The Base Filtering Engine (BFE) is a service that manages firewall and Internet Protocol security (IPsec) policies and implements user mode filtering. Stopping or disabling the BFE service will significantly reduce the security of the system. It will also result in unpredictable behavior in IPsec management and firewall applications.
If you use an external hardware firewall/gateway/router between your computer and the internet, do not use IPsec (VPN tunneling, etc) and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), then this service and the following group of services can be disabled:
I highly recommend that you do not disable the Windows Firewall unless you use a different software firewall or external hardware solution, but the services listed above are all involved with each other.
Default Vista Home Basic: Automatic (Started)
Default Vista Home Premium: Automatic (Started)
Default Vista Business: Automatic (Started)
Default Vista Ultimate: Automatic (Started)
Safe Setting: Automatic
Service Name (registry): BFE
Display Name: Base Filtering Engine
C:\Windows\system32\svchost.exe -k LocalServiceNoNetwork
Account: Local Service
What service Base Filtering Engine needs to function properly:
What other service require Base Filtering Engine to function properly:
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Windows Service Configurations!
Includes explanations of each service and advice on which services you can safely disable.