---
title: "DeviceAssociationBrokerSvc: what it does and whether you can disable it"
description: "DeviceAssociationBrokerSvc lets apps pair with nearby devices, which Phone Link and wireless display use. What it changes, when it hurts, and how to undo it."
url: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-device-association-broker
author: Frost LIVE, Founder of Frozen Tweaks
published: 2026-10-08
updated: 2026-10-08
category: "Debloat"
source: Frozen Tweaks (https://frozentweaks.com)
---

# DeviceAssociationBrokerSvc: what it does and whether you can disable it

**Short answer:** DeviceAssociationBrokerSvc lets apps pair with nearby devices, which Phone Link and wireless display use. This tweak disables the service template that Windows starts per user. It sets the DeviceAssociationBrokerSvc service to Disabled.

## In the app

- Switch: Disable Phone Link Broker (Debloat, Pro, Advanced)
- Undo: Yes. Switching it off sets a standard Windows value, which may not be exactly how you had it.
- Catalog row: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks#t-1053

## What it does

DeviceAssociationBrokerSvc lets apps pair with nearby devices, which Phone Link and wireless display use. This tweak disables the service template that Windows starts per user.

In the app the switch is called "Disable Phone Link Broker", described there as: Disables DeviceAssociationBrokerSvc to stop cross-device relays.

## When it helps

- PCs that never pair phones or wireless displays through apps.

## When it hurts

- Phone Link pairing and connecting to some wireless devices from apps stop working.

## What it writes

Read from the app's source. "Switching it off" is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.

Services (startup type):

| Service | With the tweak | Switching it off |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `DeviceAssociationBrokerSvc` (DeviceAssociationBroker) | Disabled | Manual |

Source: Tweaks/phonelinkoff.hpp in the app's source, app 2.0.0, checked 2026-10-08.

## The same change by hand

Run in a Command Prompt opened as administrator. Make a restore point first.

```bat
sc config "DeviceAssociationBrokerSvc" start= disabled
```

Put it back:

```bat
sc config "DeviceAssociationBrokerSvc" start= demand
```

## How to undo it

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. It sets DeviceAssociationBrokerSvc to Manual.

## Verdict

A tiny saving. Skip it unless you are removing the cross-device features on purpose.

## Questions

### What does the "Disable Phone Link Broker" tweak change in Windows?

It sets the DeviceAssociationBrokerSvc service to Disabled.

### Is "Disable Phone Link Broker" safe to switch on?

A tiny saving. Skip it unless you are removing the cross-device features on purpose. The main cost: Phone Link pairing and connecting to some wireless devices from apps stop working.

### How do I undo it?

Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. Switching it off sets a standard Windows value, which may not be exactly how you had it.

### Is "Disable Phone Link Broker" free in Frozen Tweaks?

It is part of Frozen Pro and Elite. You can also make the change by hand with the values on this page.

## Related guides

- [Windows 11 Gaming Optimization: What Still Works in 2026](https://frozentweaks.com/guides/windows-11-gaming-optimization)
- [Low-End PC Gaming Optimization: Getting Playable Frame Rates](https://frozentweaks.com/guides/low-end-pc-gaming-optimization)

## More tweak explainers

- [Windows Mixed Reality](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-windows-mixed-reality)
- [GameInput service](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-gameinput-service)
- [Program Compatibility Assistant](https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-program-compatibility-assistant)

---
Written by Frost LIVE, founder of Frozen Tweaks. Canonical version: https://frozentweaks.com/tweaks/disable-device-association-broker