When installing Windows, any version or edition, there are several accessories and programs included that are immediately usable from the start menu. However, a Windows installation can be customized in the sense that some functions can be removed and others added.
In general, nobody does this customization, unless you have particular needs such as, for example, to free up disk space or to use advanced network tools.
The important thing is to know what you can add or remove from the Windows functionality activation and deactivation menu .
READ ALSO: Deactivate unnecessary Windows functions
To open the Windows functionality window, go to the Control Panel, open add or remove programs (which in Windows 8 is called " Programs and Features ") and then click on the link on the left " activate deactivate Windows functions ".
The window that opens is a list of functions and tools, many of which are unknown or never seen before.
To view more information for one of the items, just hold the mouse over it for a while, without clicking.
To remove a Windows function or program, simply deselect it from the list.
Some items are enclosed in categories to be expanded.
You can deselect multiple items at once and then click OK to disable them.
After removing some features, Windows may require a restart that will take longer than usual to uninstall the disabled features.
Adding functionality to Windows is the same, with the difference that you have to select them by putting the cross.
During the installation process, depending on what has been selected, Windows may prompt you to download files from Windows Update or that the user inserts the installation CD into the DVD player.
Below, we see a brief description of the various Windows features that can be activated or deactivated from this menu (extracted from Windows 8.1 pro)
- .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0.) Is the software development environment created by Microsoft, used by many desktop programs and games.
- .NET Framework 4.5 Advanced Services is as above; the versions serve both
- Active Directory Lightweight is a basic version of Active Directory Domain Services, useful only for developers and for companies that use applications that require this functionality.
- Telnet Client is a command line client that uses to communicate and access resources on other computers.
- Telnet server is a server function that uses the Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) to accept incoming connections.
- TFTP client is a simple command line tool that can be used to transfer files through the TFTP protocol.
Most users will never need to use Telnet and TFTP.
- Workbooks Client allows users to synchronize a folder and its contents on a corporate network.
- Legacy Components (DirectPlay) - DirectPlay was a part of the DirectX application programming interface for network communication, no longer used by games released after 2008.
- Multimedia components includes in Windows 8.1 only the Windows Media Player which can be uninstalled from here (but not recommended).
- Hyper-V is a Windows feature that allows you to create and run virtual machines.
It is similar to other software like VirtualBox or VMware.
- Internet Explorer 11 is the default Microsoft browser included in Windows.
It may surprise you that it can be disabled and uninstalled, but it is not recommended to do this because many other programs depend on the operation of Internet Explorer.
- Internet Information Services (IIS) allows the Windows computer to act as a web server.
- Listener RIP is a routing service used in corporate environments and not required by normal users.
- Windows Geolocator is a feature to use GPS sensors and Wi-Fi triangulation or other methods to detect the geographical position of the computer.
Keeping them active allows you to use location-based web programs and applications.
- Microsoft Message Queue (MSMQ) Server is an old service that aims to improve communication when working with unreliable networks.
This function can be overlooked.
- Network projection is a function that allows you to remotely use a projector connected to the network.
- Print and digitization services allow you to use and manage printing, faxes and scanners.
By default, the print client services and Windows Fax and Scan are enabled and it makes no sense to disable them.
- Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a protocol created to administer networked devices such as routers, printers, computers etc.
This feature is not necessary unless you work as an IT professional on a corporate network.
- Simplified TCP / IP services (e.g. eco, daytime, etc.) is a collection of old command line tools that don't serve unless exceptional circumstances.
- XPS services provide support for Microsoft XPS, Adobe's concurrent PDF file format.
- Support for file sharing SMB 1.0 / CIFS is a function for sharing files and printers with computers running previous versions of Windows, including Windows XP.
The Server Message Block (SMB) protocol can also be used by other operating systems such as Linux or OSX to communicate with Windows devices.
Enabled by default, it can be removed if you don't have a computer network.
- API Support Remote Differential Compression is a synchronization algorithm that allows you to make quick comparisons between synchronized files.
This feature is used by some Windows programs and applications, so it can be enabled even if, by default, it is not.
- Windows Identity Foundation 3.5 is a software framework for creating applications.
The .NET Framework 4.5 already includes a new version of this development environment so you don't need to install this version unless you need to use old programs.
- Windows PowerShell 2.0 is a command line tool which is the evolution of the command prompt.
Powershell is useful and worth keeping for its incredible power.
- XPS Viewer is a small application for viewing and using XPS files.
SEE ALSO: Create and open XPS files and convert them to pdf or images
In other versions of Windows you can find and disable functions such as: Games, Windows DVD Maker, Windows Media Center, Tablet PC Components.
