With Windows 7/10, Microsoft has taken another step forward in customizing and configuring its operating system by giving the user control over the components. Now the user can disable the built-in Edge browser or remove unnecessary libraries for Windows Media at your discretion.
Important! The transition methods and the operation of the component subsystem in Windows 7 and 10 are identical, with the exception of a more extensive list in the top ten.
There are a few steps to follow to get started with components.
The faster route would require using an add/remove application:
Finally, the easiest way is to open the Run menu (Win+R) and type " optional features". It will lead you to the desired point directly.
INimportant! Activating or deactivating windows elements 10, you need to clearly understand what exactly this or that component does. Some actions can cause Windows 10 to malfunction and data to be lost.
The set of functions is implemented as a hierarchical list. Some components are composite - you can recognize them by the plus sign on the left side.
To install the component, it is enough:
If the Components window appears blank, the Windows Installer service may be disabled. Activate it, then return to the components section again.
So, what exactly from this list is sure to come in handy, and what can be turned off? Let's start with the main thing - all components except. NET Framework, can be disabled relatively painlessly for the system. The point of putting these functions in a separate menu is that they are not required for Windows work and are needed only in strictly specific cases.
Table of Windows components that should not be disabled.
| Component | Peculiarities |
|---|---|
| .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.7 + Additional Services | A set of blanks and templates for the correct functioning of the operating system |
| PowerShell 2.0 | Second version command line, with an extended list of features |
| Work Folders Client | Synchronization of resources in the local network, works by default |
| Components previous versions | Here is DirectPlay, one of the key pieces of the old DirectX. Previously, it was necessary to run games, now it is for compatibility with legacy applications. |
| Print Service | Print service. printout of files remote control, scanner operation. Only client services are enabled, server services need to be activated by yourself |
Stopping the following components almost never causes problems.
A table of Windows features that can be disabled.
| Component | Peculiarities | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Sandboxed environment for the Microsoft Edge browser. Prevents malicious viruses and applications from getting beyond the sandbox. Useless for those who don't use Edge |  |
|
| Built-in tool for creating virtual PCs. Composite, consists of a platform and controls for it |  |
|
| Composite component that regulates advanced login settings |  |
|
| IE11 | The morally and programmatically obsolete browser is left for compatibility reasons. Enabled by default |  |
| SMNP | Legacy communication protocol, disabled by default |  |
| .NET framework component used by some older applications |  |
|
| The long-awaited update of the Windows File Protection subsystem, which protects against substitution of key system files and programs. For 2018 is in beta, disabled by default |  |
|
| A lightweight version of the web server from Microsoft. The user is not interested, disabled |  |
|
| Protected node | Tools for creating shielded virtual machine on a remote server |  |
| Organizes command line control on a remote PC according to its own protocol. Not safe, turn on only when absolutely necessary |  |
|
| TFTP | Receiving/sending data using its own protocol, similar to the Telnet client. Insecure, disabled |  |
| Windows Media Player Resource Kit |  |
|
| In the Windows paradigm, a container is isolated application, which already has all the resources to start and work, without third-party libraries. This component is responsible for creating and interacting with Windows Server containers |  |
|
| The server component responsible for traffic distribution and increasing the reliability of information transmission. The normal user does not need |  |
|
| CMAK | Administration package for automating client connection to VPN servers |  |
| Create PDF files from images, print them |  |
|
| Launching virtualization software at the Windows kernel level. Allows, for example, to divide the server into several virtual machines |  |
|
| SMB/CIFS Sharing | Needed to organize data exchange with machines on which SMB / CIFS file systems are installed. Used for network resource usage in legacy Windows versions, up to and including XP |  |
| Allows you to emulate the kernel of OS Linux in the command line Windows line. May be interesting for users of *nix systems and experimenters |  |
|
| A service that provides interaction with a router using the RIP1 protocol. Used for large local networks |  |
|
| Support for service commands for LAN debugging |  |
|
| MSMO | Service for information transfer in unstable networks. If the connection is interrupted, the message will be stored in a special container. Rarely used in networks of large companies |  |
| Service for exchanging data with computers using the SMB 2.0 file system. Useful when organizing a heterogeneous network with Windows/Linux/Mac |  |
|
| Service Windows activation/IIS Service | Despite the name, both points have nothing to do with Windows license. The IIS service allows you to host web servers and other resources on the Internet, the activation service helps you manage the placement of web applications. The average user is not interested |  |
| Allows you to differentiate user rights and carry out deep customization of the authentication mechanism. Useful for admins small networks not planning to expand soon |  |
|
| Another one file system, another service to access it. Disabled by default |  |
|
| Control and information collection tool for large networks |  |
|
| XPS Writer | Enables processing of XPS documents |  |
| Ability to recognize and index TIFF images. In rare cases, a large, unsystematic database of images of this format is needed, for example, after scanning photos |  |
Most of the items in the list above are needed for the work of system administrators and the organization of local networks. A normal user will never need a conditional "RIP Listener".
