Windows 10 Optional Features: Enable or Disable

Managing Optional Windows 10 Features

The Windows 10 operating system includes several "optional" features accessible via the Windows Features dialog. These components cater to a diverse range of needs, from business network environments to general user applications.

Understanding the purpose of each feature is crucial before enabling or disabling it. This allows users to tailor their Windows 10 installation for optimal performance and security.

Understanding Feature Functionality

A significant portion of these features are designed for use in corporate networks and server infrastructures. However, a selection proves beneficial for all Windows 10 users.

It's important to note that all Windows 10 optional features consume disk space, regardless of their enabled or disabled status.

Optimizing System Performance and Security

Enabling every available feature is not recommended. Doing so can potentially introduce security vulnerabilities and negatively impact system speed.

Instead, a selective approach is advised. Only activate the features that are genuinely required and will be actively utilized.

Prioritize Security: Avoid enabling features you don't understand, as they could create unforeseen security risks.
Maintain Performance: Unnecessary features can contribute to system bloat and slower operation.
Conserve Disk Space: While all features occupy space, disabling unused ones frees up valuable storage.

By carefully managing these optional features, users can create a more secure, efficient, and customized Windows 10 experience.

Managing Optional Features in Windows: Activation and Deactivation

Related: Guidance on Installing or Removing Optional Features within Windows 11

The current version of Windows 10 does not provide management of these components through the modern Settings app. Utilizing the traditional Windows Features dialog, accessible via the Control Panel, is necessary for feature administration.

Through this dialog, functionalities such as Microsoft’s Hyper-V virtualization platform, the Internet Information Services (IIS) web server, and other server roles can be activated. Conversely, access to certain default features can be revoked; for instance, Internet Explorer can be disabled, effectively concealing the legacy browser within Windows 10. The specific features presented are contingent upon the Windows 10 edition in use.

To initiate the Control Panel, a right-click on the Start button or a press of the Windows+X keys on your keyboard will bring up a menu. From this menu, select "Control Panel".

what-windows-10s-optional-features-do-and-how-to-turn-them-on-or-off-1.jpg

Within the list, click "Programs" and subsequently choose "Turn Windows features on or off" under the Programs and Features section.

what-windows-10s-optional-features-do-and-how-to-turn-them-on-or-off-2.jpg

A rapid launch of this window is also achievable via a direct command. Open the Start menu, input "optionalfeatures", and press Enter. Alternatively, pressing Windows Key + R will open the Run dialog, where you can type "optionalfeatures" and press Enter.

The available Windows features will then be displayed. A checkmark indicates an enabled feature, while its absence signifies a disabled state.

Should you encounter a square within a box, this denotes the presence of multiple sub-features, with only some currently activated. Expanding the feature will reveal the status of each individual sub-feature.

what-windows-10s-optional-features-do-and-how-to-turn-them-on-or-off-3.jpg

Selecting "OK" will initiate the application of your modifications by Windows. Depending on the features enabled or disabled, a system reboot may be required for the changes to fully take effect.

This process can be completed entirely offline, without requiring an active Internet connection. The necessary files are stored locally on your computer and are not downloaded during activation.

Understanding Optional Features in Windows 10

Are you curious about the array of optional features available within Windows 10? Determining which features to enable or disable can optimize your system. This exploration details several features, particularly those found in Windows 10 Professional, as many advanced functionalities—such as the Hyper-V virtualization server—are exclusive to this edition.

.NET Framework 3.5 (including .NET 2.0 and 3.0): This framework is necessary for running older applications designed for these specific .NET versions. Windows will automatically install it when an application demands it.
.NET Framework 4.6 Advanced Services: These services are installed automatically when required by applications. They support applications needing these specific features.
Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services: This provides an LDAP server, functioning as a Windows service. It offers a directory for user authentication on networks, serving as a streamlined alternative to a full Active Directory server.
Embedded Shell Launcher: This feature allows replacement of Windows 10’s Explorer.exe shell with a custom shell. Microsoft suggests utilizing this for establishing a traditional Windows desktop application in kiosk mode.

