Disabling Superfetch on Windows 10 can help improve your computer’s performance, especially if you’re experiencing lag or slowdowns. Superfetch is a system service that preloads frequently used apps into memory. However, it can sometimes be more of a hindrance than a help. By following the steps below, you can easily disable Superfetch and potentially speed up your system.
How to Disable Superfetch on Windows 10
Disabling Superfetch on Windows 10 is a straightforward process that involves stopping the service through the Services app and then preventing it from starting automatically. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Open the Services App
First, you need to open the Services app. This app manages all the services running on your Windows 10 computer.
Click the Start button and type "Services" into the search bar. Then, click on the Services app from the search results. This will open a window listing all the services running on your system.
Step 2: Find Superfetch
Locate the Superfetch service in the list. You can sort the list alphabetically by clicking on the "Name" column header, making it easier to find Superfetch.
Once you’ve found Superfetch, right-click on it. A context menu will appear, providing you with several options.
Step 3: Stop Superfetch
Choose the "Stop" option from the context menu. This will immediately stop the Superfetch service.
Stopping the service will prevent it from running until you manually start it again, which can help alleviate performance issues caused by Superfetch.
Step 4: Disable Superfetch
To prevent Superfetch from starting automatically, right-click on the Superfetch service again and select "Properties."
In the properties window, find the "Startup type" dropdown menu. Select "Disabled" from the options. This ensures that Superfetch will not start when you boot your computer.
Step 5: Apply Changes
Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save your changes. This will finalize the process of disabling Superfetch on your Windows 10 computer.
Now that Superfetch is disabled, you should notice an improvement in your computer’s performance, particularly if you were experiencing slowdowns or lag.
Tips for Disabling Superfetch on Windows 10
- Check System Performance: Before disabling Superfetch, monitor your system’s performance to confirm it’s the cause of the slowdown.
- Backup Important Data: Always back up your important files before making changes to system settings.
- Use Task Manager: Use Task Manager to check memory and CPU usage before and after disabling Superfetch to see the impact.
- Consider Alternatives: If disabling Superfetch doesn’t resolve performance issues, consider other optimizations like disk cleanup or upgrading hardware.
- Re-enable if Needed: If you don’t notice any improvement or if new issues arise, you can re-enable Superfetch by reversing the steps above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Superfetch?
Superfetch is a Windows service that preloads frequently used applications into memory to speed up load times.
Will disabling Superfetch harm my computer?
No, disabling Superfetch will not harm your computer. It may even improve system performance if Superfetch was causing slowdowns.
How do I know if Superfetch is causing issues?
You can use Task Manager to monitor system resources. High disk usage by Superfetch can indicate it’s causing performance issues.
Can I re-enable Superfetch after disabling it?
Yes, you can re-enable Superfetch by following the same steps and setting the Startup type back to "Automatic."
Are there any other services I should disable to improve performance?
Other services like Windows Search Indexer can also impact performance. However, it’s best to disable services one at a time to avoid potential issues.
Summary
- Open the Services app.
- Find Superfetch.
- Stop Superfetch.
- Disable Superfetch.
- Apply changes.
Conclusion
Disabling Superfetch on Windows 10 can be a simple yet effective way to improve your computer’s performance. By following the steps outlined above, you can stop this service from preloading apps into memory, which might be causing slowdowns. Remember, you can always re-enable Superfetch if needed, so there’s no harm in giving it a try. If you’re looking for more ways to optimize your system, consider other tweaks and upgrades. Happy computing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.