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7 System Title
Keywords		 Keyboard Steps Posted Date
Windows Cool Things Using "Search" Box
search malware code sandbox		 Loading sandbox windows
type "turn windows features on and off" -> check "Windows sandbox" -> Reboot windows

then it should be activated

Search -> type "windows sandbox" -> open

From here you can open files you do not trust

Protect against malware and malicious code
win11
Search -> type "device security" -> core isolation -> details -> turn on "memory integrity"		 01/21/2026
Windows Unnecesarry Windows Services
service
  • BTDevMgr.exe is not essential for Windows and will often cause problems.
  • IconMan_R
    This is the software utility for the Realtek card reader and is known as the Realtek Card Reader Icon Tool. It adds an icon to the Windows notification area (system tray) in order to provide quick access to manage various functions of the device.
 01/21/2026
Windows Cool Things From "Settings"
settings internet		 Prevent internet sharing with strangers
settings -> windows update -> Advanced options -> delivery optimization -> turn off "delivery optimization" -> turn off downloads from other devices

This prevents background stealing		 01/21/2026
Windows Task Manager
settings task manager diagnostics services perfomance widgets

Win11 – 10 things to turn off


1. disable startup apps
task manager -> Startup -> click "unwanted app" -> disable: Repeat for each app

2. Kill notification & tips
Start -> Settings -> System -> Notification -> TURN OFF or click and turn off apps that you don't want to hear from.

3. Shut down back ground apps
Start -> Settings -> Apps -> Installed Apps -> click "offending app" -> 3dots

4. Stop online search in the start menu {Use the backward slash}
Run -> type "regedit" enter -> HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Policies/Microsoft/Windows/Explorer -> If explorer not exist: right click -> Select "New" than Key -> Name Key "Explorer and selected in left hand window -> right hand window, right click and select "new, DWORD(32-BIT) value -> TitleName is "DisableSearchBoxSuggestions" enter ->double click new entry and set value to 1 -> Rebooting makes it active. This is a per user change.

Kill widgets/ news & interest
Start -> Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar -> Widgets (turn off)

6. Reduce telemetry and diagnostics.
Start -> Settings -> Privacy & Security -> diagnostics & Feedback -> Turn off "Send Optional diagnostics" and -> diagnostic data {turn off}


05:41:02 7. Disable ads in Explorer and the lock screen
06:08:24 kill the “fun facts and tips”.
07:18:20 8. Kill Cortana and co-pilot.
07:44:19 9. Kill activity history and timeline.
08:51:17 10. stop auto reboots after updates
09:55:00 11. TURN OFF REMOTE ASSISTANCE.
10:23:15 12. Optional windows features you do not need
11:44:11 13. Kill the hibernation file if you don’t hibernate.
13:03:26 another Microsoft update.
14:08:00 2. Searching index.
14:39:01 turn off search history.
15:12:26 turn off search highlights.
15:59:19 set my files to classic.
16:27:00 add excluded files folders you do not want searched.
16:41:12 3. Delivery optimization.
17:11:14 turn off delivery optimization.
17:33:13 turn off downloads from other devices.
17:50:19 5. Suggested apps in start menu ads.
18:31:27 turn off shell recommendations for tips.
23:00:27 god mode
23:23:13 made fixing windows simple.
27:27:27 stop windows from spying.
31:54:18 five PC tricks you should do
32:09:06 god mode code
32:58:26 windows 10 end-of-life.
40:43:16 are you still running Windows 10?
46:41:08 password locked out of windows.
53:45:10 END		 01/04/2026
Windows Services That Can Be Killed
sevices

RIconMan.exe (Realtek Card Reader Icon Tool)


RIconMan.exe (Realtek Card Reader Icon Tool) is a legitimate software component from Realtek Semiconductor, typically associated with card readers on Windows laptops and desktops.
What RIconMan Does

System Tray Icon: Displays an icon in the Windows system tray when a memory card (e.g., SD card) is inserted.
Management Tool: Provides quick access to manage the card reader and displays status notifications.
File Location: Often found in C:Program Files (x86)RealtekRealtek PCIE Card Reader.

