Are you noticing a slower computer speed than usual? Is your disk usage unusually high even when the system is idle? Do you frequently see “svchost.exe” among the processes running in Task Manager? If so, then one of the culprits might be Windows Superfetch service. Read on to know why it is better to disable Superfetch and how you can do it with ease!
What is Superfetch(SysMain)?
SysMain, formerly known as Superfetch, is a Windows service that was launched with Windows Vista and improved in the latest version of Windows 10. It’s primary purpose lies in its ability to enhance system performance by forecasting which applications and files users may need next, preloading them into memory before they are actually accessed.
Service Host SysMain uses a user’s usage patterns and behaviours to identify the apps and files that are accessed most often, preloading them into memory so they can launch faster. This clever feature allows for quicker application launches and maximizes system performance in no time! Hope you understood what is Superfetch.
Also Read: What Is Superfetch: Exploring Benefits And Misconceptions About SysMain
Why do we Need Windows Superfetch?
In order to improve PC performance, Windows Superfetch (also known as SysMain) utilizes user behavior data in order to anticipate which applications and files are frequently used. Then it preloads them into computer memory for quicker access. Subsequently, each time an application is executed or a file opened- up, the information is catalogued by SysMain and stored in its own cache.
Superfetch utilizes the data it gathers to figure out which files and applications a user is likely to use next, preloading them into memory for quicker access. Working with Windows Memory Manager, this feature reorders data and increases system performance. Although helpful, certain older or low end systems can suffer from its resource consumption.
When does the Superfetch Service go Wrong?
SuperFetch service, also known as SysMain, can be impeded by a variety of factors. A few potential issues you may experience include:
- High Disk Usage: SuperFetch often results in an excessive disk usage and, as a result, it can slow down your computer’s performance. This is because the process of constantly loading and unloading data into memory causes stress on the system’s resources.
- Compatibility Issues: SuperFetch can be detrimental to system stability and performance if not used properly. Compatibility issues may arise from certain applications or drivers, causing crashes, freezes, or other errors.
- Malfunctioning Hardware: The efficiency of SuperFetch is directly linked to the performance of various hardware components, including RAM and hard drive. Unfortunately, if any one of these elements are malfunctioning or not performing as expected, it can lead to difficulties with SuperFetch and other system operations.
- Corrupt System Files: If any of the system files that are associated with SuperFetch become corrupted or damaged, it can lead to malfunctioning of the service and negatively affect your computer’s performance.
Why Should I Disable Superfetch?
In some cases, turning off SysMain can be advantageous. If you are wondering why should I disable Superfetch, Here are a few explanations of why you have to disable Superfetch:
- High CPU Usage: Superfetch can often be the cause of system high disk usage, which ultimately slows down your computer. If this is occurring on your system, disabling it should boost its performance significantly.
- Incompatible Software: Although Superfetch can enhance performance, it may cause severe compatibility issues with specific software applications or drivers. If you’ve been experiencing crashes, freezes, or other errors when utilizing certain applications, deactivating Superfetch could be the solution to your problem.
- Limited System Resources: Superfetch might consume a noteworthy amount of your system’s resources, such as CPU, memory and disk usage. If you have an aged or low-end device with restricted resources, deactivating Superfetch can improve the total performance of your machine significantly.
- Personal Preference: For certain users, Superfetch is not advantageous or suitable to their usage habits; thus they opt-out of utilizing it.
How to Disable Superfetch in Windows 10?
From Service Manager
If you’re looking to know how to disable Superfetch in Windows 10, then follow these simple steps!
- To access the Run dialog box, press and hold down the Windows key then tap R. Enter “services.msc” in the field provided to open it up!
- To find the “SysMain” or “Superfetch” service in the Services window, scroll down and right-click it.
- Select “Properties” from the ensuing context menu to continue.
- To disable the service, go to the Properties window and select “General” from the tab menu. Then alter the Startup type to “Disabled”.
- If it’s currently in operation, press on “Stop” for an instant halt of its activities.
- click “Apply” and then select “OK” to save the changes.
- Finally, restart your device for the alterations to be successfully applied.
From PowerShell
If you want to deactivate the SysMain service, otherwise known as Superfetch, in Windows 10 with PowerShell, follow these instructions:
- Access the Quick Link menu quickly by pressing Windows key + X, then select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”.
