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FPS boost by disabling steamwebhelper
1
#1
0 Frags +

Update:

zfnUpdate:I've found a much easier way. You can configure the steam client itself with launch options!

Link here for more information.

On Windows, right-click your Steam shortcut, open Properties, then edit the Target line after \Steam.exe" with the line "-no-browser" (Note, you may need -console too). There are other launch options you can use, such as ones to disable any VR stuff and so forth. Feel free to experiment and see what works for you.

For example, here's mine:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -console -no-browser

This will stop the steamwebhelper service from starting up, and just means that you need to use firefox or chrome when you want to browse the store or trade etc, which a lot of people do this anyway.

Please try this out and see if you notice a difference in TF2 like I did!

This might be common knowledge as it's been a problem for many years, but disabling steamwebhelper has given me a 10-15+ fps boost and eliminated my stuttering problem.

I originally followed this method, and while it still worked, my game would stutter every 4 minutes (or however long I set it to) when it killed the process. More importantly, these 4 or 5 processes would instantly start up again, defeating the purpose.

Only recently I have come across this solution (which gave me the fps boost and reduced my stuttering):
1. Find the file Steam/bin/cef/cef.win7/steamwebhelper.exe and go Right click -> Properties
2. Go to the "Security" tab, then click "Edit..."
3. In the appearing window, select the Group "Users" and make sure you check all of the boxes in the column "Deny" below. Repeat for the Groups "SYSTEM" and "ALL APPLICATION PACKAGES" (Though I'm not sure if that's necessary)
4. Close all the windows with "Ok" and you're done.

This works much better than the script, except for one problem. The steam client is always trying to update itself as it senses something is wrong, not to mention I would be missing out on the monthly steam client updates.

What I am hoping someone can help me with is a script or something that kills steamwebhelper, denies it from starting again, launches TF2, and once I close TF2, allows steamwebhelper to start again so I can use the steam store and profile tabs. Would this be possible to do, rather than me manually doing it each time?

[b]Update:[/b]
[quote=zfn]Update:I've found a much easier way. You can configure the steam client itself with launch options!

[url=https://www.reddit.com/r/DotA2/comments/4ztlot/psa_steam_can_be_tweaked_with_launch_options_ex/]Link here for more information.[/url]

On Windows, right-click your Steam shortcut, open Properties, then edit the Target line after \Steam.exe" with the line "[b]-no-browser[/b]" (Note, you may need -console too). There are other launch options you can use, such as ones to disable any VR stuff and so forth. Feel free to experiment and see what works for you.

For example, here's mine:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -console -no-browser

This will stop the steamwebhelper service from starting up, and just means that you need to use firefox or chrome when you want to browse the store or trade etc, which a lot of people do this anyway.

Please try this out and see if you notice a difference in TF2 like I did![/quote]


This might be common knowledge as it's been a problem for many years, but disabling steamwebhelper has given me a 10-15+ fps boost and eliminated my stuttering problem.

I originally followed [url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Steam/comments/2g29dh/what_is_steamwebhelper_and_why_is_it_going_over/]this[/url] method, and while it still worked, my game would stutter every 4 minutes (or however long I set it to) when it killed the process. More importantly, these 4 or 5 processes would instantly start up again, defeating the purpose.

Only recently I have come across this solution (which gave me the fps boost and reduced my stuttering):
1. Find the file Steam/bin/cef/cef.win7/steamwebhelper.exe and go Right click -> Properties
2. Go to the "Security" tab, then click "Edit..."
3. In the appearing window, select the Group "Users" and make sure you check all of the boxes in the column "Deny" below. Repeat for the Groups "SYSTEM" and "ALL APPLICATION PACKAGES" (Though I'm not sure if that's necessary)
4. Close all the windows with "Ok" and you're done.

This works much better than the script, except for one problem. The steam client is always trying to update itself as it senses something is wrong, not to mention I would be missing out on the monthly steam client updates.

What I am hoping someone can help me with is a script or something that kills steamwebhelper, denies it from starting again, launches TF2, and once I close TF2, allows steamwebhelper to start again so I can use the steam store and profile tabs. Would this be possible to do, rather than me manually doing it each time?
2
#2
2 Frags +

I'd use processlasso and set a rule to limit the steamwebhelper process to one processor core (not core 0 though). You could also write a powershell script to do exactly what you're suggesting, but that seems like a lot of effort for a very small benefit.