Is It Safe to Remove?
Yes: RIconMan is not essential for Windows to operate.
Disabling: Many users report that disabling it causes no issues, even if they continue using the card reader.
Issues: It can sometimes cause high CPU usage or application errors. If this occurs, it can be disabled or removed.

Related "IconMan" Software
There is also a separate utility called IconMan for Windows, which is used for searching for all icons on a system.
How to Access Windows Service Manager
If you are looking to manage RIconMan or other services in Windows:

Press Win + R to open the Run command.
Type services.msc and press Enter.
Locate the service to modify its status.



irstrtsv.exe


irstrtsv.exe is a legitimate, non-essential software component of Intel® Rapid Start Technology, often found in C:WindowsSysWOW64. It manages system power states to allow for faster resuming from hibernation by storing data on the hard drive, typically running at startup. It is distinct from the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology (IRST) driver (used for disk caching and RAID).
Key Information about irstrtsv.exe:

Purpose: Enables Intel Rapid Start Technology, allowing for quick wake-up times from sleep/hibernation (S4 power state).
File Location: Usually found in C:WindowsSysWOW64irstrtsv.exe.
Importance: Not essential for Windows to run; it is safe for systems that do not use the specific "Rapid Start" technology to disable it.
Risk: As a legitimate Intel service, it is generally safe. If found outside the standard system folders, it could be a threat.
Troubleshooting & Managing the Service:

High Startup Time: If this process causes slow startup, it can be managed.
Fixing Issues: If the service causes errors, users on TenForums suggest ensuring the driver is properly installed or updating it.
Disabling: You can disable this service through the Services application (type services.msc in the Run dialog) by finding the related Intel service, right-clicking to change the properties to "Disabled".

If you are seeing errors or high resource usage, it is recommended to update the Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver directly from your computer manufacturer's website.

Lenovo Yoga Mode Control (ymc.exe)

Lenovo Yoga Mode Control (ymc.exe) is a Windows service that detects when a Yoga/Flex laptop is folded into tablet mode, enabling screen rotation and disabling the keyboard/touchpad. It often causes high CPU usage (50%+) and can be disabled to fix performance or to keep the keyboard active in tablet mode.
Key Details About YMC Service:

Purpose: It controls the "Yoga Mode" by interfacing with hardware sensors for Windows Continuum.
Issues: Users frequently report the ymc.exe process consuming 6–10% or even over 50% of CPU resources.
Solutions for High Usage:
Stop/Disable Service: Open the Services app, locate "YMC", and set its startup type to "Manual" or "Disabled".
Taskkill: Use taskkill /f /im ymc.exe in Command Prompt to instantly stop it.

Functionality Loss: Disabling YMC might cause automatic screen rotation to stop working or prevent the keyboard from disabling in tablet mode.
Download: The application can be updated or reinstalled via Lenovo Support.

On Lenovo Forums, users have reported that the service can be a major battery drain.

NitroPDFReaderDriverService


NitroPDFReaderDriverService3.exe is a background process for Nitro Reader (version 3) used for PDF spooling. Located in C:Program Files (x86)NitroReader 3, it is not a critical Windows file, runs without a visible window, and can be removed via Control Panel if causing issues. It is a legitimate file but can be targeted by malware.

Function: Handles the Nitro PDF Spool service (NitroReaderDriverReadSpool3) to create and manage PDF files.
Security Risk: Low; legitimate file from Nitro PDF Software.
Issues: Sometimes causes printer queue locks.
Removal: It can be safely removed if you do not use Nitro Reader.

If you are experiencing issues with Nitro Reader not starting, you may need to ensure related licensing services are running.

