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This post will go over services included in Windows 8.1 that you can disable for more performance, privacy, and security. This list is based off of the upcoming Windows 8.1 Updated v2. (Link here when finished) You may have other services not listed here which could be from different OS components being enabled or drivers or software you install. I recommend doing this on a fresh install without any other programs or drivers to more easily tell.
To open the Services configurator, press the windows key, type services.msc, and press enter.
Some services are accessible only by registry. These usually have short words with no spaces. To disable these, you will need to find them in regedit (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\(service)) and set Start to 4.
If you've applied the Windows 7 services guide to 8.1 already, here's a list of changes.
► Show Spoiler
The number next to the name is the category it falls under
New:
Device Association Service (3)
Pretty sure this breaks adding devices, but Blackbird says to disable it so idk. I'll just have to test it again then I guess.
File History Service (2)
Looks to maybe be part of System Restore. Maybe renamed Volume Shadow Copy or Windows Backup, but the registry name is different.
Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant (2)
Microsoft web account sign in, useless.
Microsoft Keyboard Filter (1.1)
Maybe part of touch keyboard?
Microsoft Storage Spaces SMP (2)
Doesn't sound useful to most people, classical dynamic disk RAID works fine without it.
Network Connected Devices Auto-Setup (3)
Maybe can disable if you don't use the internet on this machine.
Network Connectivity Assistant (2)
Maybe part of UWP, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Printer Extensions and Notifications (1)
Windows can't print with Print Spooler disabled, so might as well disable.
Smart Card Device Enumeration Service (2)
Useless unless you use smart cards.
Spot Verifier (3)
Improves upon disk checking and looks like it would increase reliability. Seems like it could be helpful for most users, but it's not exactly needed.
Windows Defender Network Inspection Service (3)
Windows Defender is more integrated in 8, maybe can disable in registry, but better to use Debloat ISO that comes without it.
Windows Encryption Provider Host Service (2)
Maybe part of the UWP Mail app, it doesn't seem to effect anything on the desktop.
Windows Location Framework Service (2)
Location tracking.
Work Folders (2)
Only useful if you use Work Folders.
AppX related:
App Readiness (3)
Required to get UWP apps to work on new accounts, including Settings.
AppX Deployment Service (AppXSVC) (3)
Disabling breaks the Settings app, which is the only place to change some options.
Network Connection Broker (2)
Doesn't sound useful outside of some UWP apps.
Windows Store Service (WSService) (3)
Required to get UWP apps to work on new accounts, including Settings.
Hyper-V related:
Not sure why these are here when Hyper-V isn't installed. Safe to disable them all, they fall under 2. Debloat ISO doesn't have them.
Hyper-V Data Exchange Service
Hyper-V Guest Service Interface
Hyper-V Guest Shutdown Service
Hyper-V Heartbeat Service
Hyper-V Remote Desktop Virtualization Service
Hyper-V Time Synchronization Service
Hyper-V Volume Shadow Copy Requestor
New Core services?:
These weren't in 7, but look to fall under 4, and disabling them certainly breaks some pretty important functionality.
Background Tasks Infrastructure Service
Device Install Service
Device Setup Manager
Local Session Manager
System Events Broker
Time Broker
Windows Connection Manager
Renamed: (These will still have been applied with the 7 registry files if applicable.)
Adaptive Brightness > Sensor Monitoring Service (2)
Disk Defragmenter > Optimize Drives (I recommend keeping this enabled with SSD now)
Human Interface Device Access > Human Interface Device Service (3)
Parental Controls > Family Safety (2)
Tablet PC Input Service > Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service (2)
Windows Defender > Windows Defender Service (Now 3, Windows Defender is more integrated in 8, maybe can disable in registry, but better to use Debloat ISO that comes without it.)
Removed:
ASP.NET State Service
Desktop Window Manager Session Manager
Media Center Extender Service
Microsoft .NET Framework NGEN v2.0.50727_X64
Microsoft .NET Framework NGEN v2.0.50727_X86
Microsoft .NET Framework NGEN v4.0.30319_X64
Microsoft .NET Framework NGEN v4.0.30319_X86
Net.Msmq Listener Adapter
Net.Pipe Listener Adapter
Net.Tcp Listener Adapter
PnP-X IP Bus Enumerator
Protected Storage
SPP Notification Service
Windows Backup
Windows CardSpace
Windows Media Center Receiver Service
Windows Media Center Scheduler Service
New:
Device Association Service (3)
Pretty sure this breaks adding devices, but Blackbird says to disable it so idk. I'll just have to test it again then I guess.
File History Service (2)
Looks to maybe be part of System Restore. Maybe renamed Volume Shadow Copy or Windows Backup, but the registry name is different.
Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant (2)
Microsoft web account sign in, useless.
