wcncsvc: disabling Windows Connect Now
Short answer
UpdatedWindows Connect Now is the Windows side of WPS, the push-button method for joining a Wi-Fi network or adding a wireless device. This tweak disables its service. It sets the WcncSvc service to Disabled.
WcncSvc Windows Connect Now - Config Registrar
Startup typeManualDisabled
What it does
Windows Connect Now is the Windows side of WPS, the push-button method for joining a Wi-Fi network or adding a wireless device. This tweak disables its service.
In the app the switch is called "Disable Windows Connect Now", described there as: Stops WPS provisioning scans that can wake the NIC stack.
When it helps, and when it hurts
When it helps
- Wired PCs, and anyone who never uses WPS.
When it hurts
- Setting up Wi-Fi or a wireless printer with the WPS button no longer works.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| WcncSvcWindows Connect Now - Config Registrar | Disabled | Manual |
From the app's source (wcncsvc_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 "WcncSvc" start= disabledsc config "WcncSvc" start= demandHow 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 WcncSvc to Manual.
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
Safe. WPS is best left unused anyway.
Questions
- What does the "Disable Windows Connect Now" tweak change in Windows?
- It sets the WcncSvc service to Disabled.
- Is "Disable Windows Connect Now" safe to switch on?
- Safe. WPS is best left unused anyway. The main cost: Setting up Wi-Fi or a wireless printer with the WPS button no longer works.
- 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 Windows Connect Now" 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 Windows Connect Now
- Category
- Network
- Plan
- Pro
- Undo
- Yes
Related guides
- How to Reduce Input Lag on PC: The Whole Latency ChainInput lag is nine separate delays stacked together. Here is each one, roughly how long it lasts, and which of them are actually worth fixing on a gaming PC.8 min read
- Windows 11 Gaming Optimization: What Still Works in 2026An honest audit of Windows 11 gaming tweaks: which settings still measurably help in 2026, which are placebo, and which quietly cost you security.8 min read
More tweak explainers
- Wi-Fi Direct ServicesThis service manages Wi-Fi Direct connections, which wireless displays (Miracast), some printers and nearby sharing use. What it changes and how to undo it.2 min read
- Peer networking services (PNRP)These three services are Windows' peer-to-peer name resolution and grouping stack, used by features such as the old HomeGroup.2 min read
- IP Helper (iphlpsvc)IP Helper provides IPv6 tunnel connectivity (6to4, ISATAP, Teredo, IP-HTTPS) and port proxying. What it changes, when it hurts, and how to undo it.2 min read
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.