Superfetch is a Windows service that is responsible for improving system performance by pre-loading frequently used applications into memory. However, the service can sometimes cause issues and may need to be disabled or re-enabled. Let’s explore why you can’t find Superfetch on your Windows machine and provide solutions for bringing it back.
What is Superfetch?
Superfetch is a feature in Windows operating systems that helps improve system performance by preloading frequently used applications into memory. It analyzes the user’s usage patterns and anticipates what programs will be needed next, thus reducing the time it takes to launch them. What is Superfetch is a question often asked by those who seek to optimize their computer’s speed and efficiency. While it can sometimes cause high CPU usage during the initial preloading period, it generally proves to be a valuable tool for many Windows users.
Also Read: What Is Superfetch: Exploring Benefits And Misconceptions About SysMain
Why I Can’t Find Superfetch?
Superfetch is a feature in Windows operating systems that prefetches frequently accessed data and loads it into memory for faster access. However, many users have reported that they cannot find Superfetch on their devices. Below are the reasons why you can’t find Superfetch:
- Name Change: SuperFetch may not be called SuperFetch anymore, especially for newer operating systems. Instead, it may have been renamed to “SysMain”, which is found in the Services application.
- Disabled by default: SuperFetch is not enabled by default on recent versions of Windows, including Windows 10. This is because modern hardware and optimized software can efficiently manage memory without SuperFetch. Therefore, it might not be displayed in the Task Manager.
- Not supported on SSDs: SuperFetch is not compatible with Solid State Drives (SSDs) since they have a faster read speed compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). Therefore, if your device is using an SSD, then Superfetch may not be needed and might not be displayed in the Task Manager.
- Disabled by the user: SuperFetch may have been disabled by the user or a third-party application. Since SuperFetch is a high-performance feature, some users may disable it to improve battery life or reduce CPU usage.
- Not installed: Some Windows editions, such as Windows 10 Home, may not have SuperFetch installed by default. In such cases, one can either install it manually or enable a similar feature like SysMain.
What are the Steps to Locate Superfetch on Windows OS?
Superfetch is a feature in the Windows operating system that is designed to enhance system performance by preloading frequently accessed applications into memory. If you are experiencing slow system performance or want to disable this feature for any other reason, you need to know how to locate and access Superfetch. Here are the steps you need to follow to locate Superfetch on Windows OS:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “services.msc” (without quotes) and press Enter. This will open the Services management console.
- Scroll down the list of services until you locate the “Superfetch” service.
- Right-click on the “Superfetch” service and select “Properties” from the context menu.
- In the “Superfetch Properties” window, you will see several options for configuring the service. These include the startup type, service status, and logon account.
- To disable Superfetch, select “Disabled” from the dropdown menu next to “Startup type.” This will prevent the service from starting up automatically when you boot your system.
- Alternatively, you can stop the service by clicking the “Stop” button in the “Superfetch Properties” window. This will immediately halt the Superfetch service without changing its startup type.
How to Check if Superfetch is Running?
Superfetch is a feature in Windows operating systems that is designed to improve system performance by preloading commonly used applications and data into RAM. It is a useful tool that can help speed up the loading times of frequently used programs, but it can also take up a lot of system resources if it is not managed properly. If you are unsure whether Superfetch is currently running on your system, there are several ways to check:
Using Task Manager
- Right-click on your taskbar and select “Task Manager”.
- Click on the “More details” button to expand the task manager window.
- Navigate to the “Services” tab.
- Look for a service called “SysMain”. If it is running, Superfetch is also running.
- Alternatively, you can look for a service called “Superfetch”, which may be present on older versions of Windows.
Check Services
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “services.msc” (without quotes) and press Enter.
- Look for a service called “SysMain”. If it is running, Superfetch is also running.
- If you are using an older version of Windows, look for a service called “Superfetch” instead.
Using Command Prompt
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “cmd” (without quotes) and press Enter to open Command Prompt.
- Type “sc query sysmain” (without quotes) and press Enter.
- Look for a line that says “STATE : 4 RUNNING”. If you see this, Superfetch is running.
- If you are using an older version of Windows, substitute “SysMain” with “Superfetch” in the command.
Related Articles:
Disable Superfetch To Experience Lightning-Fast Computing!
How To Enable Superfetch To Speed Up Computer Performance
Superfetch Has Stopped Working: Here’s How to Resolve It
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check if Superfetch is enabled on my device?
To check if Superfetch is enabled, press the “Windows” key + “R” on your keyboard to open the “Run” dialog box. Type “services.msc” in the box and press Enter. Search for “Superfetch” in the list, then right-click and select “Properties.” Under the “General” tab, check if the service status shows “Running” and “Automatic.”
Can I disable Superfetch on my computer for better performance?
Yes, you can disable Superfetch, but it is not recommended unless you have a solid-state drive (SSD). Superfetch works by loading often-used data into the memory so that it can be accessed quickly. If you have an SSD, which already delivers fast access times, disabling Superfetch might improve performance slightly.
Is it safe to disable Superfetch permanently on my system?
Although disabling Superfetch might give your system a performance boost, it is not recommended to disable the service permanently. Disabling it might cause apps to take longer to start up, and you may experience more frequent program crashes. It is better to leave Superfetch enabled unless you have an SSD.
How can I enable Superfetch if it is disabled on my Windows system?
To enable Superfetch, press the “Windows” key + “R” on your keyboard to open the “Run” dialog box. Type “services.msc” in the box and press Enter. Search for “Superfetch” in the list, then right-click and select “Properties.” Under the “General” tab, change the startup type to “Automatic” and then click the “Start” button.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you can’t find Superfetch on your computer, it’s likely because it has been replaced by the SysMain service in Windows 10. While Superfetch was designed to improve system performance by pre-loading frequently used files into memory, SysMain takes a more streamlined approach by focusing on prioritizing files that are currently in use. Whether you’re using Superfetch or SysMain, the goal is the same: optimizing system performance for a smoother computing experience.