Does disabling Windows startup services in the msconfig utility make a noticeable difference in boot time? Also, can you do permanent/irreversible damage to the operating system by disabling core services?
The worst part about getting a new computer is all the bloatware that comes pre-installed. Most of the programs are worthless and just slow the boot time as well as hog RAM.
If a program can't be disabled or uninstalled within the program's settings or by using the "add or remove" programs feature in control panel, the next best option to try and stop a program/service/task from running is to configure the boot options in the msconfig utility.
My question is: Can you do irreversible damage to Windows by disabling the wrong service by using the msconfig utility?
Some entries are intuitive in the sense that the service explicitly reads something like, Google Update Service and you can assume that the entry is not a required for the basic functionality of Windows. However, there are other entries that are either vague, (CNG Key Isolation) or seem to be a critical component of the proper functioning of Windows. (Windows Audio).
How can you determine which services can be excluded from startup? If you aren't sure about killing a service, is there any chance that disabling the wrong service could cause your computer to malfunction irreparably?
Trial and error seems like a bad idea and sometimes you can't find relevant information on Google about some of the services.
Somewhat related post here
