Enable and Disable Windows Features

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No matter which version of Windows you use, there is a lot of features that are installed with the system by default, many of which you probably will never use. Disabling Windows features you don’t use can optimize your system, making it faster and saving precious hard disk space.

This article shows you how to enable and disable features in Windows 7/8/10, Vista, and XP.

Windows Vista, 7/8/10

To turn Windows features in Windows Vista to Windows 10 on or off, clickControl Panelon theStartmenu. You can also click on Start and then type in control panel.

Click theProgramslink.

NOTE:If you are in Classic View, the link readsPrograms and Features.

Under thePrograms and Featuresheading, click theTurn Windows features on or offlink.

NOTE:If you are in the Classic View, theTurn Windows features on or offlink is on the left panel.

TheWindows Featuresdialog box displays with a “Please wait…” message, while the features list is loaded.

When the list of features displays, you can move your mouse over one of the features and view a description of that feature.

For each feature you want to turn off, select the check box to the left of the feature so there is NO check mark in the box. For example, since we are not using a Tablet PC, we decided to turn off theTablet PC Componentsfeature, along with some other features we don’t use. Once you have made your changes, clickOKto close theWindows Featuresdialog box.

A dialog box displays showing the progress of the changes being made to your Windows system.

You must restart your computer for the changes to be completed. ClickRestart Nowif you are ready to restart the computer now. If you want to wait to restart the computer, clickRestart Later.

While the computer is shutting down and again while it is starting up, the following message displays. Be sure you don’t shut off the computer while the features are being configured.

Windows XP

To turn Windows features in Windows XP, clickControl Panelon theStartmenu.

Click theAdd or Remove Programslink (or the icon in Classic View) on theControl Panelwindow.

On theAdd or Remove Programsdialog box, clickAdd/Remove Windows Componentsin the left panel.

A dialog box displays asking you to wait while the list of Windows features is generated.

TheWindows Components Wizarddisplays with a list ofComponents. If the check box to the left of a component has a gray background, there are sub-components within that component. ClickDetailsto view the components under that main component.

For example, the following dialog box shows the components available under theNetwork Servicesmain component. You can turn on or off any of these components and clickOKto accept your changes and return to theWindows Components Wizard.

For each feature you want to turn off, select the check box to the left of the feature so there is NO check mark in the box. For example, we are not using MSN Explorer or Outlook Express, in addition to some other features. Once you have made your changes, clickNext.

TheConfiguring Componentsscreen displays the progress of the changes being made to your system.

When the changes have been made, theCompleting the Windows Components Wizarddialog box displays. ClickFinish.

You must restart your computer for the changes to be completed. ClickYesif you are ready to restart the computer now. If you want to wait to restart the computer, clickNo.

You can turn on any of the Windows features again, if desired, simply by following these procedures and selecting the check boxes for features you want so there is a check mark in each check box. Enjoy!

Founder of Help Desk Geek and managing editor. He began blogging in 2007 and quit his job in 2010 to blog full-time. He has over 15 years of industry experience in IT and holds several technical certifications.Read Aseem’s Full Bio

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Enable and Disable Windows Features#

Windows Vista, 7/8/10#

Windows XP#