Disabling Superfetch in Windows 11 can help improve your system’s performance, especially if you’re experiencing high disk usage or slow response times. To do this, you’ll need to access the Services app in Windows 11, locate the SysMain service (previously known as Superfetch), and stop it from running. By following these steps, you can temporarily disable Superfetch and see if it makes a difference in your computer’s performance.
Steps to Disable Superfetch in Windows 11
You want to tweak your Windows 11 for better performance, right? Disabling Superfetch might just do the trick. Let’s dive into the steps to get this done.
Step 1: Open the Run dialog box
Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
This shortcut is like your handy toolkit, getting you where you need to go quickly. When you press these two keys together, a small window will pop up, ready to take your command.
Step 2: Launch the Services app
Type “services.msc” into the Run box and hit Enter to open the Services app.
This command is the key to your computer’s backstage area. By entering “services.msc”, you’re telling Windows to show you all the little programs that run in the background.
Step 3: Find the SysMain service
Scroll down in the list of services until you find “SysMain.”
SysMain is the new name for Superfetch, so don’t let the name change throw you off. It’s still the same service that preloads apps for faster access, but sometimes it can slow your system down.
Step 4: Stop the SysMain service
Right-click on “SysMain” and select “Stop” from the menu.
Stopping SysMain is like hitting pause on that background helper. It won’t be preloading apps anymore, which could free up resources and boost your system’s speed.
Step 5: Disable SysMain from starting automatically
Right-click on “SysMain” again, choose “Properties,” and set the Startup type to “Disabled.”
This step ensures that SysMain doesn’t sneak back up and start running the next time you boot up your computer. By setting the Startup type to “Disabled,” you’re keeping it from starting automatically.
After you’ve disabled Superfetch, you might notice a change in how your computer runs. If it was slowing down your PC, you could see an improvement in performance, particularly in terms of reduced disk usage. However, if you don’t notice a difference, you can always go back and turn it on again.
Tips for Disabling Superfetch in Windows 11
- Consider creating a system restore point before making changes, just in case you want to revert back.
- Monitor your system performance after disabling to see if there’s an improvement.
- If you’re not noticing any benefits, you can enable Superfetch again using the same steps but selecting “Start” and “Automatic” instead.
- Keep your Windows updated to ensure you have all performance improvements from Microsoft.
- Be cautious about making other changes in the Services app, as it can affect system operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Superfetch in Windows 11?
Superfetch, now known as SysMain, is a service that preloads frequently used apps into memory to speed up access times.
Does disabling Superfetch harm the system?
No, disabling Superfetch is generally safe and can be reversed. It may improve performance if your system has high disk usage.
Can I enable Superfetch again after disabling it?
Yes, you can re-enable Superfetch by following the same steps and selecting “Start” and “Automatic” instead of “Stop” and “Disabled.”
Why did Microsoft change the name from Superfetch to SysMain?
Microsoft renamed Superfetch to SysMain to better reflect its role in system performance optimization in newer Windows versions.
How do I know if Superfetch is causing high disk usage?
If you’ve noticed slow performance even with ample RAM, checking the Task Manager for high disk usage by SysMain can indicate if it’s the cause.
Summary
- Open the Run dialog box.
- Launch the Services app.
- Find the SysMain service.
- Stop the SysMain service.
- Disable SysMain from starting automatically.
Conclusion
Disabling Superfetch, or SysMain as it’s now called in Windows 11, could be a game-changer for your computer’s performance. It’s like telling your PC to stop trying to anticipate your every move and simply focus on what you want right now. While Superfetch has its benefits, especially on systems with limited memory, it can sometimes be more of a hindrance than a help, particularly if you’re noticing high disk usage.
Taking the time to disable it might highlight just how much of an impact it was having on your daily computing experience. Should you find that it doesn’t make a significant difference, you can always re-enable it. Think of this whole process as a small experiment in optimizing your PC’s performance.
If you’re a bit of a tech enthusiast or just someone who likes their computer running smoothly, exploring these kinds of tweaks can be both fun and insightful. So, give these steps a try and see if your Windows 11 machine runs a bit more like a sleek sports car and less like a rusted old truck. If you’re interested in other ways to fine-tune your system, consider looking into other performance settings or even some hardware upgrades.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.