What is Connected Devices Platform User Service_2caf5eaf and how to disable it

Connected Devices Platform User Service_2caf5eaf

Those are so-called per-user services

> https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/application-management/per-user-services-in-windows  The _2caf5eaf is specific to your user account on your computer.

Hello Dominik. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

What is telling you that Connected Devices Platform User Service_2caf5eaf is driving up the Network usage at Windows Startup? Are you monitoring Network usage in Task or Resource Manager?

There are some causes and fixes for this here:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

https://appuals.com/what-is-the-connected-devic... (Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially DO NOT INSTALL Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

https://superuser.com/questions/1513998/connect...

https://www.tenforums.com/general-support/58863...

Since there are some reports that a virus can hide in this service and you're being negatively affected by it, then we should not take any chances. To check most thoroughly for infection and any resulting System damage, Download, install and run a full scan with the most powerful on-demand free scanner Malwarebytes:

https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/ Make sure to only choose the Free version.

In the Malwarebytes Settings (gear icon) > Security tab set it to include scanning for Rootkits.

If necessary run it in Safe Mode with Networking (to have internet), or Safe Mode accessed by one of these methods: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf.... These require a password and not PIN to access.

Clean up anything found, restart PC and then run again until it comes up clean.

Then download, install and run a full scan with AdwCleaner:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcle...

Remove whatever it finds.

Check for anything found but is still left over in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, and C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files(86) to uninstall or delete them. I can guide you how to do this if there are problems.

Also in each of your browser's Extensions, Home Page settings, Search service or Add-On's as shown here: https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001411.htm

to disable anything you didn't add yourself and are sure you need. Ask back if in doubt.

Then check for damaged System files by running System File Checker and DISM from Step 10 in this checklist:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

If completing all of Step 10 in above Checklist doesn't fix it then run a Repair Install which reinstalls WIndows while keeping your files, programs and most settings in place, by installing the Media Creation Tool from this link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/software-downlo..., open the tool and choose Upgrade This PC Now. This will solve most problems and also bring it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method.

If you want to keep Malwarebytes as an on-demand scanner then you can turn off its Real Time trial version using the slider buttons on it's front panel. I recommend it as the #1 tool for your toolbox. For best WIndows performance, use built-in Defender which gives adequate real-time protection.

Feel free to ask back any questions. Report back results for more steps if necessary.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.