Have you ever stared at a screen and waited…and waited…for an all-too-slow booting of the computer? Sometimes it does cross your mind that the reason might be NVIDIA, doesn’t it? Well, you are not alone! Many other people are also putting the same blame on the slow startup of their computer on the graphics card software.
NVIDIA software encompasses quite a number of elements that automatically start loading once you switch on your computer. These carry out tasks ranging from displaying images to providing neat gaming functionality.
However, the pertinent question is: do these NVIDIA processes all have to launch at startup? Or can some be safely disabled, thereby providing you with faster boot time and improved performance? Let’s take a closer look.
Know Who Starts Process from NVIDIA
Knowing the work these processes do will assist you in deciding to keep or to ditch them. Let’s take a peek.
Common NVIDIA Startup Programs
There are several NVIDIA programs you would find working on the background. Here are some common NVIDIA startup processes:
- NVIDIA Container: A core component that manages other NVIDIA services, this is the brain behind NVIDIA background operations.
- NVIDIA Display Container LS: This one directs communications between the graphics card and operating system; if this is disabled, it can cause problems with the display.
- NVIDIA Backend: This service supports various features of NVIDIA. Turning it off might hinder some functionalities.
- NVIDIA NetworkService: Basically handles network-related tasks for NVIDIA software, including looking for updates.
- GeForce Experience: This app optimizes in-game settings, driver updates, and game streaming—definitely for the gamers!
Essential vs. Non-Essential Processes
Certain processes from NVIDIA are core-required for the display to operate properly. Others are just meant to provide additional functions.
- Essential Processes: These processes work for displaying purposes. The NVIDIA Display Container LS cannot be stopped because it would generate screen problems.
- Nonessential Processes: These are basically to support extra features like GeForce Experience and sending data back to NVIDIA that you may safely turn off without affecting the display.
How NVIDIA Affects Boot Time and Performance
All those processes running in the background take up resources. What do they actually matter?
Measuring Boot Time
Using Windows Task Manager will help you know exactly how long it takes your computer to boot.
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc).
- Click on the “Startup” tab.
- Note “Last BIOS time” for how long your system takes to boot up before Windows starts loading.
NVIDIA services may add several seconds to this time. Add that to any other programs that start when you turn on your computer, and you can see how it gets slowed down just a bit.
Performance Tips
Some NVIDIA processes use up CPU and memory even while being idle. It definitely can slow down on older machines or lower-end PCs. If your PC is on the lower end, this is very much noted. Closing off those processes can really help many resources, Disabled non-essential processes will later free up those resources to better suit your system.
Safely Disable NVIDIA Startup Programs
Ready for some action? Here is how to stop all those pesky startup programs, but do be careful!
Using Task Manager
Task Manager is the simplest option available to manage startup programs.
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
- Click on the “Startup” tab.
- Select the NVIDIA process you want to disable.
- Click “Disable.”
Using System Configuration (msconfig)
Msconfig is the best way to control all the services.
- Press Windows Key + R, then type msconfig and hit Enter.
- Go to Services tab.
- At the bottom put a check mark on Hide all Microsoft services.
- Uncheck all the NVIDIA services you want to disable.
- Click Apply, restart your PC.
Services Panel
Here’s how to turn off a service:
- Press Windows Key + R, type in services.msc, and press Enter.
- Find the NVIDIA service you want to disable.
- Right-click on it and choose Properties.
- In the Startup type dropdown, select Disabled.
- Click on Apply and on OK.
NVIDIA Settings Optimization Alternatives to Disabling
What if you want better performance without disabling anything? Just optimize NVIDIA settings.
GeForce Experience Optimization
GeForce Experience can be a resource hog, so optimizing may really help you out.
- Disable the automated game optimization by turning off background scanning.
- Turn off background recording if you don’t use it.
NVIDIA Control Panel Settings
Tweak the NVIDIA Control Panel for better performance.
- Set “Power management mode” to either “Optimal power” or “Adaptive” to conserve energy when idle.
- Experiment with VSync settings to reduce screen tearing without sacrificing too much performance.
Troubleshooting and Re-Enabling NVIDIA Processes
Messed something up? Don’t panic! Here’s how to fix it.
Identifying the Culprit
If you experience problems after disabling a process, then just re-enable them one by one.
- Now go back to Task Manager or msconfig.
- Re-enable one disabled NVIDIA process.
- Restart your computer.
- If the problem is gone, you’ve found the culprit.
Restoring Default Settings
If any issues arise due to tweaking NVIDIA Control Panel settings, then go for restoration.
- Open NVIDIA Control Panel.
- Click on Manage 3D settings.
- Click on Restore to set all settings back to default.
Conclusion
So does the NVIDIA run at startup? Some processes are compulsory. Some others are just optional. Disabling the optional non-essential NVIDIA processes speeds up boot time and overall performance on older environments. Optimizing NVIDIA settings or GeForce Experience can make a difference too.
Be careful: Make sure that you always create a system restore point before making changes. It’s a good idea to play with those settings. See what works best for your PC!