The service does not have sufficient privileges. - Activation/Installation
Feb 21, 2019 — To check please do the following: * Go to Start and type Services. msc and then hit Enter. * Scroll down until you see Nalpeiron L...
Nitro PDF

nlsX86cc service is the Nalpeiron Licensing Service


The nlsX86cc service is the Nalpeiron Licensing Service (nlssrv32.exe), a legitimate background process that manages software licensing for various applications, often installed alongside professional software like CAD tools or PDF editors. It runs automatically in the background and is generally not malicious, though it can sometimes cause issues or show high resource usage.
Key Details

Service Name: nlsX86cc
Process Name: nlssrv32.exe (Nalpeiron Licensing Service)
Location: Typically C:WindowsSysWOW64 or C:WindowsSystem32
Purpose: Enables licensing for specific software products.

Managing the Service
Stop/Disable: It can be stopped via Windows Services (services.msc) or by disabling it through msconfig if it is not required by installed software.
Errors: If it causes, for example, [8] Runtime Errors or application failures, reinstalling the software that uses it is recommended.
Security: While legitimate,, malicious software can disguise itself; however, nlssrv32.exe is generally verified as a licensing tool.

If you are not running software that requires this license manager, you can safely set the startup type to "Manual" in the Windows services panel.

SensrSvc (Sensor Monitoring Service)

is a Windows service that monitors and exposes data from various sensors (e.g., ambient light, gyroscopes) to apps, enabling features like automatic screen brightness adjustment. It runs as sensrsvc.dll within svchost.exe, typically set to "Manual (Trigger Start)" and can be disabled if not needed, though it may affect brightness features.
Key Details about SensrSvc

Purpose: Monitors sensor data for system/user state adaptation.
Key Feature: Controls adaptive/automatic brightness functionality.
File Location: C:WindowsSystem32sensrsvc.dll.
Default State: Manual (Trigger Start), often stopped until a sensor is needed.
Dependent Features: If disabled, adaptive brightness and related sensor-based applications may cease to work.

Can I Disable It?

Yes, it is safe to disable if you do not use automated sensor features (such as on a desktop without ambient light sensors). However, it is generally recommended to keep it in its default "Manual" state.
SensrSvc.dll missing: If this file is missing or corrupted, the service will fail to start, requiring a potential restore of the system file.

SSDP Discovery (SSDPSRV)


SSDP Discovery (SSDPSRV) is a Windows service that finds Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) devices on a network, such as printers, routers, or media devices. While useful for home networking, it is often recommended to set it to "Disabled" or "Manual" for better security to prevent automatic device attachment, or to fix gaming performance issues like stuttering.
Key Details about SSDP Discovery (SSDPSRV):

  • Purpose: It identifies UPnP devices on your network and allows your computer to announce itself to them.
  • Security Risk: Enabling it allows automatic discovery and potential security risks from unauthorized devices, leading to recommendations to disable it.
  • Gaming Issues: Many gamers find that disabling the SSDPSRV service resolves, or helps fix, stuttering, freezing, or erratic performance in games like Elden Ring.
  • How to Disable: You can disable it via services.msc by finding "SSDP Discovery" and setting the Startup type to "Disabled".
  • Dependencies: It is required for the "UPnP Device Host" service to work.
  • Technical Data: The service is associated with svchost.exe and ssdpsrv.dll.

If you are not using network-connected media devices or UPnP, disabling this service is generally safe
.
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is a set of networking protocols that allows devices—such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, and IoT gadgets—to automatically discover each other and connect to a network without manual configuration. While it enables seamless, zero-configuration networking, it creates significant security risks by allowing apps to open router ports, potentially exposing internal devices to the internet.

Key Aspects of UPnP:



  • How it Works: UPnP allows networked devices to announce themselves and request that the router open ports (port forwarding) to allow external communication, specifically for gaming consoles to enable multiplayer chat.
  • Commonly Used Devices: Smart TVs, gaming consoles (Xbox, PlayStation), smart home, and IoT devices (like security cameras) often use UPnP to connect seamlessly.
  • Security Risks: Because UPnP-enabled devices often operate without authentication, malicious software can exploit it to bypass router firewalls, making devices vulnerable to cyberattacks.
  • How to Enable/Disable: To toggle UPnP, log in to your router's administration page, look for the "Advanced" or "WAN" settings, and find the checkbox to turn it on or off.
  • Benefits: It eliminates the need for manual port forwarding for applications requiring outside access, making networking easier for non-technical users.