Microsoft Keyboard Filter (1.1)
Maybe part of touch keyboard?
Microsoft Storage Spaces SMP (2)
Doesn't sound useful to most people, classical dynamic disk RAID works fine without it.
Network Connected Devices Auto-Setup (3)
Maybe can disable if you don't use the internet on this machine.
Network Connectivity Assistant (2)
Maybe part of UWP, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Printer Extensions and Notifications (1)
Windows can't print with Print Spooler disabled, so might as well disable.
Smart Card Device Enumeration Service (2)
Useless unless you use smart cards.
Spot Verifier (3)
Improves upon disk checking and looks like it would increase reliability. Seems like it could be helpful for most users, but it's not exactly needed.
Windows Defender Network Inspection Service (3)
Windows Defender is more integrated in 8, maybe can disable in registry, but better to use Debloat ISO that comes without it.
Windows Encryption Provider Host Service (2)
Maybe part of the UWP Mail app, it doesn't seem to effect anything on the desktop.
Windows Location Framework Service (2)
Location tracking.
Work Folders (2)
Only useful if you use Work Folders.
AppX related:
App Readiness (3)
Required to get UWP apps to work on new accounts, including Settings.
AppX Deployment Service (AppXSVC) (3)
Disabling breaks the Settings app, which is the only place to change some options.
Network Connection Broker (2)
Doesn't sound useful outside of some UWP apps.
Windows Store Service (WSService) (3)
Required to get UWP apps to work on new accounts, including Settings.
Hyper-V related:
Not sure why these are here when Hyper-V isn't installed. Safe to disable them all, they fall under 2. Debloat ISO doesn't have them.
Hyper-V Data Exchange Service
Hyper-V Guest Service Interface
Hyper-V Guest Shutdown Service
Hyper-V Heartbeat Service
Hyper-V Remote Desktop Virtualization Service
Hyper-V Time Synchronization Service
Hyper-V Volume Shadow Copy Requestor
New Core services?:
These weren't in 7, but look to fall under 4, and disabling them certainly breaks some pretty important functionality.
Background Tasks Infrastructure Service
Device Install Service
Device Setup Manager
Local Session Manager
System Events Broker
Time Broker
Windows Connection Manager
Renamed: (These will still have been applied with the 7 registry files if applicable.)
Adaptive Brightness > Sensor Monitoring Service (2)
Disk Defragmenter > Optimize Drives (I recommend keeping this enabled with SSD now)
Human Interface Device Access > Human Interface Device Service (3)
Parental Controls > Family Safety (2)
Tablet PC Input Service > Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service (2)
Windows Defender > Windows Defender Service (Now 3, Windows Defender is more integrated in 8, maybe can disable in registry, but better to use Debloat ISO that comes without it.)
Removed:
ASP.NET State Service
Desktop Window Manager Session Manager
Media Center Extender Service
Microsoft .NET Framework NGEN v2.0.50727_X64
Microsoft .NET Framework NGEN v2.0.50727_X86
Microsoft .NET Framework NGEN v4.0.30319_X64
Microsoft .NET Framework NGEN v4.0.30319_X86
Net.Msmq Listener Adapter
Net.Pipe Listener Adapter
Net.Tcp Listener Adapter
PnP-X IP Bus Enumerator
Protected Storage
SPP Notification Service
Windows Backup
Windows CardSpace
Windows Media Center Receiver Service
Windows Media Center Scheduler Service
► Show Spoiler
ActiveX Installer (AxInstSV) (Default: Manual)
Relates to useless stuff in Internet Explorer and probably security risk.
HomeGroup Listener (Default: Manual)
HomeGroup, security risk.
HomeGroup Provider (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
MRxDAV (Registry) (Default: Manual/3)
This seems to be WebDAV, which looks to be useless to most people. Blackbird recommends disabling it, so I think it's fine.
Print Spooler (Default: Automatic)
Recommended to disable due to unpatched vulnerability.
Printer Extensions and Notifications (Default: Manual)
Windows can't print with Print Spooler disabled, so might as well disable.
Remote Desktop Configuration (Default: Manual)
Remote Desktop, potential security risk.
Remote Desktop Services (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Remote Desktop Services UserMode Port Redirector (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Remote Registry (Default: Disabled?)
Sounds like big security risk going by description.
Routing and Remote Access (Default: Disabled?)
Sounds like big security risk at worst and useless for most people at best.
Shell Hardware Detection (Default: Automatic)
Autoplay, security risk. This also removes the Windows icon on the C: drive, however that is very minor compared to security risk. You can disable Autoplay through Group Policy, but the service will still always run.
Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service (Default: Manual)
Sounds like security risk.
Windows Remote Management (WS-Management) (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does but the remote name makes me think security risk, doesn't seem to affect anything.
