Performance Logs and Alerts Collects performance data from local or remote computers based on preconfigured schedule parameters, then writes the data to a log or triggers an alert. If this service is stopped, performance information will not be collected. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.


Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

This service caches network content from peers on the local subnet.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

This service provides support for the Program Compatibility Assistant (PCA). PCA monitors programs installed and run by the user and detects known compatibility problems. If this service is stopped, PCA will not function properly.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

This service enables multi-party communication using Peer-to-Peer Grouping. If disabled, some applications, such as HomeGroup, may not function.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

This service Provides identity services for the Peer Name Resolution Protocol (PNRP) and Peer-to-Peer Grouping services. If disabled, the Peer Name Resolution Protocol (PNRP) and Peer-to-Peer Grouping services may not function, and some applications, such as HomeGroup and Remote Assistance, may not function correctly.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

This service delivers network notifications (e.g. interface addition/deleting etc) to user mode clients. Stopping this service will cause loss of network connectivity. If this service is disabled, any other services that explicitly depend on this service will fail to start.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

This Windows collects and stores configuration information for the network and notifies programs when this information is modified. If this service is stopped, configuration information might be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

This Windows identifies the networks to which the computer has connected, collects and stores properties for these networks, and notifies applications when these properties change.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

This Windows services manages objects in the Network and Dial-Up Connections folder, in which you can view both local area network and remote connections.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

The Network Access Protection (NAP) agent service collects and manages health information for client computers on a network. Information collected by NAP agent is used to make sure that the client computer has the required software and settings. If a client computer is not compliant with health policy, it can be provided with restricted network access until its configuration is updated. Depending on the configuration of health policy, client computers might be automatically updated so that users quickly regain full network access without having to manually update their computer.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Added by the Wireshark Antivirus rogue anti-spyware program. This infection should not be confused with the legitimate C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe file.

This file is the service responsible for sharing media files across the network with devices using Universal Plug and Play.  Not necessary to run at startup.  If you don't share media files, you can disable this service, otherwise keep it at manual.

Developed by NOS Microsystems Ltd., this service is the Adobe DownloadManager used by Adobe to automatically check for and install updates.  Often, it is installed by Adobe without the user being aware of it.  Many users decide to uninstall the download manager entirely.

Added by the Antivirus 2010 Security Centre and Antivirus 2010rogue anti-spyware programs.

Windows service that manages Internet SCSI (iSCSI) sessions from this computer to remote iSCSI target devices. If this service is stopped, this computer will not be able to login or access iSCSI targets. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Windows Firewall helps protect your computer by preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to your computer through the Internet or a network.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Windows service that enables relative prioritization of work based on system-wide task priorities. This is intended mainly for multimedia applications. If this service is stopped, individual tasks resort to their default priority.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Windows service that allows Windows Media Center Extenders to locate and connect to the computer.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Windows service that provides support for the NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) service and NetBIOS name resolution for clients on the network, therefore enabling users to share files, print, and log on to the network. If this service is stopped, these functions might be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Windows service that creates a Network Map, consisting of PC and device topology (connectivity) information, and metadata describing each PC and device. If this service is disabled, the Network Map will not function properly.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Windows service that creates and maintains client network connections to remote servers using the SMB protocol. If this service is stopped, these connections will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Windows service that supports file, print, and named-pipe sharing over the network for this computer. If this service is stopped, these functions will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Windows service that coordinates transactions between the Distributed Transaction Coordinator (MSDTC) and the Kernel Transaction Manager (KTM). If it is not needed, it is recommended that this service remain stopped. If it is needed, both MSDTC and KTM will start this service automatically. If this service is disabled, any MSDTC transaction interacting with a Kernel Resource Manager will fail and any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Windows service that provides tunnel connectivity using IPv6 transition technologies (6to4, ISATAP, Port Proxy, and Teredo), and IP-HTTPS. If this service is stopped, the computer will not have the enhanced connectivity benefits that these technologies offer.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