So, what might the components menu be for? First of all, this may be the installation of old or specialized software, which will require the activation of the old protocol to work. In most cases, Windows will activate the requested component itself, but sometimes it will have to be done manually.
Another reason why you may need to install a component is the appearance of a beta version of some new opportunity. Microsoft usually disables such services by default and in order to try it out, you will have to activate the item manually.
An empty window when entering the menu means that the module is damaged or the services that support it are disabled.
It is solved in one of two ways:
Check if the "Windows Modules Installer" service is enabled. For this you need:
Windows 10 has a lot additional features, which you can enable or disable through the control panel. Some of them are intended for servers and corporate networks, while some are useful for the average user. In today's article, we'll look at what each feature means and how to enable or disable it.
These components take up hard disk space even when disabled. But do not rush to enable all of them, perhaps some of them will reduce system performance, or there will be security problems.
How to view additional components, and how to enable or disable them.
In Windows 10, some of the settings have been moved from the control panel to "Settings", and some are available only through the panel.
1. Open "Programs and Features": one of the ways is in the search bar or in the "Run" menu (run is called by the Win + R keys) write appwiz.cp l and press the Enter key.
2. On the left side, open Turn Windows features on or off.
The "Windows Components" window will open in front of you. Also, this window can be launched by typing in the search bar or in the menu execute optional features
In Windows components, you will see the available features, those with checkmarks - enabled, and those without checkmarks - disabled. If there is a square with a plus in front of the component, then it contains additional parameters, and you can include both the entire component and some of its functions. Click on the plus to see a list of additional component options. To install a component - you need to check the box in front of it and click "OK", to remove the component - uncheck the box and click "OK".
Additional Windows components 10
What is on this list to include and what to disable? Windows 10 Pro and Home have a different set of components, in today's article we will look at more full set provided in the professional version of Windows 10:
.NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0): this component is needed to run applications written on these versions of .NET. Windows will automatically install this component if an application requires it;
.NET Framework 4.6 Advanced Services: also a necessary component for launching applications. And also this component will be automatically installed as needed;
Hyper-V: Microsoft's virtualization tool. It contains the main platform and tools for managing and using virtual machines;
Internet Explorer 11: if you don't need the outdated Internet browser Explorer - you can disable it completely;
SNMP protocol: old protocol for managing routers, switches, and other network devices. Useful for people who are still working in an environment using this old protocol;
Windows Identity Foundation 3.5: old NET applications can still use this component. If some old application requires this component from you, check the box and install it;
Windows PowerShell 2.0: more advanced command line. It is enabled by default, but if you are not using it you can disable it. For example, with its help you can;
IIS Web Core injected: ordinary users do not need this component. Used by developers software, and IT specialists;
Built-in shell launcher: new feature in Windows 10. Allowing apps to run in a secure, isolated space if programmed to do so. A normal user does not need this component;
Telnet client: Telnet commands allow you to remotely connect to the command line interface on computers and devices running a Telnet server. Telnet is not secure, so it is recommended to enable it if you really need it;
TFTP client: allows you to transfer files using the TFTP protocol. This protocol is outdated and insecure, and may be useful on older devices. But unnecessary for most users;
Work Folders Client: this component allows you to synchronize folders from corporate network to your computer;
Components for working with multimedia: if you do not use Windows Media to play video and audio - here you can turn it off;
Legacy Components: previously this component was part of DirectX, and was used for networking and multiplayer games. Windows 10 will automatically install this component if some old game requests it during installation;
Manager Administration PackRAS connections: This tool allows you to create user profiles remote access for VPN. It is used by IT specialists mainly in corporate networks;
Print to PDF: adds the possibility , also you can use it . It is enabled by default, but if for some reason you do not need it, uncheck the box and click "OK";
API support for remote differential compression: algorithm for comparing synchronized files. Sometimes installed applications require this function, although there are not many such applications;
Support public access to SMB 1.0/CIFS files: allows sharing files and printers from over old Windows(from 4.0 to XP). Operating Linux systems and Macs can also use the older SMB protocol for file and printer sharing;
RIP listener: this service is only useful if you have a router that supports the RIPv1 protocol. This may be useful on a corporate network, but will not be useful at home;
Simple TCP/IP services: this is a set of additional network services for troubleshooting some corporate network problems. But it is unlikely that it will be useful to the average user;
