How to Access the System Configuration Utility

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: August 10, 2022 Tested

Opening System Configuration

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Disabling Services

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Video

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Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

This wikiHow teaches you how to open and use the System Configuration program on a Windows computer. You can use System Configuration to disable hidden programs or services, which can speed up your computer.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Opening System Configuration

1
Open Start
. Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen, or press the ⊞ Win key.
2
Type system configuration into Start. This will search your computer for the System Configuration program.

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3
Click System Configuration. It's a computer monitor-shaped icon near the top of the Start window. Doing so will open the System Configuration program.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Disabling Services

1
Click the Services tab. It's near the upper-left side of the System Configuration window. This is where you can view things like program update processes, Windows services (e.g., audio), and other background running items.
2
Locate a service you want to disable. Scroll through the list of currently running services until you find the one you want to disable. Services are arranged alphabetically by default.
- If you don't have a specific service in mind when you open System Configuration, consider leaving the current services alone. Disabling random services can harm your computer.
3
Un-check the service. Click the checkbox to the left of the service to remove the checkmark.
- You can't disable vital Windows processes (e.g., the Wi-Fi service).
4
Click OK. These are both at the bottom of the window. Doing so will mark the selected service(s) as disabled and close the System Configuration window.
5
Click Restart when prompted. This will restart your computer. Once it finishes restarting, your selected service(s) will officially be disabled.
- You can also click Exit without restarting if you want to manually restart your computer later.

Community Q&A

Question

Safe Mode also sends me to a menu where I choose accounts to open safe mode; I have to choose user account, and it is frozen there, too. What can I do?

Community Answer

You will need to reinstall Windows. Use a bootable media.
Question

How do I log on to my personal laptop as administrator?

Aarav Garg

Community Answer

Press the WIN key, and type CMD. Click on the command prompt and type: 'net user administrator /active:yes'. If you log out and in again, you will see an admin.
Question

What do I do if my screen is black out but still wants me to enter a system password?

Community Answer

Press CRTL-ALT-DEL. Click on Task Manager. In the Processes tab, look for Run Once Wrapper. Right click on it and click on End task. Desktop will show up. Press Start button and type Uninstall a program and press Enter. Look for WSE_Binkiland.