The PnP-X bus enumerator Windows service manages the virtual network bus. It discovers network connected devices using the SSDP/WS discovery protocols and gives them presence in PnP. If this service is stopped or disabled, presence of NCD devices will not be maintained in PnP. All pnpx based scenarios will stop functioning.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

The Microsoft IKEEXT service hosts the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) and Authenticated Internet Protocol (AuthIP) keying modules. These keying modules are used for authentication and key exchange in Internet Protocol security (IPsec). Stopping or disabling the IKEEXT service will disable IKE and AuthIP key exchange with peer computers. IPsec is typically configured to use IKE or AuthIP; therefore, stopping or disabling the IKEEXT service might result in an IPsec failure and might compromise the security of the system. It is strongly recommended that you have the IKEEXT service running.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Microsoft service that performs networking tasks associated with configuration and maintenance of homegroups. If this service is stopped or disabled, your computer will be unable to detect other homegroups and your homegroup might not work properly. It is recommended that you keep this service running.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Microsoft service that makes local computer changes associated with configuration and maintenance of the homegroup-joined computer. If this service is stopped or disabled, your computer will not work properly in a homegroup and your homegroup might not work properly. It is recommended that you keep this service running.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Microsoft service that provides X.509 certificate and key management services for the Network Access Protection Agent (NAPAgent). Enforcement technologies that use X.509 certificates may not function properly without this service.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Microsoft service that enables generic input access to Human Interface Devices (HID), which activates and maintains the use of predefined hot buttons on keyboards, remote controls, and other multimedia devices. If this service is stopped, hot buttons controlled by this service will no longer function. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Added by the Troj/Agent-OBM Trojan.

Preinstalled on certain Dell laptops, the Smith Micro Connection Manager Service is within the Connection Manager module and is responsible for WiFi security, automatically switching networks, and other aspects of wireless connections.  Note that the Connection Manager Module and therefore the Smith Micro Connection Manager may be installed on other computers and have file paths unique to those computers.

This service is preinstalled on some Dell computers and is part of Dell ControlPoint software (pdf document) and manages support for the Dell ControlPoint button.  Necessary if you want to use this software.

This service manages the scheduled virus scans for the  Avira AntiVir Personal Free Antivirus antivirus program.

Added by the Troj/Agent-NWQ.

Added by the Troj/Mdrop-CRA Trojan. This infection should not be confused with the legitimate C:\Windows\System32\alg.exe executable.

Preinstalled on certain computers, this file is the service for Sony's FeliCa Reader/Writer (Scroll to the bottom for PC usage and also click on the link there for more specifics).  For personal computers, this technology, among other tasks, enables users to pay for online games and on-demand video.

Windows service that enables installation, modification, and removal of Windows updates and optional components. If this service is disabled, install or uninstall of Windows updates might fail for this computer.

Provides system support for NVIDIA Stereoscopic 3D driver.

This Windows service enables the download, installation and enforcement of digital licenses for Windows and Windows applications. If the service is disabled, the operating system and licensed applications may run in a notification mode. It is strongly recommended that you not disable the Software Protection service.

This Windows service receives trap messages generated by local or remote Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) agents and forwards the messages to SNMP management programs running on this computer. If this service is stopped, SNMP-based programs on this computer will not receive SNMP trap messages. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

The startup of this Windows service signals other services that the Security Accounts Manager (SAM) is ready to accept requests. Disabling this service will prevent other services in the system from being notified when the SAM is ready, which may in turn cause those services to fail to start correctly. This service should not be disabled.

In Windows 2003 and earlier versions of Windows, the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator service manages the RPC name service database. In Windows Vista and later versions of Windows, this service does not provide any functionality and is present for application compatibility.

Windows service that provides protected storage for sensitive data, such as passwords, to prevent access by unauthorized services, processes, or users.