- To stop the Superfetch Service, type the following command: “stop-service -name sysmain” and press “Enter”
- To disable SysMain service, type “set-service -name sysmain -startuptype disabled” (no quotation marks) into a PowerShell window and press “Enter”.
- Reboot your computer to make sure the changes are effective.
From Registry Editor
To turn off Superfetch (SysMain) in Windows 10 using the Registry Editor, here are the necessary steps:
- Open Run quickly by pressing Windows Key + R, then type in “regedit” and press Enter.
- In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\PrefetchParameters
- To turn on Superfetch, navigate to the PrefetchParameters folder and double-click on the “EnableSuperfetch” DWORD value present in the right pane.
- To enact the desired value change, simply modify the data from “1” to “0,” then click OK.
- Simply close the Registry Editor and restart your laptop/computer to ensure that all changes saved successfully.
Using Batch File
Follow these steps to disable Superfetch (SysMain) on your Windows 10 system using batch file:
- To begin, simply open Notepad or any other text editing software of your choice.
- Then copy and paste the following command into the text editor: sc config SysMain start=disabled net stop SysMain
- Click on “File” and then “Save As”.
- In the “Save As” dialog box, name the file with a “.bat” extension (e.g. “disable-superfetch.bat”).
- Select a suitable location to store the file, then click “Save”.
- To run batch file as administrator, right-click on it and select “Run as administrator”.
- Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.
Using Group Policy Editor
Here are the steps to disable Superfetch (SysMain) in Windows 10 using Group Policy Editor:
- Launch Run with a simple press of Windows key + R and then enter “gpedit.msc”. Press Enter to launch your desired task.
- In the Group Policy Editor window, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Troubleshooting and Diagnostics > Windows Resource Exhaustion Detection and Resolution.
- Double-click on the “Configure Scenario Execution Level” policy on the right side of the window.
- Select the “Enabled” option and change the execution level to “None”.
- To put your changes into effect, select “Apply” and then click on “OK”.
- After you have completed all the above steps, reboot your PC so that the alterations can save successfully.
Using Third-Party Software to Manage CPU Usage
Looking to manage CPU usage and disable Superfetch Windows 10? Check out Process Lasso, an excellent third-party software that is specifically designed to take care of both tasks. With this helpful tool, you can optimize CPU usage for your system with ease.
Here are the steps to disable Superfetch using Process Lasso:
- Download Process Lasso from the official website (https://bitsum.com/) and install.
- Access Process Lasso and direct yourself to the “All Processes” tab.
- Search for the process labelled as “SysMain,” then click on it.
- Now select “Prohibit (Keep Disabled)” from the context menu and then to ensure the changes take effect, restart your device.
Is Service Host Superfetch Necessary for Gaming?
In the end, it all comes down to determining whether Service Host Superfetch (SysMain) is necessary for gaming; this depends on both your system setup as well as the kinds of games you play. Fundamentally, Superfetch improves computer performance by storing frequently used data into memory ahead of time; this can significantly reduce loading times when using applications or accessing data. Although Superfetch can be advantageous for gaming, it’s not a requirement and some users might pick to disable this feature in order to conserve system resources or reduce disk activity. Whether or not Superfetch is essential for effective gaming results depends on the individual computer configuration and efficiency objectives of the games being played.
Is Disabling Superfetch a Bad Idea?
Whether disabling Superfetch (SysMain) is valuable or detrimental to system performance depends on the configuration of your computer and how it’s used. Both positive and negative outcomes should be expected, so it’s important to weigh all factors before making a decision.
Pros
- Reduced Disk Activity: SuperFetch’s preloading of frequently used data into memory can lead to heightened disk activity and potentially reduce the lifespan of your hard drive. To prevent this, deactivating SuperFetch is a must in order to maintain minimal disk activities and extend the life of your computer’s most valuable asset—your hard drive!
- Reduced Resource Usage: SuperFetch can consume valuable CPU and RAM resources, leaving you with fewer system resources for other applications. By disabling the service, these precious computer capabilities are liberated for different uses.
- Faster Boot Times: By preventing SuperFetch, you will cut back the time needed to power on your system since less data needs to be preloaded into memory.