It is widely recommended to keep UPnP disabled to increase network security, unless it is specifically required for gaming, as risks associated with it can expose users to malware, such as in the case of the Mirai botnet.

ELI5: What is UPnP?
It's a protocol that has two functions: * **Discovering devices** UPnP allows devices on your network to advertise their presence.
Reddit

Universal plug and play (ITSAP.00.008) - Cyber.gc.ca
While UPnP -enabled devices are convenient, they also introduce potential security risks because they often operate with minimal a...
Canadian Centre for Cyber Security
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) - Google Nest Help
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is a protocol that lets UPnP-enabled devices on your network to automatically discover and communic...
Google Help

Intel® User Notification Service (UNS.exe)


"UNS" in Windows typically refers to the Intel® User Notification Service (UNS.exe), a component of Intel® Active Management Technology (AMT). It acts as a background service, managing and displaying user notifications related to platform security and management status, often appearing in the Services tool.
Key Aspects of Intel User Notification Service (UNS):

Function: It is a Windows service that runs in the background, crucial for Intel vPro/AMT functionality, receiving messages from the Intel Management Engine
.
Location: Found in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServices in the registry.

Issues: Users have reported instances of high memory usage, errors, or memory leaks, especially in older versions.

Removal: It can be removed or disabled, but this may affect Intel AMT functionality.

Alternatives: Sometimes,, "UNS" may refer to academic or niche "Unified Namespace" tools in Windows environments, such as those found on specific network shares.

To view the service, you can open the Services tool by searching for "services" in the Windows search window		 05/06/2026
Windows Shortcut Fixes
shortcut graphics card tabs		 Reset graphics card Only if display becomes flaky
ctrl + shift + Winkey + B

browser closed - So this to restore tabs
ctrl + shift + T		 01/13/2026
Windows Protect SSD Drives
ssd drive		 SSDs, or solid state drives, are widely used in desktops and laptops because they offer faster performance, quieter operation, and lower power consumption than traditional hard disks (HDDs). In the durability stakes, as well, an SSD wins over an HDD.

However, like all electronic components, SSDs have limited lifespans that can be affected by a range of different factors. It’s therefore smart to try to increase their lifespan. Here I lay out some key ways you can do that in Windows 11.

1. Enable Trim for SSDs

One simple trick to extend SSD lifespan is to enable the Trim command for your SSD. This tells the drive which data blocks are no longer used, effectively managing and freeing up disk space. If you don’t enable the Trim, the SSD needs to perform extra and unnecessary operations to delete old files, giving rise to more wear and reducing lifespan.

To check if the Trim command is enabled open the command prompt with admin rights and type the command fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify. If you get the notification DisableDeleteNotify = 0 then you have Trim enabled. If not, then you can enable it with this command: fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 0.


2. Disable hibernation

In hibernation mode the computer will write all the data it stores in the RAM to a file named Hiberfil.sys on the SSD. If you hibernate your PC often this file can be extremely large. Excessive and heavy writing can wear out your SSD, hence you should disable hibernation in Windows 11. To do that, open the command prompt with admin permission and type the command powercfg.exe /hibernate off.


3. Disable Paging File (Virtual Memory)

When RAM is insufficient for your computing increasing the virtual memory or paging file can be one solution. However, this isn’t good for SSD lifespan as it results in lots of writing to your SSD. Therefore, you’re going to want to disable paging file to increase the SSD lifespan. Here’s how to do that.

  • Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type sysdm.cpl and click OK to open System Properties.
  • Navigate to the Advanced tab and click on Settings under the Performance section.
  • In the Performance Options window, go to the Advanced tab and click on Change under the Virtual Memory section.
  • Uncheck the box for Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
  • Select the drive where the pagefile is located (usually C:).
  • Choose the option No paging file and click Set.
  • Click OK to close all windows and restart your computer when prompted.



