Black Viper’s Windows 8.1 Service Configurations

Introduction

To continue my fine tradition of optimizing MS’s latest OS, I have here my findings to date. This information is based upon the Desktop Release version of Windows 8.1.

Before adjusting your service settings, ensure that your system has already installed all updates by “checking now” for any available updates via Windows Update. At this time, it is best for you to ensure that all services are set to the default values before updating your system.

Breakdown of all changes to date: Windows 8.1 Information Changelog.

I cannot possibly test all configurations extensively (meaning, each persons specific computer needs), but what I can offer is what “works for me” and the obstacles I have came across so you do not have to discover them on your own.

An * (asterisk) indicates changes from the default

Two ** (asterisks) indicates you can add or remove this service by:

1. Head to Start (Windows Key)
2. Type Control Panel (or enough letters so it appears in the results)
3. Select Control Panel (under Results)
4. Select Programs
5. Select Programs and Features
6. Select Turn Windows Features on or off

Notes for a Happier Computer and User

• Do not use “msconfig” to disable services, type “services.msc” in the Run box (Windows Key + R)  instead!
• Before disabling any service, check out the service information about each by selecting the service name links provided.
• Service settings are global, meaning changes apply to all users.
• All of these services are “Standard” with Windows 8.1 and installed by default or Add/Remove Windows Features. If you discover a service that is not listed here, another application, driver or program installed them.
• WLAN Autoconfig service is required for normal operation of your wireless network card. It is listed here as Manual due to most desktops not needing wireless access, but if you do have a wireless network card installed (laptop), it will be in Automatic by default.
• Still unsure? Put your setting to “Manual” or the listing under “Safe.” Manual allows Windows 8.1 to start the service when it needs to (or when ever it feels like it), but not at boot up. Depending on your configuration, not all services will start when required while in “Manual” mode. If you find you need a service, place it in Automatic.
• After adjusting your service settings, reboot your computer.
• Before posting your question in the comments below, see if your question has been addressed in the FAQ!

Table Header Information

• The columns are sortable. Select the column header to sort by that field.
• DEFAULT ~ What MS thinks should be running on Windows 8.1.
• “Safe” Configuration ~ This is the configuration that 95% of the people will be able to use with little or no side effects. It will also minimizes the amount of “errors” that is reported in the Event Viewer. This does not guarantee it will work for you, but if adjusting your services scares you, this configuration would be a good starting point.
  • 31 service settings have been changed from the default annotated by an (*) asterisk.

Configuration Information

• Automatic ~ With a service in this state, it will start at boot time. Some services, when no longer required, will also automatically stop when not needed. If you find you do not need a service, place it into Manual or Disabled.
• Automatic (Delayed Start) ~ With a service in this state, it will start just after boot time. Some services, when no longer required, will also automatically stop when not needed. If you find you do not need a service, place it into Manual or Disabled.
• Manual (Trigger Start) ~ This is a version of Manual mode that allows Windows to start a service when specifically called and Microsoft’s answer to “too many services running all the time”.
• Manual ~ Manual mode allows Windows to start a service when needed. However, very few services will start up when required in Manual mode. If you find you need a service, place it into Automatic.
• Disabled ~ This setting will stop a service from starting, even if needed. Errors in the Event Viewer will show up complaining of that fact. Some services, while Disabled, will constantly complain. However, this situation is taken care of if placed in Manual. The service descriptions identifies those that should be in Manual vice Disabled.
• “Started” ~ A service that either set to Manual or Automatic that is running by default at or shortly after boot time.
• “Not Started” ~ A service set into Automatic that is not running by default at or shortly after boot time.
• “Not Available” ~ A service that does not apply to the particular version.
• “Uninstalled” ~ The ability to uninstall a service that I recommend to be removed by using Add/Remove Windows Features.

Service Dependency Abbreviation Information

• W8.1 - Windows 8.1
• W8.1Pro – Windows 8.1 Pro
• W8.1Ent – Windows 8.1 Enterprise

Service Default Registry Entries

• These entries are exported directly from the registry of a default Windows 8.1 installation.
• They are in the .reg file format (many entries are in hex notation), not as you would actually view the content via regedit.exe.
• The particular location extracted is under: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\

An * (asterisk) indicates changes from the default

Two ** (asterisks) indicates you can add or remove this service by:

1. Head to Start (Windows Key)
2. Type Control Panel (or enough letters so it appears in the results)
3. Select Control Panel (under Results)
4. Select Programs
5. Select Programs and Features
6. Select Turn Windows Features on or off