Windows Update (Default: Manual)
Since my ISOs are fully updated this isn't required and recommended to disable so any telemetry doesn't slip in.
Relates to useless stuff in Internet Explorer and probably security risk.
HomeGroup Listener (Default: Manual)
HomeGroup, security risk.
HomeGroup Provider (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
MRxDAV (Registry) (Default: Manual/3)
This seems to be WebDAV, which looks to be useless to most people. Blackbird recommends disabling it, so I think it's fine.
Print Spooler (Default: Automatic)
Recommended to disable due to unpatched vulnerability.
Printer Extensions and Notifications (Default: Manual)
Windows can't print with Print Spooler disabled, so might as well disable.
Remote Desktop Configuration (Default: Manual)
Remote Desktop, potential security risk.
Remote Desktop Services (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Remote Desktop Services UserMode Port Redirector (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Remote Registry (Default: Disabled?)
Sounds like big security risk going by description.
Routing and Remote Access (Default: Disabled?)
Sounds like big security risk at worst and useless for most people at best.
Shell Hardware Detection (Default: Automatic)
Autoplay, security risk. This also removes the Windows icon on the C: drive, however that is very minor compared to security risk. You can disable Autoplay through Group Policy, but the service will still always run.
Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service (Default: Manual)
Sounds like security risk.
Windows Remote Management (WS-Management) (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does but the remote name makes me think security risk, doesn't seem to affect anything.
Windows Update (Default: Manual)
Since my ISOs are fully updated this isn't required and recommended to disable so any telemetry doesn't slip in.
► Show Spoiler
These seem to be disabled by default, not sure in what scenario they would be enabled by default. Don't know what most of these do so most have no note. Default: Disabled is a given.
Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
Allows you to sorta use your computer like a shitty network switch if you have a free RJ45 port.
Microsoft Keyboard Filter
Maybe part of touch keyboard?
Net.Tcp Port Sharing Service
Routing and Remote Access
Smart Card
Not sure why this is disabled on 8.1 now, but I guess it is.
Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
Allows you to sorta use your computer like a shitty network switch if you have a free RJ45 port.
Microsoft Keyboard Filter
Maybe part of touch keyboard?
Net.Tcp Port Sharing Service
Routing and Remote Access
Smart Card
Not sure why this is disabled on 8.1 now, but I guess it is.
► Show Spoiler
Application Experience (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Application Identity (Default: Manual)
Useless unless you use AppLocker.
Application Layer Gateway Service (Default: Manual)
Might be useful if you do Internet Connection Sharing, otherwise useless.
Application Management (Default: Manual)
Related to software deployed through Group Policy, useless for normal use.
BitLocker Drive Encryption Service (Default: Manual)
Only useful if you use BitLocker.
Block Level Backup Engine Service (Default: Manual)
Only useful if you use Windows Backup.
Bluetooth Support Service (Default: Manual)
Well, Bluetooth.
BranchCache (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Certificate Propagation (Default: Manual)
Might be useful if you use smart cards, otherwise useless.
Computer Browser (Default: Manual)
Might be more secure to disable, doesn't seem to break any networking tasks or SMB NAS.
Credential Manager (Default: Manual)
This doesn't break applications, just GUI access to the credential manager, which would be useless for most users.
Encrypting File System (EFS) (Default: Manual)
Might be useful if you use BitLocker, otherwise useless.
Family Safety (Default: Manual)
The description would lead you to believe it's still a compatibility stub, however it seems to be a thing again. Still useless though.
Fax (Default: Manual)
Lets you send and receive faxes. Removed if Windows Fax and Scan feature is turned off.
File History Service (Default: Manual)
Looks to maybe be part of System Restore. Maybe renamed Volume Shadow Copy or Windows Backup, but the registry name is different.
Function Discovery Provider Host (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does but it doesn't seem to effect networking or SMB NAS.
Function Discovery Resource Publication (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Health Key and Certificate Management (Default: Manual)
Seems useless, internet and certificates work fine without it.
Hyper-V Data Exchange Service (Default: Manual)
Not sure why these are here when Hyper-V isn't installed. Safe to disable them all. Windows 8.1 Updated v2 Debloat ISO doesn't have them.
Hyper-V Guest Service Interface (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Hyper-V Guest Shutdown Service (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Hyper-V Heartbeat Service (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Hyper-V Remote Desktop Virtualization Service (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Hyper-V Time Synchronization Service (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Hyper-V Volume Shadow Copy Requestor (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Interactive Services Detection (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Internet Explorer ETW Collector Service (Default: Manual)
Not sure what ETW events are but Internet Explorer works fine without it.
Link-Layer Topology Discovery Mapper (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does but it doesn't seem to effect networking or SMB NAS.
Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant (Default: Manual)
Microsoft web account sign in, useless.