Microsoft Message Queuing Server: this is an old service for sending messages on untrusted networks. If the connection is lost, the messages are stored in the buffer and sent immediately after it is restored. This function needed by some enterprise applications;
Windows Activation Service: this feature is only useful for software developers. This component is associated with Internet Information Services (IIS);
Services Active Directory for easy directory access: provides an LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) server. It works like windows service and provides a directory for authenticating users on the network. This is a lightweight alternative to a full Active Directory server, and will only be useful in some corporate networks;
IIS Services: provides Microsoft's IIS web and FTP servers along with server management tools;
XPS Services: allows you to print XPS documents. Microsoft created this document format in Windows Vista, although it's better to use Print to PDF already. Here you can disable printing in XPS, thereby deleting this printer. Although you can go into printers and use the right-click menu to delete this printer;
Document printing services: Internet Print Client and Windows Fax and Scan features are enabled by default. They allow you to print over the network, send faxes and scan. You can also add support for LPD and LPR network printing protocols, although these are older and less often needed, only if you have a connection to network printer requiring them;
MultiPoint connector: allows the computer to be monitored and controlled using the MultiPoint Manager and the application panel. This is only useful on corporate networks, and only if those networks use these management tools;
XPS Viewer: the application allows you to view XPS - documents;
Windows TIFF IFilter: The feature allows the Windows Indexing Service to parse .TIFF files and perform optical character recognition (OCR). It is disabled by default as it is an intensive process and creates a load. But, if you use a lot of TIFF files, for example, if you regularly scan paper documents to TIFF, this could be useful feature which allows you to search for those scanned documents more easily.
Most users will not need the Windows Components window, because Windows 10 will install everything you need automatically when needed. But still, you may need to add something yourself or disable it. You can talk about these functions more extensively, but is it worth it? If there are additions - write comments! Good luck to you 🙂
The Programs and Features section of the Control Panel, in addition to uninstalling programs, provides another opportunity to speed up your computer. It's about about disabling unused components of the operating system.
At the same time, please note that in the Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems, components are not completely removed from the computer, but only stop work, which allows you to free up computer resources. In the same time operating system Windows XP involves the removal of components from disk and thus helps not only to free up processor resources and RAM but also increase the amount of free disk space.
When disabling certain components, be careful not to accidentally disable something you need. If you are not sure whether to disable a particular component, it is better to leave everything as it is.
To disable components on Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems, run Control Panel, and then click the icon Programs and Features. In the window that opens, click on the link Turn Windows features on or off.
In the Windows Components window that appears, you can enable or disable system components by checking or unchecking the appropriate boxes. Next to some components there is a + icon, by clicking on which it is easy to open a list of components included in this group. These components can also be disabled if necessary.
The following components can be disabled without compromising system performance:
After clearing the desired checkboxes, click OK. The system will take some time to disable the components, after which you will see a dialog on the screen prompting you to restart the computer. Click the Restart Now button and wait for the reboot. The computer is ready to go.
Components are disabled a little differently in the Windows XP operating system. To disable the components of this system, select the following menu items in sequence: Start>>Control Panel>>Installation and removal of programms. In the window that opens, click the button Installing Windows Components.
The Windows Components Wizard window opens. Here, by unchecking and checking the boxes, you can disable and enable the corresponding components. Some components are composite. If you click on such components with the mouse button, the button will become active. Compound. By clicking this button, you can see what parts this or that component consists of. And accordingly, disable these parts.
So, if you select a component Standard and Utilities and then click the button Compound, a window will open Standard Utilities, which will display the elements included in this component. These elements, in turn, are also composite. For example, in the element Games includes several standard Windows games.
Without consequences, you can disable the following elements of the Windows XP operating system.
After you have cleared all the necessary checkboxes from the components, click the button Further. When the system has completed all the necessary operations, a window with information about this will appear on the window. You have to press the button Ready. If necessary, the system may require you to restart your computer. Let her do it.
Some features and programs that come with Windows 10 are disabled by default, but you can start them manually. Using the same methods, you can deactivate many system services and applications. The component management menu is located in the system settings.
