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Superfetch is a Windows service designed to improve system performance by preloading frequently used apps into memory. However, in some cases, it can cause slowdowns, especially on systems with traditional hard drives or limited RAM.

If you notice your Windows 11 PC running slower than usual, disabling Superfetch might help improve responsiveness. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, making it easy even if you’re new to Windows settings.

Disabling Superfetch is straightforward and reversible, so you can always turn it back on if needed. Let’s explore the best way to do this on your Windows 11 system.

Follow these instructions carefully to avoid any unintended changes to your system.

Quick Note Before You Begin

• Make sure you are logged into an account with administrator privileges. Without this, you won’t be able to change system services.
• Disabling Superfetch may improve performance on some machines but could reduce the speed of opening frequently used apps. Monitor your system after making changes.
• This guide assumes you are using Windows 11 with the latest updates installed. If your system is outdated, consider updating first.
• It’s a good idea to create a system restore point before making changes. This allows you to revert back if anything goes wrong.

Step 1: Open the Services Manager

The Services Manager is where Windows keeps track of all background services like Superfetch. To open it, follow these basic steps:

1. Click the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. Type services into the search bar.
3. From the search results, click on the Services app to open it.

This window lists many services running on your computer.

Step 2: Locate the Superfetch Service

In the Services window, you will find a long list of services sorted alphabetically.

1. Scroll down to find the service named SysMain. This is the new name for Superfetch in Windows 11.
2. Alternatively, press the S key on your keyboard to jump closer to services starting with ‘S’.

Once you find SysMain, you’re ready to disable it.

Step 3: Disable the SysMain (Superfetch) Service

Disabling the service will stop it from running and prevent it from starting automatically at boot.

1. Right-click on SysMain and select Properties.
2. In the Properties window, find the Startup type dropdown menu.
3. Click the dropdown and select Disabled.
4. Next, click the Stop button under the Service status section to immediately stop the service.
5. Click Apply and then OK to save your changes.

By disabling SysMain, your PC will no longer preload apps unnecessarily, which can help if Superfetch was causing high disk or CPU usage.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

To make sure the changes take full effect, restart your computer:

1. Click the Start button.
2. Select the Power icon.
3. Choose Restart.

After rebooting, monitor your system to see if performance improves.

Alternative Method: Disable Superfetch Using Command Prompt

If you prefer using commands or want a quicker way, you can disable Superfetch via Command Prompt.

1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
2. In the black command window, type the following command and press Enter:

sc stop SysMain
sc config SysMain start= disabled

This command stops the service immediately and disables it from starting automatically.

FAQs About Disabling Superfetch in Windows 11

What exactly does Superfetch do?

Superfetch, now called SysMain, preloads frequently used programs into RAM to help them open faster. However, on some systems, it can cause excessive disk usage.

Will disabling Superfetch harm my PC?

No, disabling Superfetch will not harm your PC. It only stops the service from preloading apps. You can re-enable it anytime if you want.

How do I re-enable Superfetch if I want it back?

Go back to the Services app, find SysMain, open Properties, set Startup type to Automatic, and click Start. Alternatively, use Command Prompt with:

sc config SysMain start= auto
sc start SysMain

Is disabling Superfetch recommended for SSD users?

On systems with SSDs, Superfetch is generally less necessary because SSDs are already fast. Disabling it may reduce unnecessary disk activity.

What if my performance doesn’t improve after disabling Superfetch?

Performance issues can be caused by many factors including malware, outdated drivers, or hardware problems. Disabling Superfetch is just one potential fix.

When Nothing Works

If you continue to experience performance issues after disabling Superfetch, consider the following options:

• Run the built-in Windows Performance Troubleshooter (Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters).
• Check for Windows Updates and install any pending patches.
• Scan your PC for malware using Windows Defender or another trusted antivirus.
• Consult the official Microsoft support page: https://support.microsoft.com.
• Consider upgrading your hardware if your PC doesn’t meet modern software requirements.

Conclusion

Disabling Superfetch (SysMain) in Windows 11 can be a useful step to fix performance issues caused by high disk or CPU usage. By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily stop the service from running and see if your system runs smoother.

Remember to monitor your PC after making changes and be ready to re-enable the service if needed. This simple tweak, along with other maintenance tasks, can help keep your Windows 11 experience fast and responsive.