What is Windows Service Host SuperFetch, and How Can You Fix It?
Windows users may have noticed that their computers sometimes slow down due to high disk or CPU usage. One of the culprits behind this issue is often a system process known as Service Host: SuperFetch. In this guide, we’ll explore what SuperFetch is, why it causes problems, and how to fix it.
WHAT IS SUPERFETCH?
SuperFetch is a built-in Windows feature introduced in Windows Vista and still present in Windows 10 and 11. It is designed to enhance system performance by preloading frequently used applications into memory. SuperFetch analyzes user behavior and attempts to predict which programs will be needed next, reducing load times.
However, while SuperFetch can speed up application launch times, it sometimes leads to excessive disk or CPU usage, causing system slowdowns. This is especially problematic for older computers with limited resources.
COMMON ISSUES CAUSED BY SUPERFETCH
While SuperFetch is generally beneficial, it can also lead to several problems, including:
- High Disk Usage – SuperFetch can aggressively pre-load applications, causing high disk utilization and making other tasks sluggish.
- Slow Boot Times – Some users report longer startup times due to SuperFetch loading applications in the background.
- Increased CPU Usage – The process may consume excessive CPU resources, especially if a computer has limited RAM.
- Performance Issues in Games – On gaming PCs, SuperFetch can sometimes interfere with performance, leading to stuttering or lag.
If you experience any of these issues, disabling SuperFetch might be a good solution.
HOW TO FIX SUPERFETCH ISSUES
If you suspect SuperFetch is causing performance problems, you can try the following solutions:
1. DISABLE SUPERFETCH THROUGH SERVICES
One of the easiest ways to stop SuperFetch is by disabling the service through Windows Services Manager.
- Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- Scroll down and locate SysMain (the new name for SuperFetch in Windows 10 and 11).
- Right-click SysMain and select Properties.
- Change the Startup type to Disabled.
- Click Stop, then click OK.
- Restart your computer and check if performance improves.
2. DISABLE SUPERFETCH USING COMMAND PROMPT
For users who prefer using the command line, SuperFetch can be disabled through Command Prompt.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator by typing cmd in the Start menu, right-clicking, and selecting Run as administrator.
- Enter the following command and press Enter:
sc stop SysMain & sc config SysMain start=disabled - Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.
3. DISABLE SUPERFETCH USING WINDOWS REGISTRY EDITOR
If the above methods don’t work, you can disable SuperFetch via the Registry Editor.
- Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
- Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\PrefetchParameters - Locate EnableSuperfetch on the right panel.
- Double-click it and change the value to 0.
- Click OK, close the Registry Editor, and restart your computer.
Note: Be careful when modifying the registry, as incorrect changes can cause system instability.
4. UPDATE WINDOWS AND DRIVERS
Sometimes, high disk or CPU usage issues related to SuperFetch can be resolved by updating Windows and device drivers.
- Open Settings (Win + I) and go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
- Update your device drivers by visiting Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager), right-clicking your drivers, and selecting Update driver.
5. CHECK FOR MALWARE
If disabling SuperFetch doesn’t solve the issue, malware may be affecting your system.
- Open Windows Security and go to Virus & Threat Protection.
- Run a full scan to detect any potential threats.
- Use third-party antivirus software if necessary to remove any malware.
SHOULD YOU DISABLE SUPERFETCH?
Disabling SuperFetch is generally safe, but whether you should do so depends on your computer’s performance:
- If you have a high-performance PC with plenty of RAM, keeping SuperFetch enabled can improve app launch times.
- If you have a low-end PC or experience slowdowns, disabling SuperFetch might help boost performance.
FINAL THOUGHTS
SuperFetch is a useful feature, but it can sometimes cause performance issues, especially on older systems. If you notice high disk or CPU usage, slow boot times, or gaming performance drops, disabling SuperFetch could be the solution. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to disable or troubleshoot SuperFetch issues, and enjoy a smoother Windows experience.