To start Superfetch in Windows 10, which is officially known as Sysmain, you need to configure its service settings to launch automatically through the Services management console. This process ensures the feature is active and running in the background, optimizing system performance.
Understanding Superfetch (Sysmain)
Superfetch, renamed to Sysmain in Windows 10, is a core Windows service designed to improve system responsiveness and application load times. It intelligently analyzes your usage patterns and preloads frequently used applications and data into your computer's Random Access Memory (RAM). This proactive caching helps reduce the time it takes for these applications to launch when you need them, making your system feel faster and more efficient.
Step-by-Step Guide to Enable Superfetch (Sysmain)
Enabling Superfetch (Sysmain) involves a few straightforward steps within the Windows Services management console. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure it's configured correctly:
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Open the Run Dialog Box:
- Right-click the Windows Start button located in the lower-left corner of your desktop.
- From the context menu, click on Run.
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Access Services:
- In the Run dialog box, type
services.mscand pressEnteror clickOK. This will open the Services management console.
- In the Run dialog box, type
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Locate and Configure Sysmain:
- Scroll down through the list of services until you find Sysmain.
- Double-click on Sysmain to open its Properties window.
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Set Startup Type:
- In the Sysmain Properties window, locate the "Startup type" dropdown menu.
- Click the dropdown and select Automatic (Delayed Start). This setting allows the service to start automatically a short while after Windows boots, which can help improve overall boot time.
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Apply and Confirm:
- Click Apply and then OK to save your changes.
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Restart Your Computer:
- For the changes to take full effect and for Superfetch (Sysmain) to begin operating, you must restart your computer.
Once your computer restarts, Superfetch (Sysmain) will be enabled and actively running in the background, working to enhance your system's performance.
Why Choose "Automatic (Delayed Start)"?
The "Automatic (Delayed Start)" option is generally recommended for services like Sysmain. While "Automatic" starts services immediately during the boot process, "Automatic (Delayed Start)" waits for other critical system services to initialize first. This can lead to a slightly faster boot time and prevents potential resource contention immediately after Windows starts, ensuring a smoother initial user experience.
Here's a quick look at common startup types for Windows services:
| Startup Type | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Automatic | Service starts automatically during the operating system boot process. |
| Automatic (Delayed) | Service starts automatically shortly after other critical services are loaded. |
| Manual | Service must be started by a user or another program. |
| Disabled | Service is prevented from starting by any means. |
Further Considerations for Performance Optimization
While Superfetch (Sysmain) is designed to improve performance, its benefits can vary based on your system's hardware, especially if you use a Solid State Drive (SSD). Modern Windows versions are optimized to handle SSDs efficiently, and Sysmain's impact on SSD-equipped systems is often minimal or negligible, sometimes even debated. For systems with traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), the performance boost from Sysmain can be more noticeable.
Always ensure your Windows installation is up to date to benefit from the latest optimizations and performance enhancements. You can check for updates via Windows Update settings.