First, it is worth considering that disabled components are not erased from the system and remain in memory. hard drive. They temporarily cease to be available, that is, it will be impossible to find and launch them until the user activates them again in Windows settings. The only reason to block access to some programs is to protect inexperienced users from accidentally using them with unpleasant consequences.
Secondly, the system depends on some components, so disabling them can cause Windows to start working incorrectly or stop responding altogether. If you do not know what a particular service is for and whether it can be deactivated, then do not touch this component. Otherwise, the risk increases that you will have to spend a lot of time on system recovery. For example, disabling the PDF Print service will result in Windows not being able to work with PDF files, and with the NET Framework component disabled, many applications will not be able to open.
There are several ways to view the list of enabled and disabled components and edit it. Third Party Programs you won't need it, because all the necessary tools are built into Windows 10. At the end of the article there is a table listing all the components and the tasks they perform. With it, you can understand which components you need included and which do not.
The control panel is the main application of the system, which contains almost all the settings that the user will ever have to contact. It also contains the parameters of the components:
Open the "Programs and Features" section
Click on the line "Turn Windows features on or off"
Choose which components to enable and which to disableAn alternative way to set up the system is by using the Settings app. It also allows you to fine-tune many Windows features, including components:
Open system settings
Click on the "Applications" section
Click on the "Manage additional components" button
Click the "Delete" button
Click the "Install" buttonUsing the table below, you can find out why a particular component is needed. With this information, you have the right to decide for yourself which components should be disabled and which should be left enabled.
| Component name | Component task |
| NET Framework 3.5 | required for the operation of programs written in .NET. |
| .NET Framework 4.6 Advanced Services | also used by programs written in .NET |
| Hyper-V | required for virtual machines to work |
| Internet Explorer 11 | standard browser used in all previous versions Windows. Edge replaced in Windows 10 |
| SNMP protocol | network device management protocol |
| Windows Identity Foundation 3.5 | used by older programs written in .NET |
| Windows PowerShell 2.0 | modern command line, largely copying the standard one, but also supplementing it |
| IIS Web Core Embedded | tool for software developers |
| Built-in shell launcher | Allowing applications to run in a secure isolated space if programmed to do so |
| Telnet Client | Telnet commands allow you to remotely connect to the command line interface |
| TFTP client | file transfer via TFTP |
| Work Folders Client | this component allows you to synchronize folders from the corporate network to your computer |
| Media Components | if you don't use Windows Media to play video and audio - here you can disable it |
| RAS Manager Administration Pack - Connections | this tool allows you to create custom profiles remote access for VPN. Used by IT specialists mainly in corporate networks |
| Print to PDF | responsible for viewing, editing, working and printing PDF files |
| API support for remote differential compression | algorithm for comparing synchronized files |
| Support for SMB 1.0/CIFS file sharing | allows file and printer sharing with older Windows (4.0 to XP) |
| RIP Listener | this service is only useful if you have a router that supports the RIPv1 protocol |
| Simple TCP/IP Services | this is a set of additional network services for troubleshooting some corporate network problems |
| Microsoft Message Queuing Server | this is an old service for sending messages on unreliable networks. If the connection is lost, the messages are stored in the buffer and sent immediately after it is restored |
| Windows Activation Service | necessary for software developers, used by them. This component is associated with Internet Information Services (IIS) |
| Active Directory Services for Easy Directory Access | working with LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) servers |
| IIS Services | provides Microsoft IIS web and FTP servers along with server management tools |
| XPS Services | print files in XPS extension |
| Document printing services | Internet and Windows print client |
| MultiPoint Connector | monitoring and control with MultiPoint Manager and Application Dashboard |
| XPS Viewer | viewing elements in XPS format - documents |
| Windows TIFF IFilter | parsing .TIFF files and optical character recognition (OCR). |
By enabling new components, you can increase the capabilities of the system, while disabling old ones - protect inexperienced users from misusing some programs. But remember that you can only get rid of those services that are not involved in the operation of the system and the launch of applications.
Windows 10 has very wide customization options - the option to control system components is provided without the help of additional tweakers. Let's take a closer look at this issue.
Open the control panel, switch to the category view.
In the Programs and Features section, click Turn Windows features on or off.
A window opens with a list of Windows components and the ability to turn them off.
Depending on which version of the OS you have installed, the number of system components will vary - naturally, the least of them will be in Home Edition. Consider the most detailed list of the "tens" components and their functions.
We have discussed with you the possibility of changing additional components of Windows. By turning off some of them, you can increase the performance of the operating system. Before making changes, just in case, set a Windows restore point.