Microsoft iSCSI Initiator Service (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider (Default: Manual)
I think related to System Restore.
Microsoft Storage Spaces SMP (Default: Manual)
Doesn't sound useful to most people, classical dynamic disk RAID works fine without it.
Netlogon (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does but it doesn't seem to effect networking or SMB NAS.
Network Access Protection Agent (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Network Connection Broker (Default: Manual)
Doesn't sound useful outside of some UWP apps.
Network Connectivity Assistant (Default: Manual)
Maybe part of UWP, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Offline Files (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Peer Name Resolution Protocol (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does but it doesn't seem to effect networking or SMB NAS. Not related to P2P torrenting.
Peer Networking Grouping (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Peer Networking Identity Manager (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Performance Counter DLL Host (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Performance Logs & Alerts (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
PNRP Machine Name Publication Service (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does but it doesn't seem to effect networking or SMB NAS. Not related to torrenting.
Portable Device Enumerator Service (Default: Manual)
If you have group policy stuff related to mass storage devices might be worth keeping enabled. Autoplay group policy is not effected.
Problem Reports and Solutions Control Panel Support (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Program Compatibility Assistant Service (Default: Automatic)
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Quality Windows Audio Video Experience (Default: Manual)
Maybe useful if you stream videos through WMP, otherwise useless.
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator (Default: Manual)
Compatibility stub, useless.
Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol Service (Default: Manual)
Doesn't seem to affect any VPN type I can test.
Security Center (Default: Automatic (Delayed Start))
Useless and annoying.
Sensor Monitoring Service (Default: Manual)
Maybe useful for laptops, but I just control brightness manually.
Server (Default: Automatic)
Useless unless you host a SMB server or something.
Smart Card (Default: Disabled?)
Useless unless you use smart cards.
Smart Card Device Enumeration Service (Default: Manual)
Useless unless you use smart cards.
Smart Card Removal Policy (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
SNMP Trap (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does but it doesn't seem to effect networking or SMB NAS.
srv (Registry) (Default: Automatic/2)
Seems to only be used for server tasks, doesn't look to impact SMB (2) NAS.
SSDP Discovery (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does but it doesn't seem to effect networking or SMB NAS.
Still Image Acquisition Events (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Storage Service (Default: Manual)
Maybe useful if you use group policy for storage devices, not even sure what that means.
Superfetch (Default: Automatic)
Useless if you have a SSD, might be useful if you have HDD.
Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service (Default: Manual)
Useless unless you use pen touch input through like a drawing pad. Maybe improves touchscreen experience now in 8, but I can't test.
UPnP Device Host (Default: Manual)
Blackbird recommends disabling this. Seems to be some weird networking thing. Not sure what it impacts.
Volume Shadow Copy (Default: Manual)
Maybe required for System Restore. Is used for the Previous Versions of files feature.
WebClient (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does but it doesn't seem to effect networking or SMB NAS.
Windows Biometric Service (Default: Manual)
Useless unless you want fingerprint login.
Windows Color System (Default: Manual)
Useless unless you use monitor color profiles.
Windows Connect Now - Config Registrar (Default: Manual)
Doesn't seem to do anything, connecting to WiFi works fine without it.
Windows Encryption Provider Host Service (Default: Manual)
Maybe part of the UWP Mail app, it doesn't seem to effect anything on the desktop.
Windows Error Reporting Service (Default: Manual)
Useless, could be telemetry.
Windows Font Cache Service (Default: Automatic)
Useless unless maybe you have a HDD idk.
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Windows Location Framework Service (Default: Manual)
Location tracking.
Windows Presentation Foundation Font Cache 3.0.0.0 (Default: Manual)
Useless unless maybe you have a HDD idk.
Windows Time (Default: Manual)
You shouldn't need to sync time often if at all, so mostly useless.
WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does but it doesn't seem to effect networking or SMB NAS.
WMI Performance Adapter (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Work Folders (Default: Manual)
Only useful if you use Work Folders.
WWAN AutoConfig (Default: Manual)
Required if you want to connect to cellular networks with dedicated WAN card, otherwise useless. Does not affect RNDIS or tethering from phone.
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Application Identity (Default: Manual)
Useless unless you use AppLocker.
Application Layer Gateway Service (Default: Manual)
Might be useful if you do Internet Connection Sharing, otherwise useless.
Application Management (Default: Manual)
Related to software deployed through Group Policy, useless for normal use.
BitLocker Drive Encryption Service (Default: Manual)
Only useful if you use BitLocker.
Block Level Backup Engine Service (Default: Manual)
Only useful if you use Windows Backup.
Bluetooth Support Service (Default: Manual)
Well, Bluetooth.
BranchCache (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Certificate Propagation (Default: Manual)
Might be useful if you use smart cards, otherwise useless.
