Superfetch may not be super after all

Let's join and play fetch
Don't care if I make a mess
Let's join and play fetch
With what you say, I become obsessed
—FETCH, DHeusta

Since Windows XP, Microsoft has employed by default a memory process known as "prefetch."  Since Windows Vista, this process is known as Superfetch, or by the technical name SysMain.  Using a prefetcher:

"Windows creates a prefetch file every time you run an app for the first time. This file contains data the OS needs to speed up the app's load time whenever you run it. And this is a big help during the startup process since it helps Windows load faster.

These prefetch files are located in a file in a system folder labeled "C:\Windows\Prefetch."  The Prefetch folder on my notebook contained 419 files.

To access your own Prefetch folder, type "prefetch" in the taskbar searchbar.  Click the Run icon.

Simply click OK to open Prefetch folder.

There isn't much need for users to access this folder directly.  It is instructive, however, to see how much memory Prefetch is allocating to keep all those applications at the ready to load at first click.

Deleting these files might free up some disc space, but would otherwise be pointless.  Windows will simply recreate the app specific prefetch file the next time the user starts that application.  If a user knows that she will not ever use that certain application again, then deleting those files would make some sense.

Nevertheless, Superfetch is now reporting to cause 100% hard disk utilization.  On some older Windows 10 PCs, Superfetch is hogging all the RAM and causing overheating.  Although terminating SysMain and preventing it from loading at startup will really not cause any problems either, if you think you could use a bit more umph from your existing rig, then disabling SysMain might give you back some speed and stability, especially on an older machine.  The difference could be a quite noticeable improvement in performance to no noticeable impact at all.  I have run this notebook with SysMain disabled with no noticeable affect one way or the other.  Your mileage will vary.

The easiest way to get to the services menu to turn off SysMain is simply to type "services" in the searchbar on the taskbar.

1.  From the Services app scroll down and find SysMain.
2.  Double Click SysMain.
3.  Choose Startup type Automatic or Manual.
4.  Stop or Start the service as you intend.
5.  Click Apply and then OK.  Close the Services app.

If you use many applications, this might improve performance overall, even if you must wait an additional 5 seconds for the app to load.  On an older computer the difference might be considerable. Your mileage may vary.

I will fetch my knowledge from afar,
and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.
The Book of Job: 36:3