Before we go into the concept and topic of disabling Superfetch, we first need to understand what Superfetch is and how does it work.
What is Superfetch?
All of us use some applications and software more frequently than others, maybe it is for our work or maybe those are all the applications we even use. What Superfetch does is that it preloads those applications to the RAM so that it opens quickly to facilitate easy use. This feature makes it easy for you to use those applications without any launch delay. Your computer reads and understands your activity to know your frequent applications.
Superfetch is not a new concept, it has been around since the days of Microsoft Windows XP but with a different name, known as Prefetch. Currently, in Windows 10 this application is known as Sysmain. But the concept remains the same, preloading the apps to RAM so that it is easy to launch and use, thus significantly reducing the launch time.
How does Superfetch actually work?
As said above, Superfetch identifies the applications that you use frequently. In order to make it easy for you to use, it preloads the application to the RAM making it easily accessible. The next question that may come to your mind is whether Superfetch utilizes all the space in the RAM, the answer is no. Your RAM will be fine and you need not be worried.
Should you disable Superfetch?
Normally, there is no need to disable Superfetch as what it does is entirely normal and an advantage for the user, but there are some reasons where it may be a problem and you will have to disable Superfetch. Here are some reasons why you should disable Superfetch:
- The disk is utilized 100% all the time
- Overheating of the system results in a shutdown of the system
- Bootup time or system starting time is slow
- High CPU and RAM usage.
- Performance issues while using other applications, especially gaming.
If you are encountering any of these problems, then the chances are that Superfetch has been taking up a lot for itself.
Also Read: How to use DISM command tool to repair Windows 10 image
How to disable Superfetch
Here are some ways and methods to disable Superfetch. Just remember that you need not disable it if you are not facing any of the issues that are stated above.
Disable Superfetch in Windows 10:
- Type services in the search bar beside the start menu and open the services app
- Scroll down to Sysmain, right-click on it, and select stop. In case you are using an older version then select Superfetch, right-click on it and then select stop.
- We also need to make sure that Superfetch does not restart so go to the properties of Sysmain/Superfetch and select the disable option.
- Now Superfetch is disabled
Disabling Superfetch with registry:
- Type Regedit on the search bar beside the start menu.
- Go to the following address: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > System > CurrentControlSet > Control > Session manager > Memory management > Prefetch PaRAMeters
- You will see an option called enable superfetch, right click on it and select the Modify option
- Set the value data to 0 and then select ok in it.
- You can now close the registry editor as Superfetch has been disabled
- Just to be safe and to check whether it works, make sure that you restart the system
Conclusion:
Superfetch is a great feature that has been in Windows operating system since its inception. The computer understands and monitors all the applications you use and evaluates which ones you use frequently. After figuring it out, it preloads the application to the RAM and making it easy for you to use. This reduces the launch time of the application significantly. You will not have any needs to disable Superfetch but in case you are facing problems that have been stated in the article, then you can do it using the steps listed.
