background services

The first time you boot the Xbox full‑screen experience on an OG ROG Ally, it feels like someone quietly unhooked Windows from the device and slid a console‑style launcher in its place — but the reality is more pragmatic and far more interesting: Microsoft has layered a controller‑first Xbox...

Microsoft's new handheld-focused, full‑screen Xbox interface for Windows 11 can already be unlocked on many in‑market Windows handhelds thanks to a Release Preview of the Windows 11 25H2 update and a handful of community-discovered switches — meaning you don't have to wait for the ROG Xbox...

Windows handheld owners who’ve been frustrated by Windows’ desktop baggage can try Microsoft’s new Xbox‑focused, controller‑first “Xbox mode” today — without waiting for the retail 25H2 release — by enrolling in the Xbox Insider previews and switching on the compact/full‑screen Xbox UX in the...

Windows 11, the latest iteration of Microsoft’s flagship operating system, promises both enhanced productivity and a modern, visually appealing interface. But for many users—especially those who prioritize privacy, performance, or minimalism—Windows 11’s out-of-the-box experience is far from...

It’s easy to be skeptical of Microsoft’s Copilot integration in Windows 11—many users remain wary of AI features that seem, at first glance, superfluous or intrusive. Yet beneath the surface, a quietly emerging capability could deliver a practical benefit that even Copilot’s fiercest critics...

The sluggishness that seems to creep into many Windows PCs over time is not solely the result of aging hardware or a bloated software stack. Deep within the operating system, numerous background services steadily consume CPU cycles, draining performance and — at times — severely impacting...

Unleashing your Windows 11 machine’s true potential requires more than simply toggling a few visual settings or disabling animations. While Microsoft has made major strides in system performance and efficiency compared to past Windows editions, the default out-of-box experience arguably caters...

Windows 11’s layered architecture is a marvel of modern OS design, but beneath its glossy surface lies a dense world of background services—many running quietly and persistently, often unnoticed by everyday users. These services underpin features ranging from network connectivity and device...

It’s no secret that Windows is packed with a multitude of features designed to bolster its famed versatility and user-friendliness. Yet, in the constant quest for performance, one particular “hidden” feature has split opinion among Windows enthusiasts, system builders, and even IT professionals...

Today, we released a new Windows 10 Preview Build of the SDK to be used in conjunction with Link Removed (Build 19041 or greater). The Preview SDK Build 19041 contains bug fixes and under development changes to the API surface area. The Preview SDK can be downloaded from the Link Removed. For...

Via GUI (Graphical User Interface) Note: Make sure you are using an Administrator account!!! 1) Press Windows Logo key ( ) and R key at the same time 2) type services.msc in the run dialog window 3) locate Windows Update, right-click on it and select Stop 4) locate Windows Installer...

This week’s theme in our Windows 10 by 10 development series is extending customer engagement using the Windows 10 without your users even entering your app. Last week’s topic, Live Tiles and notifications showed how one way to extend your app’s experience, now let’s show how to use the Windows...

Temporary freezes and occasional "not responding" messages are not often seen in Windows 8, but occur much more frequently than they do in W7. Same hardware, same software. Only the drives and a few drivers differ. These hesitations arise in various programs or while manipulating UI...

Hi! I'm trying to write a c# code that will automatically detect whether the processor schedualing on a certain machine is on "Background Service" mode and if so change it to "Programs". I'll prefer a solution that will not involve editing and reading the registry and rebooting the machine, Thanks!

I have installed a legit Windows 7 OS on my laptop. Its not an upgrade, it was a blank hard drive. WIndows 7 installed flawlessly, picked up all my drivers. The only problem is I am having problems with Windows 7 updates. When I choose Windows 7 update, it says "Checking for updates" and stays...

Since Windows Phone doesn’t allow 3rd party applications to run in the background, your code can’t listen to or poll the Web for updates. However, Windows Push Notification Service overcomes this communication issue, making it possible for Windows Phone devices to receive Push Notification...

Hi, I've been having trouble with the Windows 7 Gadgets, is there a way to enable and disable gadgets as in turning them all on or turning them all off with Windows remembering each of their settings and placement on the Desktop? I like the gadgets but I also like to squeeze the most out of my...

When anyone reports a problem with delayed startups and shutdowns the first suggestion is to check that "Administratitive Logs" Under Event Viewer / Custom Views These logs show errors with drivers and hardware. Atikmdag Error FINALLY resolved. I've been pestered by this error in my...

Background: I am a developer. I write Windows software for a living, have done for many years. And this problem has got me flummoxed :( I've written a simple Windows service. It was working just great on Windows XP. So I ported the source code across and recompiled it. No problems experienced...