How to Access the System Configuration Utility

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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

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  1. Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen, or press the ⊞ Win key.
  2. This will search your computer for the System Configuration program.
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  3. It's a computer monitor-shaped icon near the top of the Start window. Doing so will open the System Configuration program.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Disabling Services

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  1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • 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.
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      • You can re-enable a disabled service by opening the System Configuration program, re-checking the disabled service's box, clicking Apply and OK , and restarting your computer.
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