How to Disable Windows Fax

The Windows operating system has built-in fax software that allows your computer to send and receive fax messages without an external fax machine. The Windows fax is controlled by the operating system's fax service. If you have administrative privileges on your computer, you can disable the Windows fax service to turn off the fax software. You can return to the services configuration at any time to enable the fax service if you need it again later.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button on the task bar.

2. Type "Services" in the search text box, then click the "Enter" key on your keyboard. The Services window will appear, displaying the services on your Windows computer in alphabetical order.

3. Double-click the "Fax" service to open a configuration window.

4. Select "Disabled" from the "Startup Type" drop-down menu.

5. Click the "Stop" button to stop the service from running.

6. Click the "OK" button to save the changes to the Windows fax service. The service is now disabled and will not turn on automatically when you boot up your computer.

References

• Microsoft TechNet: Start, Stop, Pause, Resume, or Restart a Service
• Symantec: How to Start or Stop a Service in Windows