Windows service that enables remote users and 64-bit processes to query performance counters provided by 32-bit DLLs. If this service is stopped, only local users and 32-bit processes will be able to query performance counters provided by 32-bit DLLs.

Windows service that securely enables the creation, management, and disclosure of digital identities.

The Windows CNG key isolation service is hosted in the LSA process. The service provides key process isolation to private keys and associated cryptographic operations as required by the Common Criteria. The service stores and uses long-lived keys in a secure process complying with Common Criteria requirements.

Windows service that adds, modifies, and removes applications provided as a Windows Installer (*.msi) package. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Windows service that provides ability to share TCP ports over the net.tcp protocol.

Windows service that saves installation files used for updates and repairs and is required for the downloading of Setup updates and Watson error reports.

Oops!Backup backup software service.

Windows service that is responsible for running portions of Microsoft Office Diagnostics.

Provides system and desktop level support to the NVIDIA display driver

Service used by various CD/DVD Drive vendors and software for interacting with the installed CD/DVD drive.

Google Updater keeps your Google software up to date. If Google Updater Service is disabled or stopped, your Google software will not be kept up to date, meaning security vulnerabilities that may arise cannot be fixed and features may not work.

Keeps your Google software up to date. If this service is disabled or stopped, your Google software will not be kept up to date, meaning security vulnerabilities that may arise cannot be fixed and features may not work. This service uninstalls itself when there is no Google software using it.

This Windows service is responsible for applying settings configured by administrators for the computer and users through the Group Policy component. If the service is stopped or disabled, the settings will not be applied and applications and components will not be manageable through Group Policy. Any components or applications that depend on the Group Policy component might not be functional if the service is stopped or disabled.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Windows service that optimizes performance of Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) applications by caching commonly used font data. WPF applications will start this service if it is not already running. It can be disabled, though doing so will degrade the performance of WPF applications.

Windows service that optimizes performance of applications by caching commonly used font data. Applications will start this service if it is not already running. It can be disabled, though doing so will degrade application performance.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Allows you to share Flip videos on popular social media sites.

The FileZilla FTP Server.

Windows service that publishes this computer and resources attached to this computer so they can be discovered over the network. If this service is stopped, network resources will no longer be published and they will not be discovered by other computers on the network.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

The FDPHOST Windows service hosts the Function Discovery (FD) network discovery providers. These FD providers supply network discovery services for the Simple Services Discovery Protocol (SSDP) and Web Services – Discovery (WS-D) protocol. Stopping or disabling the FDPHOST service will disable network discovery for these protocols when using FD. When this service is unavailable, network services using FD and relying on these discovery protocols will be unable to find network devices or resources.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Windows service that enables you to send and receive faxes, utilizing fax resources available on this computer or on the network.

Related to the Lenovo Fingerprint reader.

Added by the Troj/Mdrop-CQL Trojan.

Added by the Troj/Agent-NNB Trojan.

Supports System Event Notification Service (SENS), which provides automatic distribution of events to subscribing Component Object Model (COM) components. If the service is stopped, SENS will close and will not be able to provide logon and logoff notifications. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

This service manages events and event logs. It supports logging events, querying events, subscribing to events, archiving event logs, and managing event metadata. It can display events in both XML and plain text format. Stopping this service may compromise security and reliability of the system.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Starts and stops recording of TV programs within Windows Media Center.

Windows Media Center Service for TV and FM broadcast reception.

Provides the core file encryption technology used to store encrypted files on NTFS file system volumes. If this service is stopped or disabled, applications will be unable to access encrypted files.

The Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) service provides network authentication in such scenarios as 802.1x wired and wireless, VPN, and Network Access Protection (NAP). EAP also provides application programming interfaces (APIs) that are used by network access clients, including wireless and VPN clients, during the authentication process. If you disable this service, this computer is prevented from accessing networks that require EAP authentication.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Manages secure network connections for the Juniper VPN client.