Computer Browser (Default: Manual)
Might be more secure to disable, doesn't seem to break any networking tasks or SMB NAS.
Credential Manager (Default: Manual)
This doesn't break applications, just GUI access to the credential manager, which would be useless for most users.
Encrypting File System (EFS) (Default: Manual)
Might be useful if you use BitLocker, otherwise useless.
Family Safety (Default: Manual)
The description would lead you to believe it's still a compatibility stub, however it seems to be a thing again. Still useless though.
Fax (Default: Manual)
Lets you send and receive faxes. Removed if Windows Fax and Scan feature is turned off.
File History Service (Default: Manual)
Looks to maybe be part of System Restore. Maybe renamed Volume Shadow Copy or Windows Backup, but the registry name is different.
Function Discovery Provider Host (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does but it doesn't seem to effect networking or SMB NAS.
Function Discovery Resource Publication (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Health Key and Certificate Management (Default: Manual)
Seems useless, internet and certificates work fine without it.
Hyper-V Data Exchange Service (Default: Manual)
Not sure why these are here when Hyper-V isn't installed. Safe to disable them all. Windows 8.1 Updated v2 Debloat ISO doesn't have them.
Hyper-V Guest Service Interface (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Hyper-V Guest Shutdown Service (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Hyper-V Heartbeat Service (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Hyper-V Remote Desktop Virtualization Service (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Hyper-V Time Synchronization Service (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Hyper-V Volume Shadow Copy Requestor (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Interactive Services Detection (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Internet Explorer ETW Collector Service (Default: Manual)
Not sure what ETW events are but Internet Explorer works fine without it.
Link-Layer Topology Discovery Mapper (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does but it doesn't seem to effect networking or SMB NAS.
Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant (Default: Manual)
Microsoft web account sign in, useless.
Microsoft iSCSI Initiator Service (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider (Default: Manual)
I think related to System Restore.
Microsoft Storage Spaces SMP (Default: Manual)
Doesn't sound useful to most people, classical dynamic disk RAID works fine without it.
Netlogon (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does but it doesn't seem to effect networking or SMB NAS.
Network Access Protection Agent (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Network Connection Broker (Default: Manual)
Doesn't sound useful outside of some UWP apps.
Network Connectivity Assistant (Default: Manual)
Maybe part of UWP, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Offline Files (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Peer Name Resolution Protocol (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does but it doesn't seem to effect networking or SMB NAS. Not related to P2P torrenting.
Peer Networking Grouping (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Peer Networking Identity Manager (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Performance Counter DLL Host (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Performance Logs & Alerts (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
PNRP Machine Name Publication Service (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does but it doesn't seem to effect networking or SMB NAS. Not related to torrenting.
Portable Device Enumerator Service (Default: Manual)
If you have group policy stuff related to mass storage devices might be worth keeping enabled. Autoplay group policy is not effected.
Problem Reports and Solutions Control Panel Support (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Program Compatibility Assistant Service (Default: Automatic)
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Quality Windows Audio Video Experience (Default: Manual)
Maybe useful if you stream videos through WMP, otherwise useless.
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator (Default: Manual)
Compatibility stub, useless.
Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol Service (Default: Manual)
Doesn't seem to affect any VPN type I can test.
Security Center (Default: Automatic (Delayed Start))
Useless and annoying.
Sensor Monitoring Service (Default: Manual)
Maybe useful for laptops, but I just control brightness manually.
Server (Default: Automatic)
Useless unless you host a SMB server or something.
Smart Card (Default: Disabled?)
Useless unless you use smart cards.
Smart Card Device Enumeration Service (Default: Manual)
Useless unless you use smart cards.
Smart Card Removal Policy (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
SNMP Trap (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does but it doesn't seem to effect networking or SMB NAS.
srv (Registry) (Default: Automatic/2)
Seems to only be used for server tasks, doesn't look to impact SMB (2) NAS.
SSDP Discovery (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does but it doesn't seem to effect networking or SMB NAS.
Still Image Acquisition Events (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Storage Service (Default: Manual)
Maybe useful if you use group policy for storage devices, not even sure what that means.
Superfetch (Default: Automatic)
Useless if you have a SSD, might be useful if you have HDD.
Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service (Default: Manual)
Useless unless you use pen touch input through like a drawing pad. Maybe improves touchscreen experience now in 8, but I can't test.
UPnP Device Host (Default: Manual)
Blackbird recommends disabling this. Seems to be some weird networking thing. Not sure what it impacts.
Volume Shadow Copy (Default: Manual)
Maybe required for System Restore. Is used for the Previous Versions of files feature.
WebClient (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does but it doesn't seem to effect networking or SMB NAS.
Windows Biometric Service (Default: Manual)
Useless unless you want fingerprint login.