4. Enable write caching

Most SSDs support write caching that allows temporarily storing data in a cache, which avoids frequent small writes to the SSD. Enabling this feature will reduce the number of write cycles and extend the lifespan of your SSD. You can do that in a few easy steps.

  • Type Win+X and choose Device Manager.
  • Expand the disk drives, right click on your SSD, and select Properties.
  • Under the Policies tab, tick Enable write caching on the device and click OK.
  • Write caching should now be enabled.



5. Avoid filling up the SSD memory

If the SSD memory is filled up, it can reduce the SSD lifespan and the drive will run a lot slower than it should. Therefore, you should aim to always keep at least 20 percent of the drive’s capacity free.

You can check on how full your drive is in Windows under Devices and Drives. Simply double click on File Explorer and select This PC from the menu on the left. The capacity of the drive will be shown beneath the drive visual and how much free space there is will be indicated clearly too.

Keep the SSD firmware up to date

SSD manufacturers often release updates for the SSD firmware to keep it running efficiently and to reduce wear and tear, so these updates can extend the device’s lifespan. To see if your SSD does, it’s best to visit the manufacturer’s website to search for any firmware updates. Most vendors will also have their own SSD software to update firmware automatically.

6. Your SSD might be overheating under heavy loads
Thermal throttling is common, but a heatsink solves it

If you’re using a high-end Gen 4 or Gen 5 NVMe SSD, heat is a significant factor in performance. When temperatures climb too high during sustained reads or writes, the drive throttles its own performance to avoid damage. This is called thermal throttling, and it's more common than you'd think, especially in laptops with poor airflow or desktop builds where the M.2 slot sits right next to a hot GPU.

The symptoms are predictable since performance starts strong but drops off sharply during large file transfers or extended gaming sessions. If you're seeing that pattern, heat is likely the issue. You can monitor your SSD's temperature using CrystalDiskInfo or your manufacturer's tool. If it regularly exceeds 70°C under load, you've got a thermal problem.

The most effective fix is adding an M.2 heatsink. Most NVMe drives don't ship with one, but aftermarket heatsinks are cheap and easy to install — they clip or screw directly onto the drive. Many modern motherboards also include built-in M.2 heatsinks. Check your motherboard box before buying one separately.


7. Your SSD's health might be declining
Checking your drive's wear level takes two minutes

Every SSD has a finite lifespan. The NAND flash cells inside your drive can only handle a certain number of write cycles before they wear out. Under normal use, like browsing, office work, and casual gaming, most SSDs last well beyond five years. But heavy workloads like video editing or running virtual machines accelerate that wear considerably.

As the cells degrade, the drive slows down before eventually switching to a read-only state or failing altogether. The good news is that you don't have to guess where your drive stands. To check your SSD's health:

  1. Download CrystalDiskInfo. It's free and works with virtually every drive.
  2. Open it and look for the Health Status indicator and the Total Host Writes value.
  3. Compare the total writes against your drive's rated TBW (terabytes written), which you can find on the manufacturer's spec sheet.

If you're unsure how to interpret these numbers, here's how to estimate the remaining lifespan of your SSD. Also, if health status drops below 70–80%, start planning a replacement and back up your data immediately. If the health looks fine but performance is still poor, the slowdown is almost certainly caused by one of the other issues covered above, not the drive itself dying.

Most SSD slowdowns aren't hardware failures; they're due to neglected settings and overlooked maintenance. The fixes mentioned often take as little as 15 minutes combined. What's worth doing beyond this is to set a calendar reminder every few months to check your drive's health and temperature, clear out unnecessary files, and look for firmware updates.

If you're building a new PC, budget for a heatsink and a UPS from the start, and check these things before buying your NVMe SSD. Prevention is always cheaper than a replacement drive and far less stressful than recovering lost data.		 02/04/2026