The Diagnostic Policy Service enables problem detection, troubleshooting and resolution for Windows components. If this service is stopped, diagnostics will no longer function.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

The Wired AutoConfig (DOT3SVC) service is responsible for performing IEEE 802.1X authentication on Ethernet interfaces. If your current wired network deployment enforces 802.1X authentication, the DOT3SVC service should be configured to run for establishing Layer 2 connectivity and/or providing access to network resources. Wired networks that do not enforce 802.1X authentication are unaffected by the DOT3SVC service.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

The DNS Client service (dnscache) caches Domain Name System (DNS) names and registers the full computer name for this computer. If the service is stopped, DNS names will continue to be resolved. However, the results of DNS name queries will not be cached and the computer's name will not be registered. If the service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Registers and updates IP addresses and DNS records for this computer. If this service is stopped, this computer will not receive dynamic IP addresses and DNS updates. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Provides Disk Defragmentation Capabilities.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

The DCOMLAUNCH service launches COM and DCOM servers in response to object activation requests. If this service is stopped or disabled, programs using COM or DCOM will not function properly. It is strongly recommended that you have the DCOMLAUNCH service running.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Added by the Troj/Meredrop-M Trojan.

Added by the W32/Autorun-BCL removable media worm.

Added by the Troj/Keylog-MG keylogger.

Part of Symantec/Norton security products.

Related to AVG anti-virus.

Digital management system for Dragon Age: Origins downloadable content. If this service is disable downloadable content for Dragon Age: Origins will no longer function.

Creative Labs audio driver.

Windows service that performs maintenance activities on the Offline Files cache, responds to user logon and logoff events, implements the internals of the public API, and dispatches interesting events to those interested in Offline Files activities and changes in cache state.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Windows service that provides four management services: Catalog Database Service, which confirms the signatures of Windows files and allows new programs to be installed; Protected Root Service, which adds and removes Trusted Root Certification Authority certificates from this computer; Automatic Root Certificate Update Service, which retrieves root certificates from Windows Update and enable scenarios such as SSL; and Key Service, which helps enroll this computer for certificates. If this service is stopped, these management services will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Provides licensing services for Creative Audio Engine.

Windows service that manages the configuration and tracking of Component Object Model (COM)+-based components. If the service is stopped, most COM+-based components will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Microsoft .NET Framework NGEN service. If you see this process running then it is precompiling .NET assemblies and will terminate itself when completed.

Windows service that copies user certificates and root certificates from smart cards into the current user's certificate store, detects when a smart card is inserted into a smart card reader, and, if needed, installs the smart card Plug and Play minidriver.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Windows service that maintains an updated list of computers on the network and supplies this list to computers designated as browsers. If this service is stopped, this list will not be updated or maintained. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Added by Farstone's VirtualDrive CD emulation software.

A sound driver from Knowles Acoustics.

Related to Norton Internet Security 2008.

Microsoft service that manages firewall and Internet Protocol security (IPsec) policies and implements user mode filtering. Stopping or disabling the BFE service will significantly reduce the security of the system. It will also result in unpredictable behavior in IPsec management and firewall applications.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Microsoft service that hosts the BitLocker Drive Encryption service. BitLocker Drive Encryption provides secure startup for the operating system, as well as full volume encryption for OS, fixed or removable volumes. This service allows BitLocker to prompt users for various actions related to their volumes when mounted, and unlocks volumes automatically without user interaction. Additionally, it stores recovery information to Active Directory, if available, and, if necessary, ensures the most recent recovery certificates are used. Stopping or disabling the service would prevent users from leveraging this functionality.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.

Microsoft server that provides User Account Control validation for the installation of ActiveX controls from the Internet and enables management of ActiveX control installation based on Group Policy settings. This service is started on demand and if disabled the installation of ActiveX controls will behave according to default browser settings.

Please note that this service is launched by svchost.exe, but the actual application is what is listed as the filename.