A default installation of Windows 7 already has incredible performance, capable of running on even the lowest end hardware. That doesn’t mean we aren’t able to eek out just a little more performance from a dedicated Windows 7 Media Center machine though. Windows comes ready to perform a wide range of functions but a dedicated machine really only performs a specific set of functions. Since it’s unlikely that you will be using a dedicated Media Center for much more than a limited set of tasks we can eliminate some of the background processes that are running to support other tasks.

To get started just open up the services manager built into Windows 7 by opening the start menu and typing “services” into the search box. A listing should appear labeled Services sporting a small gear icon next to it. You can also access the manager by going through the Control Panel -> System and Security -> Administrative Tools menu.

Inside the manager is a listing of all the available services on the machine along with a description of what the process does, the default startup type and the current status. This listing can be extremely helpful in narrowing down services you don’t need and changing the startup type to manual or disabling it completely if it turns out to be overly persistent.

There are a number of services that come enabled as Automatic startup service that we don’t actually need on a dedicated Media Center machine. Let’s go ahead and switch them to manual startup so that should you need them they can start successfully but won’t be using resources in the background under normal use.

Following is a list of services that in most circumstances can be safely set to Manual startup under a dedicated Media Center setup. Remember, this list is only for dedicated Windows 7 Media Center machines and not recommended for everyday usage setups.

CNG Key Isolation – The 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.

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

Encrypting File System (EFS) – 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.

Group Policy Client – The 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.

Internet Connection Sharing – Provides network address translation, addressing, name resolution and/or intrusion prevention services for a home or small office network.

Routing and Remote Access – Offers routing services to businesses in local area and wide area network environments.

Offline Files – The Offline Files service 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.

Peer Name Resolution Protocol – Enables serverless peer name resolution over the Internet using the Peer Name Resolution Protocol (PNRP). If disabled, some peer-to-peer and collaborative applications, such as Remote Assistance, may not function.

Print Spooler – Loads files to memory for later printing

Program Compatibility Assistance Service – 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.

Security Center – Provides system tray alerts and status notifications of security applications such as firewall and anti-virus services

Windows Connect Now – Config Registrar – WCNCSVC hosts the Windows Connect Now Configuration which is Microsoft’s Implementation of Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) protocol. This is used to configure Wireless LAN settings for an Access Point (AP) or a Wi-Fi Device. The service is started programmatically as needed. (Leave enabled if using a wireless network for your Media Center connection)

Windows Defender – Protection against spyware and potentially unwanted software

Windows Image Acquisition – Provides image acquisition services for scanners and cameras

Be certain to read the description of each service and evaluate your particular needs before changing the startup type of any Windows service. Not doing so could result in unexpected system performance.

To change the startup type of any services listed just double-click the entry and select the new startup type from the drop down box then press OK. Changes will take place upon the next system restart.

There may be other services that can safely be set to manual or disabled on your particular system installed by third-party software, Media Center plugins, etc. Just remember to read and evaluate your own needs before changing any Windows services. That’s all there is to getting just a little more performance out of a dedicate Media Center machine on Windows 7. If you’ve got any more tips to increasing performance let us know in the comments below!