How to disable some of the unnecessary features and services in Windows Vista

by Ross McKillop on November 29, 2007

Windows

This brief tutorial will guide you in turning off some of the (possibly) unnecessary features in Windows Vista.

  1. To get started, open up your Control Panel. Select Uninstall a program from the Programs section.
  2. vista control panel
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  3. In the left column, select Turn Windows features on or off.
  4. vista uninstall programs control panel
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  5. And now scroll through the features and services. Hover your mouse over each item for a slightly more detailed explanation of that feature.
  6. enable and disable vista features
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  7. To expand a list, select the small + (plus sign) next to it.
  8. enable and disable vista features
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  9. Remove the check mark from any of the items you’re sure you don’t need. In the example below, I’ve removed the check next to Tablet PC Optional Components because I don’t have a Tablet PC, don’t foresee getting one any time soon, and therefore have no need for those services.
  10. enable and disable vista features
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  11. Ditto Windows Meeting Space.
  12. enable and disable vista features
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  13. When you’re done, click OK. And wait for a minute or ten while Windows makes the changes.
  14. vista asks you to wait

  15. You may be prompted to reboot your PC, depending on the changes you made. It’s probably a good idea to do so now, so click Restart Now. You can always reverse any of the changes you made if you decide you do want to use Windows Meeting Space or some other service.
  16. reboot vista now

Related Posts:
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  • How to disable the system sounds in Windows Vista
  • Improving Windows Vista with TweakVI
  • How to customize the OS X Services menu
  • { 2 comments… read them below or add one }

    1 heliotrope 12.02.07 at 12:35 pm

    Just a heads up, if you disable Tablet PC Optional Components, the Snipping Tool will disappear.

    You can get the Snipping Tool back by turning on the Tablet PC Optional services.

    The Snipping Tool is located in Programs/Accessories, you can right click on it to add it to the Start Menu or Quick Launch, or type snip in the Windows Search Box (located on the Start Menu under All Programs when you click the Start Button).

    2 Ross McKillop 12.02.07 at 12:59 pm

    @heliotrope -

    Great tip - thanks very much!

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