Cons
- Longer Application Launch Times: By preloading common applications and data into memory, SuperFetch accelerates the time it takes to launch them. Unfortunately if you disable this service, your load times may increase drastically.
- Reduced System Responsiveness: SuperFetch can drastically accelerate system performance by pre-loading applications and data into memory that are used repeatedly. However, failing to enable this technology might lead to decreased responsiveness in certain situations.
- Increased Memory Usage: By deactivating SuperFetch, memory usage from other applications and processes can go up since less will be available to preload data.
Troubleshooting Issues that Arise from Disabling SysMain
If your Windows system has any problems after you disable Superfetch (SysMain), these troubleshooting steps can help:
- Restart your Computer: For the changes to take effect correctly, it is advised that you restart your system after disabling SysMain.
- Check for Updates: Ensure that your system is equipped with the most recent Windows updates and drivers. Outdated software may lead to compatibility issues, which can impact the performance of the system significantly. To prevent potential problems, stay up-to-date!
- Check for Malware: Protect your computer from spyware with the most up-to-date antivirus program. Malware has been known to cause system instability and hinder the proper functioning of a system, making it more vulnerable to cyber threats. Scanning regularly will ensure that your device is safe from malicious attacks and keep you secure online.
- Restore Default Settings: If you have encountered any incidents after turning off SysMain, it is achievable to reset the settings back to their defaults. Doing so can be done simply by accessing the Services app and finding the related service, setting its startup type as “Automatic (Delayed Start)”. This should aid in restoring your system’s normal operation.
- Re-enable SysMain: If restoring the default settings fails to solve your problem, you can try reactivating SysMain. To do this, open Services app and locate the SysMain service then set its launch type to “Automatic (Delayed Start)”.
Related Articles:
How To Enable Superfetch To Speed Up Computer Performance
Superfetch Has Stopped Working: Here’s How to Resolve It
What To Do When You Can’t Find Superfetch on Windows PC
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Superfetch the same as Prefetch?
Even though Superfetch and Prefetch both offer similar services, they are not the same. Windows has a built-in feature known as Prefetch that loads frequently used apps to memory for quicker startup times. On the other hand, Superfetch keeps track of your activity and preloads commonly used data into RAM so you can access it quickly.
Will disabling Superfetch harm my computer?
Turning off Superfetch is unlikely to have any adverse effects on your computer. However, some applications may not run as efficiently. To be absolutely safe, creating a restore point or backup before making changes of this magnitude is wise.
How can I tell if Superfetch is causing high disk usage?
Task Manager is your go-to for monitoring disk usage and determining which applications or services consume the most resources. For instance, if Superfetch is causing too much disk utilization, you can easily locate it in Processes!
Can I re-enable Superfetch if I change my mind?
Superfetch can be turned on with the same steps you used to disable it. However, remember that some time is needed for Superfetch to re-learn your usage behavior and start functioning optimally once again.
Are there any alternatives to disable Superfetch?
Several solutions are worth considering if you’re unsure of fully deactivating Superfetch. You can reduce the amount of memory it consumes by adjusting its settings or using third-party software to control CPU usage.
Will disabling Superfetch improve gaming performance?
Though disabling Superfetch may result in better gaming performance due to reduced system resources, some games might operate at an even higher level with this feature. Thus, it is critical to consider that the outcome may not always be what you expect.
Can Superfetch cause any other problems besides high disk usage?
If Superfetch is not working optimally, it could lead to other issues, such as decreased system performance or crashing different programs. Fortunately, these scenarios are uncommon and usually only require restarting the service for resolution.
How to disable Superfetch for specific applications?
Every application on your system will be impacted by SysMain, so you cannot selectively disable Superfetch for certain applications. The only option is to turn the service off completely, affecting all programs across your computer.
How to monitor Superfetch disk usage?
To track Superfetch (SysMain) disk usage, open the Task Manager and head to the Performance tab. Under “Disk,” you’ll be able to view both “Disk Activity” and “Disk Usage” readings that provide you with an accurate depiction of your system’s current status.
Conclusion
Before turning off Superfetch (SysMain), it is vital to consider the advantages and drawbacks. Doing so can enhance your system performance, decrease disk usage and avert unnecessary damage to your hard drive. On the other hand, longer application launch times may result from this choice depending on user needs. So, you must carefully deliberate both sides before making a decision!