What Draining Windows Services Can You Turn Off Right Now for Improved Laptop Power?

Which 7 Windows Services Should You Deactivate for Happier Battery Life?

Most laptops running Windows use up battery power too fast because of services working in the background. These services run even if you don’t use them, eating up battery, memory, and CPU. Turning off some unnecessary services can help your battery last longer and make your computer faster. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you do this safely.

How to Turn Off Windows Services

1. Open the Start Menu.
2. Type services.
3. Click the Services app to open it.
4. Find a service from the list below.
5. Double-click the service name.
6. Click Stop to end it if it’s running.
7. Change Startup type to Disabled.
8. Click OK.
9. Restart your computer for changes to work.

Seven Services You Should Turn Off for Longer Battery Life

Windows Search Indexer

Always running, constantly checks your files to help Windows Search work faster.

Uses lots of battery and slows down your computer, especially when unplugged.

You can still search your files with other tools like Everything or PowerToys Run.

Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)

Handles downloads for Windows updates and some apps.

Runs often, uses CPU and battery even when idle.

After disabling, you’ll need to update Windows and Microsoft Store apps by hand, which can help you avoid problems some updates cause.

Your device might feel quicker, especially on old or slow drives.

Connected User Experiences and Telemetry

Collects usage, crash, and performance data for Microsoft.

Helps Microsoft, but drains battery and could share more info than you like.

Stopping this service boosts privacy and may save a bit of battery.

Program Compatibility Assistant Service

Checks for problems when you open old software.

Rarely helps most people.

Unless you run very old programs, turn it off. If you need to run old software later, you can use a virtual machine.

Windows Error Reporting

Sends error and crash reports to Microsoft.

Doesn’t fix issues, just informs Microsoft.

Runs when your system hits problems and can use up to 10% of CPU for a while. Disabling can save battery, especially if you’re troubleshooting.

Windows Update Medic Service (WaaSMedic)

Helps BITS fix update problems.

Uses battery and CPU to make sure Windows Update runs, often when you least expect it.

If you’re not updating right now, it’s better to turn this off until you’re ready to plug in and update.

Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service

Runs on all systems but isn’t needed unless you use a touchscreen, stylus, or drawing pad.

Uses a small amount of resources, so if you don’t use touch features, turn it off.

Don’t disable if you have a touchscreen laptop and use it.

Positive Effects You May Notice

• More battery life, sometimes up to an hour extra.
• Your laptop may feel quicker and more responsive, especially with older hardware.
• Increases personal control over when Windows updates, protects your privacy, and reduces background activity.

A Few Cautions Before You Start

• Some updates won’t happen automatically. Schedule a time to check for updates when plugged in.
• If you rely on search, touch, or need to run very old programs, think twice before disabling the specific service for that feature.
• Your experience may vary based on your computer’s age, battery condition, and what apps you use most.

Making these changes can help your laptop last longer between charges and run smoother, especially if you spend lots of time working away from an outlet. Every little bit adds up, letting you get more done without reaching for your charger.