Related: How to Create and Run Virtual Machines With Hyper-V

Hyper-V: Microsoft’s virtualization tool, Hyper-V, encompasses the underlying platform, services, and a graphical Hyper-V Manager. This allows for the creation, management, and utilization of virtual machines.
Internet Explorer 11: If the legacy web browser is not needed, access to Internet Explorer can be disabled.
Internet Information Services: This provides Microsoft’s IIS web and FTP servers, alongside tools for server management.
Internet Information Services Hostable Web Core: This enables applications to host a web server using IIS within their own process. Installation is only needed if an application specifically requires it.
Isolated User Mode: A Windows 10 feature, this allows applications to run in a secure, isolated environment when programmed to do so. Activation occurs only when a program requests or requires it.
Legacy Components (DirectPlay): DirectPlay, a component of DirectX, facilitated networking and multiplayer gaming in older games. Windows 10 automatically installs it when an older game requiring DirectPlay is installed.
Media Features (Windows Media Player): Access to Windows Media Player can be disabled if it is not utilized.
Microsoft Message Queue (MSMQ) Server: This service enhances communication on unreliable networks by queuing messages instead of immediate transmission. It’s beneficial only for business applications specifically utilizing this feature.
Microsoft Print to PDF: Windows 10’s integrated PDF printer can be disabled, though its utility makes this uncommon.

what-windows-10s-optional-features-do-and-how-to-turn-them-on-or-off-4.jpg

MultiPoint Connector: This feature enables monitoring and management of your computer by the MultiPoint Manager and Dashboard applications. It is relevant only on corporate networks utilizing these management tools.
Print and Document Services: The Internet Printing Client and Windows Fax and Scan features are enabled by default, facilitating network printing, faxing, and scanning. Support for older LPD and LPR network printing protocols can be added, though they are less common.
RAS Connection Manager Administration Kit (CMAK): This tool allows creation of custom remote access profiles for VPNs. It’s only needed for network administration.
Remote Differential Compression API Support: This provides a fast algorithm for comparing synchronized files. It’s only useful if an application specifically requires it.
RIP Listener: This service listens for Routing Information Protocol announcements from routers. It’s useful only with routers supporting the RIPv1 protocol, typically on corporate networks.
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP): This older protocol manages routers, switches, and network devices. It’s useful only in environments utilizing this protocol.
Simple TCPIP Services: This includes optional network services, such as “echo,” potentially useful for network troubleshooting on some business networks.
SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support: This enables file and printer sharing with older Windows versions (NT 4.0 to XP, Server 2003 R2) and some Linux/Mac systems using the older SMB protocol.
Telnet Client: This provides a telnet command for remote command-line access to computers and devices. Telnet is outdated and insecure, but may be needed for legacy devices.
TFTP Client: This provides a tftp command for file transfer using the Trivial File Transfer Protocol. TFTP is also outdated and insecure, but may be required by some older devices.
Windows Identity Foundation 3.5: Older .NET applications may require this, but .NET 4 includes a newer identity framework.
Windows PowerShell 2.0: PowerShell is an advanced scripting and command-line environment. It’s enabled by default, but can be disabled if desired.

what-windows-10s-optional-features-do-and-how-to-turn-them-on-or-off-5.jpg

Windows Process Activation Service: This is related to the Internet Information Services web server. It’s needed only by server applications requiring it.

Related: How to Install and Use the Linux Bash Shell on Windows 10

Windows Subsystem for Linux: Introduced in the Anniversary Update, this service enables the use of the Ubuntu Bash shell and running Linux applications on Windows 10.
Windows TIFF iFilter: This feature enables the Windows indexing service to analyze .TIFF files and perform optical character recognition (OCR). It’s disabled by default due to its CPU intensity, but can be useful for searching scanned documents.
Work Folders Client: This tool synchronizes folders from a corporate network to your computer.
XPS Services: This enables printing to XPS documents. Microsoft’s XPS format didn’t gain traction, making PDF a preferable alternative. Disabling this removes the XPS printer.
XPS Viewer: This application allows viewing XPS documents.

For most users, actively managing these features is unnecessary. Windows 10 automatically installs features as applications require them. However, understanding these options is valuable for troubleshooting or optimizing system performance. If a feature seems missing, this window is a good place to verify its status.