Should You Disable SysMain (SuperFetch) in Windows?

Windows comes with a system service called SysMain, which was formerly known as SuperFetch. Its official job is to "maintain and improve system performance over time." But what does that actually mean for you?

What Does SysMain Do?

SysMain basically tracks how you use your computer. It watches which applications you open most often. Based on this, it tries to "preload" those frequently used apps into your computer's RAM (memory) and even uses your storage. The idea is that this makes your favorite programs launch faster.

The Debate: To Disable or Not to Disable?

There's a bit of a debate among users about whether SysMain is truly helpful.

• If you have a modern computer with an SSD (Solid State Drive): You might not notice much difference even if you disable it. SSDs are already very fast, so the preloading feature might not give you a significant boost.

• If you're a hardcore gamer: This is where it gets interesting. Some gamers report that SysMain can cause games to lag or stutter. This is because the service uses system resources (RAM and CPU) in the background, which can impact performance during demanding activities like gaming.

• If you have an older PC with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive): You might notice your disk usage is consistently high (like 80-100%) if SysMain is enabled. Disabling it could potentially reduce this and make your system feel more responsive.

Is it Harmless to Disable?

Yes, it's generally harmless to disable SysMain. Even though it's a "system service," it's considered optional. Your PC should continue to run fine without it. In fact, disabling it might even lead to:

• Less RAM usage

• Less CPU usage

The Recommendation:

Try disabling it first and see if you notice a positive difference, especially if you're a gamer or have an older system. If you don't see any improvements, you can always enable it again.

Ultimately, SysMain is a service that tracks your usage, and that requires some system resources. Whether those resources are worth the "performance improvement" is up for debate and can depend on your specific computer setup and how you use it. 

I’ve also made a video on this topic — you can watch it below.

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