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System Configuration Utility in Windows 10: How to Use It
Everything you need to know about the utility
8 min. read
Updated onJuly 22, 2024
updated onJuly 22, 2024
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Every iteration of Windows comes with a handful of critical utilities to help userseffectively manage the computer. One of these is System Configuration in Windows 10, a utility that’s been a part of the OS for long.
Sometimes also referred to as MSConfig, a proper understanding of the System Configuration utility will help you manage the PC much more easily. So, let’s find out all about it!
What is System Configuration in Windows 10?
System Configuration is a well-designed utility in Windows that could do wonders when changing several settings on the PC. It helps users change boot settings or configure the services, drivers, and apps to run.
Though most of the operations here could be done separately, it takes a lot longer, making System Configuration in Windows 10 the first choice of many. The utility especially comes in handy when performing a clean boot during a troubleshooting sequence.
Here are a few of its features:
How do I access System Configuration?
1. Using the Search menu
2. Via Run
You can also start System Configuration on Windows 10 using the built-in Run dialog. All you need to do is use a keyboard shortcut and then input the abbreviation for System Configuration in the search box.
- The System Configuration application will launch on your computer.
3. Using the .exe file
This will openSystem Configurationin Windows 10, and you can now make the desired changes.
How do I use System Configuration?
The System Configuration tool is most commonly used to prevent certain applications and services from starting. This procedure is called Clean Boot; with it, you’ll disable all third-party applications and services from starting.
This is extremely useful for troubleshooting computer issues because it allows you to identify problematic applications and disable them if needed. Let’s individually understand all the tabs listed in System Configuration on Windows 10.
The Generaltab in the System Configuration tool allows you to choose between Normal, Diagnostic, and Selective startup options.
TheBoottab allows you to change how Windows 10 starts, and if you have adual-bootPC with multiple operating systems, you can choose the default operating system here.
You can also customize certain settings by clicking theAdvanced optionsbutton. From there, you can assign the number of CPU cores you want a specific operating system to use. Besides, you can assign the amount of memory the select system will use.
Certain debugging options are also available, so use them if you have any issues with the operating system.
You can also boot to Safe Mode using System Configuration in Windows 10. To do that, check theSafe bootentry underBoot optionsand select one of the available configurations described as follows:
There are some additional options available as well.
Lastly, there isMake all boot settings permanentoption andTimeoutfield. The latter is extremely useful if you have two or more operating systems installed on your PC.
When settingTimeoutto any value other than zero, you’ll have the specified number of seconds to select between the available operating systems, allowing you to choose one seamlessly on every reboot.
As for theServicestab, it holds the list of all available services on your PC. Keep in mind that this list includes both Microsoft and third-party services.
If you have any computer issues, it’s always recommended to disable third-party services and check if that solves the problem.
This tab allows you to turn off services one by one or to disable them all with a single click. Keep in mind that disabling Microsoft services isn’t recommended, so be cautious while disabling these.
Startuptab went through certain changes over the years, and now it just shows theOpen Task Manageroption in System Configuration on Windows 10.
In Windows 8, Microsoft decided to move Startup items fromSystem Configurationto the Task Manager, thus making the process ofdisabling startup appsmuch simpler.
The last tab is theToolstab; with it, you can quickly access many other Windows 10 tools. The list includes Computer Management, Command Prompt,User Account Controlsettings, Internet Options, Task Manager,System Restore, and many others.
To start any of thesetools, simply select it from the list and click theLaunchbutton. You can also see the location in theSelected commandfield, along with any additional parameters that thetoolmight use.
How to adjust boot settings in System Configuration on Windows 10?
When it comes to boot settings, you have the option to enable Safe Mode in Windows 10 via System Configuration or configure the other options, as discussed in the earlier sections.
What is selective startup in System Configuration on Windows 10?
Selective Startup allows users to limit a particular type of items, be it the services or the startup apps, all at once.
WithLoad system serviceschecked, all the critical services are running,Load startup itemsis linked to the startup apps, andUse original boot configurationloads Windows with the default settings, i.e., the settings that were in place when the OS was first installed.
Here’s how you can configure Selective startup with System Configuration in Windows 10:
How do I open System Configuration in Windows 10 CMD?
What is the shortcut key for System Configuration in Windows 10?
There is no keyboard shortcut or an individual shortcut key to directly open System Configuration in Windows 10 or any other iteration, for that matter.
You must open it via the Search menu, Run, Command Prompt, or its shortcut in theSystem32folder.
That’s all there’s to the System Configuration utility in Windows 10. And by now, you should have a fair understanding of the various settings and options available here.
If your PC is running slow, check some quicktips to improve Windows performanceand make it run faster.
For any queries or to share an additional piece of advice, drop a comment below.
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