Windows Color System (Default: Manual)
Useless unless you use monitor color profiles.
Windows Connect Now - Config Registrar (Default: Manual)
Doesn't seem to do anything, connecting to WiFi works fine without it.
Windows Encryption Provider Host Service (Default: Manual)
Maybe part of the UWP Mail app, it doesn't seem to effect anything on the desktop.
Windows Error Reporting Service (Default: Manual)
Useless, could be telemetry.
Windows Font Cache Service (Default: Automatic)
Useless unless maybe you have a HDD idk.
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Windows Location Framework Service (Default: Manual)
Location tracking.
Windows Presentation Foundation Font Cache 3.0.0.0 (Default: Manual)
Useless unless maybe you have a HDD idk.
Windows Time (Default: Manual)
You shouldn't need to sync time often if at all, so mostly useless.
WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does but it doesn't seem to effect networking or SMB NAS.
WMI Performance Adapter (Default: Manual)
Not sure what this does, it doesn't seem to effect anything.
Work Folders (Default: Manual)
Only useful if you use Work Folders.
WWAN AutoConfig (Default: Manual)
Required if you want to connect to cellular networks with dedicated WAN card, otherwise useless. Does not affect RNDIS or tethering from phone.
► Show Spoiler
These are services that affect more useful or wanted functionality than the above.
App Readiness (Default: Manual)
Required to get UWP apps to work on new accounts, including Settings.
AppX Deployment Service (AppXSVC) (Default: Manual)
Disabling breaks the Settings app, which is the only place to change some options. Can only be disabled by registry key.
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (Default: Manual)
Should only be useful if you use Windows Update, but some other programs may require it.
Device Association Service (Default: Manual)
Pretty sure this breaks adding devices, but Blackbird says to disable it so idk. I'll just have to test it again then I guess.
Diagnostic Policy Service (Default: Automatic)
Diagnostic services which can be helpful in solving issues. It's only here because it can't be disabled by registry key
Diagnostic Service Host (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Diagnostic System Host (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Distributed Link Tracking Client (Default: Automatic)
Not sure what this does, but it doesn't break or affect SMB NAS. It's only here because it can't be disabled by registry key
Extensible Authentication Protocol (Default: Manual)
Maybe can disable if you don't use the internet on this machine.
Human Interface Device Service (Default: Manual)
If you wish to use volume knobs, play/pause controls, etc, you might want to keep enabled.
IP Helper (Default: Automatic)
Maybe useful if you use IPv6.
MRxSMB, MRxSMB10, and MRxSMB20 (Registry) (Default: Manual/3)
MRxSMB10 seems to be the SMB 1.0 driver, but disabling it breaks accessing SMB 2 shares. So I've lumped all these together as they're all SMB.
Multimedia Class Scheduler (Default: Automatic)
Normally disabling this breaks audio, however I found a method that doesn't. It's attached to this post as an optional registry file. Supposedly this can improve performance in some games, but I'm not sure if it causes any issues.
NetBT (Registry) (Default: Automatic (Delayed Start)/1)
NetBIOS is a security risk, however required for SMB NAS.
Network Connected Devices Auto-Setup (Default: Manual)
Maybe can disable if you don't use the internet on this machine.
Network Connections (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Network List Service (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Network Location Awareness (Default: Automatic)
Same as above.
Network Store Interface Service (Default: Automatic)
Same as above.
Optimize drives (Default: Manual)
Now beneficial to SSDs as 8+ can optimize the drive. However it's not exactly required. Still required for Disk Management though.
Spot Verifier (Default: Manual)
Improves upon disk checking and looks like it would increase reliability. Seems like it could be helpful for most users, but it's not exactly needed.
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper (Default: Automatic)
NetBIOS is a security risk, however required for SMB NAS.
Telephony (Default: Manual)
Not required unless you use IKEv2 VPN.
tunnel (Registry) (Default: Manual/3)
Looks to be related to IPv6, though not entirely sure.
Themes (Default: Automatic)
No longer locks you to classic theme, but can break themes on new accounts. There's no indicators of why when this is disabled. Probably keep enabled unless you know you're not going to change the theme.
Virtual Disk (Default: Manual)
Required for Disk Management, otherwise useless.
Windows Audio (Default: Automatic)
Required for audio, otherwise useless.
Windows Audio Endpoint Builder (Default: Automatic)
Same as above.
Windows Defender Network Inspection Service (Default: Manual)
Windows Defender is now more integrated in 8, and maybe could be worth leaving on if you want. It's better to disable in the app or use the Debloated Windows 8.1 Updated v2 ISO where it is not included at all. If you wish to disable the service, it can only be done by registry key, being WdNisSvc.
Windows Defender Service (Default: Automatic)
Same as above, but registry name is WinDefend.
