iphlpsvc: what the IP Helper service does and whether to disable it
Short answer
UpdatedIP Helper provides IPv6 tunnel connectivity (6to4, ISATAP, Teredo, IP-HTTPS) and port proxying. This tweak disables it. It sets the iphlpsvc service to Disabled.
iphlpsvc IP Helper
Startup typeAutomaticDisabled
What it does
IP Helper provides IPv6 tunnel connectivity (6to4, ISATAP, Teredo, IP-HTTPS) and port proxying. This tweak disables it.
In the app the switch is called "Disable IP Helper (Advanced)", described there as: Shuts down tunnel/QoS helpers; lowers background route churn (may affect VPNs).
When it helps, and when it hurts
When it helps
- PCs with plain IPv4 or native IPv6, where no tunnel is in use.
When it hurts
- Xbox Live networking over Teredo, some VPNs, DirectAccess and netsh port proxy rules stop working.
What it writes
Exactly what the switch changes, read from the app's source. Switching it off is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.
| Service | With the tweak | Switching it off |
|---|---|---|
| iphlpsvcIP Helper | Disabled | Automatic |
From the app's source (iphlpsvc_off.hpp), app 2.0.0, checked .
The same change by hand
You do not need the app for this one. These commands make the changes from the table above. Run them in a Command Prompt opened as administrator, and make a restore point first.
sc config "iphlpsvc" start= disabledsc config "iphlpsvc" start= autoHow to undo it
In the app: Yes
Switching it off sets a standard Windows value, which may not be exactly how you had it.
Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. It sets iphlpsvc to Automatic.
Changing several settings at once? The app's Make a restore point button, on every plan, makes a Windows restore point before you start.
Verdict
Leave it on if you use the Xbox app's multiplayer, WSL port forwarding or a VPN that needs it.
Questions
- What does the "Disable IP Helper (Advanced)" tweak change in Windows?
- It sets the iphlpsvc service to Disabled.
- Is "Disable IP Helper (Advanced)" safe to switch on?
- Leave it on if you use the Xbox app's multiplayer, WSL port forwarding or a VPN that needs it. The main cost: Xbox Live networking over Teredo, some VPNs, DirectAccess and netsh port proxy rules 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 IP Helper (Advanced)" 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.
In the app
- Switch
- Disable IP Helper (Advanced)
- Category
- Network
- Plan
- Pro
- Undo
- Yes
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Written by
Frost LIVEFounder of Frozen Tweaks, based in Hamburg, Germany. Publishes settings guides for competitive games on his YouTube channel, Frost LIVE.
In the app
- Category
- Network
- Plan
- Pro
- Undo
- Yes
Frozen Tweaks
Free for Windows 10 and 11
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
Or type frozentweaks.com on your PC.
The free Windows app for competitive games.
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
Frozen Tweaks runs on Windows. Send the link to your PC and download it there.
Or type frozentweaks.com on your PC.