default: Manual
- Unless you use Windows Meetings, Safe: Set to Disabled
Peer Networking Grouping - Default: Manual
- Unless you use such applications, Safe: Set to Disabled
Peer Networking Identity Manger - Default: Manual
- Safe: Set to Disabled
Performance Logs & Alerts - Default: Manual
- Needed for many features of Windows, Safe: Leave as is
Plug and Play - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Unless you don't connect various devices often, Safe: Leave as is
PnP-X IP Bus Enumerator - Default: Manual
- Since this service is on manual and does not start, it may be needed at some point, but it isn't a critical service
PNRP Machine Name Publication Service - Default: Manual
- Safe: Set to Disabled
Portable Device Enumerator Service - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you do not own a portable device, Safe: Set to Disabled
Print Spooler - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If no printer (including virtual ones) is present on the computer, Safe: Set to Disabled
Problem Reports and Solutions Control Panel Support - Default: Manual
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled
Program Compatibility Assistant Service - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't use the Program Compatibility Assistant, Safe: Set to Disabled
Protected Storage - Default: Manual
- If you don't save passwords, Safe: Set to Disabled
Quality Windows Audio Video Experience - Default: Manual
- If you don't need it, Safe: Set to Disabled
ReadyBoost - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't use USB drives as a memory boost, Safe: Set to Disabled
Remote Access Auto Connection Manager - Default: Manual
- If you won't be connecting to your computer remotely, Safe: Set to Disabled
Remote Access Connection Manger - Default: Manual (Started)
- If you won't be connecting to your computer remotely, Safe: Set to Disabled
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Vital, Safe: Leave as is
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator - Default: Manual
- Possibly not needed (will look into), Safe: Leave as is
Remote Registry - Default: Manual
- Recommended: Set to Disabled
Routing and Remote Access - Default: Disabled
- Typically not needed, Safe: Leave as is
Secondary Logon - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you are only running vista with one user, Safe: Set to Disabled
Security Accounts Manager - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't use Global Policy Editor, Safe: Set to Disabled
Security Center - Default: Automatic (Delayed Start) (Started)
- If you don't use the Security Center, Safe: Set to Disabled
Server - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't plan to send files or print them over a network, Safe: Set to Disabled
Shell Hardware Detection - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't use Autoplay, Safe: Set to Disabled
SL UI Notification Service - Default: Manual
- Not required on most setups (needed for Tablet Input Panel) but, Safe: Leave as is
Smart Card - Default: Manual
- If you don't use Smart Cards, Safe: Set to Disabled
Smart Card Removal Policy - Default: Manual
- If you don't use Smart Cards, Safe: Set to Disabled
SNMP Trap - Default: Manual
- If not on a network with SNMP, Safe: Set to Disabled
Software Licensing - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Needed for the Control Panel and other parts of Windows to function (Tablet Input Panel for Tablets), Safe: Leave as is
SSDP Discovery - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't have such devices, Set to Disabled
Superfetch - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Safe: Leave as is
System Event Notification Service - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Typically not needed (event log may display an error if disabled) Safe: Leave as is
Table PC Input Service - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't have a tablet PC, Safe: Set to Disabled
Task Scheduler - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Needed for various Windows and 3rd Party Programs, Safe: Leave as is
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you won't be sharing files between computers, Set to Disabled
Telephony - Default: Manual (Started)
- Needed for dial-up and certain DSL connections, Safe: Leave as is
Terminal Services - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't plan to administer remote computers, Safe: Set to Disabled
Terminal Services Configuration - Default: Manual
- If you don't plan to administer remote computers, Safe: Set to Disabled
Terminal Services UserMode Port Redirector - Default: Manual
- If you don't plan to administer remote computers, Safe: Set to Disabled
Themes - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you are using Windows Classic, Safe: Set to Disabled
Thread Ordering Server - Default: Manual
- Safe: Leave as is
TPM Base Services - Default: Manual
- Used for hardware certificates, Safe: Leave as is
UPnP Device Host - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't use UPnP, Safe: Set to Disabled
User Profile Service - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Safe: Leave as is
Virtual Disk - Default: Manual
- Since this service is on manual and does not start, it may be needed at some point, but it isn't a critical service
Volume Shadow Copy - Default: Manual
- Needed for some integrated backups, since this service is on manual and does not start, it may be needed at some point, but it isn't a critical service
WebClient - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't use web folders, Safe: Set to Disabled
Windows Audio - Default: Automatic (Started
- Safe: Leave as is
Windows Audio Endpoint Builder - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Safe: Leave as is
Windows Backup - Default: Manual
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled, Recommended: Leave as is
Windows CardSpace - Default: Manual
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled
Windows Color System - Default: Manual
- Safe: Leave as is
Windows Connect Now - Config Registrat - Default: Manual
- Safe: Set to Disabled
Windows Defender - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled, Recommended: Leave as is
Windows Driver Foundation - User-mode Driver Framework - Default: Manual
- Safe: Leave as is
Windows Error Reporting Service - Default: Automatic
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled, Recommended: Leave as is
Windows Event Collector - Default: Manual
- Safe: Leave as is
Windows Event Log - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Safe: Leave as is
Windows Firewall - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled, Recommended: Leave as is
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) - Default: Manual
- If you don't have a scanner/camera, Safe: Set to Disabled
Windows Installer - Default: Manual
- Safe: Leave as is
Windows Management Instrumentation - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Safe: Leave as is
Windows Media Center Extender Service - Default: Disabled
- Safe: Leave as is
Windows Media Center Receiver Service - Default: Manual
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled
Windows Media Center Scheduler Service - Default: Manual
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled
Windows Media Center Service Launcher - Default: Automatic (Delayed Start) (Started)
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled
Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service - Default: Manual
- If no portable device is owned, Set to Disabled
Windows Modules Installer - Default: Manual
- Certain Windows Updates require it, Safe: Leave as is
Windows Presentation Foundation Font Cache 3.0.0.0 - Default: Manual
- Safe: Leave as is
Windows Remote Management (WS-Management) - Default: Manual
- If you don't plan to administer remote computers, Safe: Set to Disabled
Windows Search - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled, Recommended: Leave as is
Windows Time - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't plan to sync the clock with a server, Safe: Set to Disabled
Windows Update - Default: Automatic (Delayed Start) (Started)
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled, Recommended: Leave as is
WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service - Default: Manual
- Almost always not needed, Safe: Set to Disabled
Wired/WLAN AutoConfig - Default: Manual
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled
WMI Performance Adapter - Default: Manual
- Safe: Leave as is
Workstation - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you plan on being on a LAN, Safe: Leave as is
Please inform me about mistakes, what you have found and what you would change.
