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Disable non-essential services

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Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Multiple actionsThis page belongs to a category, containing some changes with similar goal.
  • Impact: Minimum

    System Functionality / Data Loss Risk: Low

    This action improves privacy with minimal impact when you run the recommended script.

  • Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
  • 12 scripts
  • 2 categories
  • Administrator rights requiredThis script requires privilege access to do the system changes
  • Fully reversible

    You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using this website.

    The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

Overview​

This category contains scripts designed to enhance privacy by disabling system services that are not essential for your operating system's core functions.

A Windows service is a program that runs in the background, automatically starting and operating without direct user interaction, even when no user is logged in 1.

Disabling these services, especially those transmitting data to external parties or running unseen, significantly reduces the risk of unwanted data exposure.

Taking these proactive steps is crucial for minimizing privacy risks and improving your system's security.

Safe for General Use
This script has Normal protection level option. This is recommended for all users to improve without any noticeable impact on the system functionality.
Sources
PrivacyLearn.com maintains strict sourcing standards for accuracy, integrity and up-to-date content. Our content relies on authoritative sources including vendor documentation, industry standards, and verified research. Learn more about our verification process and quality standards in our editorial standards page.

Apply Now​

Choose one of two ways to apply:

Download script​

Download and run the script directly
  • No app needed
  • Offline usage
  • Easy-to-apply
  • Free
  • Open-source

Normal — Everyday Privacy (Enterprise-Grade)​

  • Recommended for all
  • Safe for daily use
  • No impact on system stability

Read more about Normal and other protection levels

Help

How to apply or restore "Disable non-essential services" using script​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 6 instructions
  1. 1

    Choose protection

    Choose one of the options with different impact levels:

    • Normal

      Some safe changes minimal system impact.

    • High

      Some potentially impactful changes with moderate system impact.

    • Maximum

      Some impactful changes with high system impact.
  2. 2

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  3. 3

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  4. 4

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  5. 5

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  6. 6

    Restart

    Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.

Apply with privacy.sexy​

Guided, automated application with safety checks
  • Recommended for most users
  • Includes safety checks
  • Shows the code
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Popular
  • Offline/Online usage
Open privacy.sexy
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable non-essential services" using privacy.sexy​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: privacy.sexy
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 4 instructions
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with more advanced options.
  1. 1

    Open or download

    Open or download the desktop application
  2. 2

    Choose script

    1. Search for the category name: Disable non-essential services
    2. Check the category by clicking on the checkbox of the category.

    Applying Normal to limit the impact.

  3. 3

    Run

    Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.

    This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.

Explore This Guide​

  • 12 Privacy settings
  • 2 Main categories
    • These settings are organized into 2 main categories for easy navigation.
    • Each main category contains subcategories, helping you find specific settings you might want to adjust.
  • 2 Total categories

Choose what to protect based on your needs:

Click any option to learn more about what it does.

Each change can be applied and reversed individually.

  • Some settings and commands may require technical knowledge to apply correctly.
  • Most users find the Normal protection above sufficient.

Disable synchronization of mail, contacts, calendar, and user data

This category contains scripts that improve privacy by turning off services that synchronize mail, contacts, calendars, and other user data. Turning off these services stops the automatic sharing and storing of personal information across devices and apps, crucial for privacy.

Disable Xbox services

This category includes scripts to turn off Xbox services. While enhancing gaming, these services may impact privacy and system performance for non-Xbox Live users. Turning off these services protects privacy by stopping unnecessary data sharing with Xbox Live servers.

Disable Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant (breaks Microsoft Store and Microsoft Account sign-in)

This script disables the Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant ("wlidsvc") service. This service helps users sign in with their Microsoft account, giving access to Microsoft's services and apps. This service connects with Microsoft's cloud for authentication. Formerly known as the "Microsoft Windows Live ID Service", it supported sign-ins for applications such as Office and Windows Live Messenger. Currently, it uses Microsoft Entra (formerly Azure AD) as identity service. It's used to facilita...

Disable Downloaded Maps Manager

This script disables the Downloaded Maps Manager ("MapsBroker") service. This service manages downloaded maps. Disabling this service prevents apps from accessing maps, enhancing privacy by limiting access to sensitive location data Overview of default service statuses - •OS Version: Windows 10 (≥ 22H2) → Status: 🔴 Stopped → Start type: Automatic • OS Version: Windows 11 (≥ 23H2) → Status: 🔴 Stopped → Start type: Automatic

Disable Microsoft Retail Demo

This script disables the Microsoft Retail Demo ("RetailDemo") service. This service is used to control device activity when the device is in retail demo mode. For personal use, this service is generally redundant, and disabling it strengthens privacy. By turning off this service, you prevent the potential misuse of demo content and settings, ensuring that your device operates under standard conditions without unnecessary exposure to retail demo features. Overview of default service statuses ...

Disable User Data Access

This script disables the User Data Access ("UserDataSvc") service. This service allows apps to access personal data such as contacts, calendars, and messages. By disabling this service, you enhance your privacy by preventing apps from accessing this personal information. This script is recommended for users valuing privacy more than some app functionalities relying on user data.

Disable Messaging Service

This script disables the Messaging Service ("MessagingService") service. This service supports text messaging and related functions. Disabling this service improves privacy by reducing how the system processes text messages. Users should consider this action if they prioritize privacy and do not use native text messaging features extensively.

Disable Windows Push Notifications

This script disables the Windows Push Notification Service (WNS), including the "WpnService" and "WpnUserService". WNS enables third-party developers to send notifications (toast, tile, badge, and raw updates) from their cloud services. However, this service raises privacy concerns: user data. This delivers both local and push notifications to your device. Wikipedia (uncited). It relies on connections to Microsoft cloud servers, potentially exposing • It may bypass VPN protections and expose you...

Disable Shadow Copy (breaks System Restore and Windows Backup)

This script disables the Shadow Copy service, known also as the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) or Volume Snapshot Service. This service is integral for system backups and data snapshots. It allows for data recovery and system restore points. Introduced with Windows Server 2003, VSS facilitates backups and system restores without needing to take applications offline. It creates a consistent snapshot of data for backup, supporting functions like archiving, data mining, and disk-to-disk b...

Similar Guides​

Wider Goal​

The guide below includes this guide to achieve a wider goal.

See other more general settings that includes this one as one of its actions.

These plans combine multiple privacy settings, including this one, for stronger protection.

Remove bloatware — This system calibration provides an easy-to-follow breakdown of how. Besides that, this documentation offers practical insights on the procedure...

— Remove bloatware

Same Goal​

Other guides in Remove bloatware 

See settings that are in the same category as this guide.

Using other actions in the same category may help you achieve your goal better.

See all 9 guides

About the Creators​

These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:

  • Avatar of undergroundwires. The creator of PrivacyLearn and privacy.sexy. Black and white portrait showing a person wearing a polka dot tie and suit jacket, reflecting the professional expertise behind the privacy protection tools.
    • Certified security professional
    • 7+ years experience securing banks
    • Open-source developer since 2005
    • EU advisor, Public Speaker, Moderator
    • Hundreds across the globe
    • Testers, reviewers, developers
    • Companies, military agencies
    • Community since 2017
About Us

Reviewed By​

This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:

  • Expert review by undergroundwires​

    • Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
    • Assessed system impact and user privacy risks

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and all other privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.

Review Change History Our Change Process