Disabling Superfetch in Windows 11 can improve system performance by reducing unnecessary disk usage. Superfetch, also known as SysMain, preloads apps into your computer’s memory based on your usage patterns. While it’s designed to speed things up, it can sometimes slow down your PC, especially if you have an SSD. By turning it off, you can free up resources and potentially boost your machine’s efficiency. Follow the easy steps below to disable Superfetch on your Windows 11 device.
How to Disable Superfetch in Windows 11
The following steps will guide you through disabling Superfetch, or SysMain, on your Windows 11 computer. This process involves accessing system settings and making a few adjustments.
Step 1: Open the Services App
Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
This action opens the Services application, a hub where you can control various background services running on your computer.
Step 2: Find the SysMain Service
Scroll through the list and locate “SysMain.”
Once you find SysMain, you’ll see it’s set to run automatically. This service is responsible for the Superfetch feature.
Step 3: Open SysMain Properties
Right-click on “SysMain” and select “Properties.”
The properties window allows you to change how the service starts and behaves.
Step 4: Disable the Service
In the “Startup type” dropdown, select “Disabled.” Then click “Stop” and “Apply.”
By doing this, you’re preventing the service from starting automatically when your computer boots up and stopping it from running immediately.
Step 5: Confirm and Exit
Click “OK” to save your changes and close the window.
Your changes will now take effect, and the Superfetch service is disabled on your computer.
Once you disable the Superfetch service, your computer should have more free memory and less disk activity, which can lead to a smoother experience, particularly for systems with limited resources. You might notice your system is less sluggish, especially if you’re running many applications at the same time.
Tips for Disabling Superfetch in Windows 11
- Consider testing your system’s performance before and after disabling Superfetch to assess any improvements.
- If your computer has a solid-state drive (SSD), disabling Superfetch might not make much difference since SSDs are faster at retrieving data.
- Keep an eye on your computer’s stability after making this change. If you notice any issues, you can always re-enable the service.
- If you’re unsure about making these changes, seek assistance from someone familiar with Windows system settings.
- Regularly updating Windows and drivers can also help improve system performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Superfetch in Windows 11?
Superfetch, or SysMain, is a Windows feature that helps apps load faster by preloading them into memory.
Is it safe to disable Superfetch?
Yes, it’s generally safe to disable Superfetch, especially if you’re experiencing performance issues.
Will disabling Superfetch speed up my computer?
For some users, disabling Superfetch can reduce disk usage and improve system responsiveness.
Can I re-enable Superfetch if needed?
Absolutely, you can follow the same steps but choose “Automatic” for the Startup type to re-enable it.
Does disabling Superfetch affect gaming performance?
Disabling Superfetch may improve gaming performance if your system is bogged down by high disk usage.
Summary
- Open Services App with
services.msc. - Locate “SysMain” in the list.
- Open SysMain Properties.
- Disable and stop the service.
- Save changes and exit.
Conclusion
Disabling Superfetch on Windows 11 can be a straightforward way to enhance your computer’s performance. While Superfetch is designed to speed things up by preloading apps into your memory, it doesn’t always hit the mark, especially on systems with SSDs or when multitasking with resource-heavy applications. By following the steps outlined, you can easily disable this feature and potentially see a notable improvement in how your computer handles daily tasks.
Remember, every PC is a bit like a snowflake—unique in its own way. What works for one system might not work for another, so it’s always good to keep an open mind and be ready to make adjustments as needed. If you find that turning off Superfetch doesn’t bring the desired results, don’t worry. You can always revisit the settings and toggle it back on.
For further reading, check out other optimization techniques or explore forums where users share their experiences with Windows performance tweaks. Stay curious and proactive about keeping your system running as smoothly as 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.