Windows Modules Installer (Default: Manual)
Required for Windows Update, using DISM, and other programs that may want to use the TrustedInstaller user account, otherwise useless.
Windows Search (Default: Automatic (Delayed Start))
Disabling this disables search indexing, which makes bigger searches slower, but search still works.
Windows Store Service (WSService) (Default: Manual)
Required to get UWP apps to work on new accounts, including Settings. Can only be disabled by registry key.
Wired AutoConfig (Default: Manual)
Disabling this breaks wired network access.
WLAN AutoConfig (Default: Manual)
Required if you want to connect to WiFi, otherwise useless.
Workstation (Default: Automatic)
Required for SMB NAS, need to test NFS, otherwise useless.
App Readiness (Default: Manual)
Required to get UWP apps to work on new accounts, including Settings.
AppX Deployment Service (AppXSVC) (Default: Manual)
Disabling breaks the Settings app, which is the only place to change some options. Can only be disabled by registry key.
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (Default: Manual)
Should only be useful if you use Windows Update, but some other programs may require it.
Device Association Service (Default: Manual)
Pretty sure this breaks adding devices, but Blackbird says to disable it so idk. I'll just have to test it again then I guess.
Diagnostic Policy Service (Default: Automatic)
Diagnostic services which can be helpful in solving issues. It's only here because it can't be disabled by registry key
Diagnostic Service Host (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Diagnostic System Host (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Distributed Link Tracking Client (Default: Automatic)
Not sure what this does, but it doesn't break or affect SMB NAS. It's only here because it can't be disabled by registry key
Extensible Authentication Protocol (Default: Manual)
Maybe can disable if you don't use the internet on this machine.
Human Interface Device Service (Default: Manual)
If you wish to use volume knobs, play/pause controls, etc, you might want to keep enabled.
IP Helper (Default: Automatic)
Maybe useful if you use IPv6.
MRxSMB, MRxSMB10, and MRxSMB20 (Registry) (Default: Manual/3)
MRxSMB10 seems to be the SMB 1.0 driver, but disabling it breaks accessing SMB 2 shares. So I've lumped all these together as they're all SMB.
Multimedia Class Scheduler (Default: Automatic)
Normally disabling this breaks audio, however I found a method that doesn't. It's attached to this post as an optional registry file. Supposedly this can improve performance in some games, but I'm not sure if it causes any issues.
NetBT (Registry) (Default: Automatic (Delayed Start)/1)
NetBIOS is a security risk, however required for SMB NAS.
Network Connected Devices Auto-Setup (Default: Manual)
Maybe can disable if you don't use the internet on this machine.
Network Connections (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Network List Service (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Network Location Awareness (Default: Automatic)
Same as above.
Network Store Interface Service (Default: Automatic)
Same as above.
Optimize drives (Default: Manual)
Now beneficial to SSDs as 8+ can optimize the drive. However it's not exactly required. Still required for Disk Management though.
Spot Verifier (Default: Manual)
Improves upon disk checking and looks like it would increase reliability. Seems like it could be helpful for most users, but it's not exactly needed.
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper (Default: Automatic)
NetBIOS is a security risk, however required for SMB NAS.
Telephony (Default: Manual)
Not required unless you use IKEv2 VPN.
tunnel (Registry) (Default: Manual/3)
Looks to be related to IPv6, though not entirely sure.
Themes (Default: Automatic)
No longer locks you to classic theme, but can break themes on new accounts. There's no indicators of why when this is disabled. Probably keep enabled unless you know you're not going to change the theme.
Virtual Disk (Default: Manual)
Required for Disk Management, otherwise useless.
Windows Audio (Default: Automatic)
Required for audio, otherwise useless.
Windows Audio Endpoint Builder (Default: Automatic)
Same as above.
Windows Defender Network Inspection Service (Default: Manual)
Windows Defender is now more integrated in 8, and maybe could be worth leaving on if you want. It's better to disable in the app or use the Debloated Windows 8.1 Updated v2 ISO where it is not included at all. If you wish to disable the service, it can only be done by registry key, being WdNisSvc.
Windows Defender Service (Default: Automatic)
Same as above, but registry name is WinDefend.
Windows Modules Installer (Default: Manual)
Required for Windows Update, using DISM, and other programs that may want to use the TrustedInstaller user account, otherwise useless.
Windows Search (Default: Automatic (Delayed Start))
Disabling this disables search indexing, which makes bigger searches slower, but search still works.
Windows Store Service (WSService) (Default: Manual)
Required to get UWP apps to work on new accounts, including Settings. Can only be disabled by registry key.
Wired AutoConfig (Default: Manual)
Disabling this breaks wired network access.
WLAN AutoConfig (Default: Manual)
Required if you want to connect to WiFi, otherwise useless.
