Disabling Superfetch in Windows 11 can help improve performance by reducing unnecessary background activities. To disable Superfetch, first open the Services app, then locate the SysMain service (formerly Superfetch), and finally, change its properties to disable it. By doing this, you can potentially free up system resources and speed up your computer, especially if you’re experiencing high disk usage.
How to Disable Superfetch in Windows 11
Disabling Superfetch, also known as SysMain in Windows 11, can help optimize your system if you’re facing performance issues. Follow these steps to turn off the Superfetch feature and see if it makes a difference.
Step 1: Open the Services App
Press the Windows key, type “services,” and hit Enter to open the Services app.
The Services app is a powerful tool that allows you to manage various background services running on your computer. It’s like the control center for your system’s operations.
Step 2: Locate SysMain (Superfetch)
Scroll through the list of services to find SysMain.
SysMain is just the new name for Superfetch in Windows 11. It’s responsible for preloading applications based on your usage patterns, but sometimes it might cause performance hiccups.
Step 3: Open SysMain Properties
Right-click on SysMain and select ‘Properties’ from the dropdown menu.
Accessing the properties lets you change how the service behaves. You can start, stop, or, in our case, disable it altogether.
Step 4: Disable SysMain
In the properties window, change the ‘Startup type’ to ‘Disabled,’ then click ‘Stop’ to halt the service.
By disabling SysMain, you prevent it from automatically starting up with Windows. Hitting ‘Stop’ ensures it’s no longer running at the moment.
Step 5: Confirm Changes
Click ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK’ to save the changes.
Confirming ensures that your settings are applied, and the service will remain inactive unless manually restarted.
After you complete these steps, Superfetch will no longer run in the background, which might reduce disk usage and improve system performance. You may notice that your computer responds more quickly, especially if it was previously bogged down by high disk activity.
Tips for Disabling Superfetch in Windows 11
- Backup Your Data: Always backup important data before tweaking system settings to avoid data loss.
- Monitor Performance: After disabling Superfetch, monitor your system’s performance to see if it improves.
- Re-enable if Needed: If disabling Superfetch doesn’t help, you can always re-enable it by following the same steps and selecting ‘Automatic’ for the startup type.
- Consider Other Solutions: High disk usage can be caused by other factors, so explore additional solutions if needed.
- Use Task Manager: Use Task Manager to check which processes are consuming resources to better understand your system’s performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Superfetch in Windows 11?
Superfetch, now known as SysMain, is a service that preloads apps based on your usage patterns to speed up launch times.
Does disabling Superfetch improve performance?
For some users, especially those experiencing high disk usage, disabling Superfetch can lead to improved system performance.
Can I enable Superfetch again if needed?
Yes, you can re-enable Superfetch by setting the ‘Startup type’ back to ‘Automatic’ in the SysMain properties.
Is disabling Superfetch safe?
Disabling Superfetch is safe and won’t harm your system, but it’s wise to monitor your computer’s performance after making changes.
What should I do if performance doesn’t improve?
If performance doesn’t improve, consider checking for system updates, scanning for malware, or upgrading hardware components.
Summary of Steps
- Open the Services app.
- Locate SysMain.
- Open SysMain properties.
- Disable SysMain.
- Confirm changes.
Conclusion
Disabling Superfetch in Windows 11 can be a simple yet effective way to address performance issues, especially if your system is struggling with high disk usage. By following the outlined steps, you have taken control of a background process that, although designed to improve speed, can sometimes become a bottleneck.
Remember, technology is not one-size-fits-all, and what works for one system may not work for another. Keep an eye on your system’s performance after making these changes. It’s also important to note that other factors might be affecting your computer’s speed, so be prepared to explore additional troubleshooting steps if needed.
If you’re eager to dive deeper into the world of Windows optimization, consider researching other services and settings that can be adjusted for even more personalized performance enhancements.
Whether you’re an avid gamer, a virtual wanderer, or a digital creator, knowing how to manage your system settings empowers you to create the most seamless and efficient computing experience possible.
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.