Workstation (Default: Automatic)
Required for SMB NAS, need to test NFS, otherwise useless.
► Show Spoiler
This is a list of services that should stay enabled if you don't want to break Windows. Rather than try and fail to describe what they do, I will just post their names.
Application Information (Default: Manual)
Background Tasks Infrastructure Service (Default: Automatic)
Base Filtering Engine (Default: Automatic)
CNG Key Isolation (Default: Manual)
COM+ Event System (Default: Automatic)
COM+ System Application (Default: Manual)
Cryptographic Services (Default: Automatic)
DCOM Server Process Launcher (Default: Automatic)
Device Install Service (Default: Manual)
Device Setup Manager (Default: Manual)
DHCP Client (Default: Automatic)
Distributed Transaction Coordinator (Default: Manual)
DNS Client (Default: Automatic)
Group Policy Client (Default: Automatic)
IKE and AuthIP IPsec Keying Modules (Default: Manual)
IPsec Policy Agent (Default: Manual)
KtmRm for Distributed Transaction Coordinator (Default: Manual)
Local Session Manager (Default: Automatic)
Plug and Play (Default: Manual)
Power (Default: Automatic)
Remote Access Auto Connection Manager (Default: Manual)
The name is misleading, this is not related to remote access, disabling this will break internet access.
Remote Access Connection Manager (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) (Default: Automatic)
RPC Endpoint Mapper (Default: Automatic)
Secondary Logon (Default: Manual)
Security Accounts Manager (Default: Automatic)
Software Protection (Default: Automatic (Delayed Start))
System Event Notification Service (Default: Automatic)
System Events Broker (Default: Automatic)
Task Scheduler (Default: Automatic)
Thread Ordering Server (Default: Manual)
Time Broker (Default: Manual)
User Profile Service (Default: Automatic)
Windows Connection Manager (Default: Automatic)
Windows Driver Foundation - User-mode Driver Framework (Default: Manual)
Windows Event Collector (Default: Manual)
Windows Event Log (Default: Automatic)
Windows Firewall (Default: Automatic)
Even if you have your own firewall or protection, keep this enabled. It will save you if it somehow fails.
Windows Installer (Default: Manual)
Disabling it breaks installing programs.
Windows Management Instrumentation (Default: Automatic)
Application Information (Default: Manual)
Background Tasks Infrastructure Service (Default: Automatic)
Base Filtering Engine (Default: Automatic)
CNG Key Isolation (Default: Manual)
COM+ Event System (Default: Automatic)
COM+ System Application (Default: Manual)
Cryptographic Services (Default: Automatic)
DCOM Server Process Launcher (Default: Automatic)
Device Install Service (Default: Manual)
Device Setup Manager (Default: Manual)
DHCP Client (Default: Automatic)
Distributed Transaction Coordinator (Default: Manual)
DNS Client (Default: Automatic)
Group Policy Client (Default: Automatic)
IKE and AuthIP IPsec Keying Modules (Default: Manual)
IPsec Policy Agent (Default: Manual)
KtmRm for Distributed Transaction Coordinator (Default: Manual)
Local Session Manager (Default: Automatic)
Plug and Play (Default: Manual)
Power (Default: Automatic)
Remote Access Auto Connection Manager (Default: Manual)
The name is misleading, this is not related to remote access, disabling this will break internet access.
Remote Access Connection Manager (Default: Manual)
Same as above.
Remote Procedure Call (RPC) (Default: Automatic)
RPC Endpoint Mapper (Default: Automatic)
Secondary Logon (Default: Manual)
Security Accounts Manager (Default: Automatic)
Software Protection (Default: Automatic (Delayed Start))
System Event Notification Service (Default: Automatic)
System Events Broker (Default: Automatic)
Task Scheduler (Default: Automatic)
Thread Ordering Server (Default: Manual)
Time Broker (Default: Manual)
User Profile Service (Default: Automatic)
Windows Connection Manager (Default: Automatic)
Windows Driver Foundation - User-mode Driver Framework (Default: Manual)
Windows Event Collector (Default: Manual)
Windows Event Log (Default: Automatic)
Windows Firewall (Default: Automatic)
Even if you have your own firewall or protection, keep this enabled. It will save you if it somehow fails.
Windows Installer (Default: Manual)
Disabling it breaks installing programs.
Windows Management Instrumentation (Default: Automatic)
Bluetooth: Enable Bluetooth Support Service.
Enabling features: Enable Windows Modules Installer and Windows Update.
Windows Update: Enable Background Intelligent Transfer Service, Windows Modules Installer, and Windows Update.
For other tasks like accessing a SMB share or IKEv2 VPN, check 3: Conditional as services that impact those tasks are described there.
For ease of use, the services from list 1 and 2 are compiled here into a registry file. There is no file for 3 as those should be applied manually depending on what you want.