I'd use processlasso and set a rule to limit the steamwebhelper process to one processor core (not core 0 though). You could also write a powershell script to do exactly what you're suggesting, but that seems like a lot of effort for a very small benefit.
3
#3
7 Frags +

upon further inspection, it looks like renaming the .exe keeps it from starting, but also prevents any browser activity from steam, be it the in-game overlay browser, your profile page, or the store. so if you wrote a script that renamed steamwebhelper.exe, then launched tf2, and then changed it back by hand (or with another script) when you were done, that would do the job nicely.

upon further inspection, it looks like renaming the .exe keeps it from starting, but also prevents any browser activity from steam, be it the in-game overlay browser, your profile page, or the store. so if you wrote a script that renamed steamwebhelper.exe, then launched tf2, and then changed it back by hand (or with another script) when you were done, that would do the job nicely.
4
#4
2 Frags +

That's an interesting idea, that seems a bit simpler than what I was trying to achieve. I'll look into this.

That's an interesting idea, that seems a bit simpler than what I was trying to achieve. I'll look into this.
5
#5
20 Frags +

Update:I've found a much easier way. You can configure the steam client itself with launch options!

Link here for more information.

On Windows, right-click your Steam shortcut, open Properties, then edit the Target line after \Steam.exe" with the line "-no-browser" (Note, you may need -console too). There are other launch options you can use, such as ones to disable any VR stuff and so forth. Feel free to experiment and see what works for you.

For example, here's mine:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -console -no-browser

This will stop the steamwebhelper service from starting up, and just means that you need to use firefox or chrome when you want to browse the store or trade etc, which a lot of people do this anyway.

Please try this out and see if you notice a difference in TF2 like I did!

Update:I've found a much easier way. You can configure the steam client itself with launch options!

[url=https://www.reddit.com/r/DotA2/comments/4ztlot/psa_steam_can_be_tweaked_with_launch_options_ex/]Link here for more information.[/url]

On Windows, right-click your Steam shortcut, open Properties, then edit the Target line after \Steam.exe" with the line "[b]-no-browser[/b]" (Note, you may need -console too). There are other launch options you can use, such as ones to disable any VR stuff and so forth. Feel free to experiment and see what works for you.

For example, here's mine:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -console -no-browser

This will stop the steamwebhelper service from starting up, and just means that you need to use firefox or chrome when you want to browse the store or trade etc, which a lot of people do this anyway.

Please try this out and see if you notice a difference in TF2 like I did!
6
#6
1 Frags +
hatim"Start steamwebhelper killer after 10 minutes.bat from http://pastebin.com/UmAYUmFr
Click download on pastebin, rename .txt to .bat and run it once. You actually only need to run it once and you're set for life or until you launch the stop script ;)

It will create a task that will run at all times, until you launch:
Stop steamwebhelper killer.bat from http://pastebin.com/jQ5M3746
Haven't found a reason to run the Stop script :)

Note this is for gaming. If you need some long trading sessions and other community stuff - run the stop_steamwebhelper_killer.bat (but you should really switch to a web interface outside steam) . Scripts are set for 10 minutes, it will not leak so much in a short period of time. Set for more time for better community stuff or just refresh the steam page more often."

If you're too lazy or whatever reason you have , I uploaded these .bat files.
Killer Download: https://www.dropbox.com/s/0d3hnrqvl4qoxrs/SteamWebHelperKiller.bat?dl=0

Killer stopper:https://www.dropbox.com/s/xashxhj8r26plvw/SteamWebHelperKillerStopper.bat?dl=0

YOU WON'T GET VAC BANNED FOR THIS

THIS SCRIPT IS NOT MADE BY ME. SCRIPT BELONGS TO https://www.reddit.com/user/aveyo

dunno if this still works but it's from https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=483257164

[quote=hatim]"Start steamwebhelper killer after 10 minutes.bat from http://pastebin.com/UmAYUmFr
Click download on pastebin, rename .txt to .bat and run it once. You actually only need to run it once and you're set for life or until you launch the stop script ;)

It will create a task that will run at all times, until you launch:
Stop steamwebhelper killer.bat from http://pastebin.com/jQ5M3746
Haven't found a reason to run the Stop script :)

Note this is for gaming. If you need some long trading sessions and other community stuff - run the stop_steamwebhelper_killer.bat (but you should really switch to a web interface outside steam) . Scripts are set for 10 minutes, it will not leak so much in a short period of time. Set for more time for better community stuff or just refresh the steam page more often."

If you're too lazy or whatever reason you have , I uploaded these .bat files.
Killer Download: https://www.dropbox.com/s/0d3hnrqvl4qoxrs/SteamWebHelperKiller.bat?dl=0

Killer stopper:https://www.dropbox.com/s/xashxhj8r26plvw/SteamWebHelperKillerStopper.bat?dl=0

YOU WON'T GET VAC BANNED FOR THIS

THIS SCRIPT IS NOT MADE BY ME. SCRIPT BELONGS TO https://www.reddit.com/user/aveyo[/quote]

dunno if this still works but it's from https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=483257164
7
#7
5 Frags +
zfnUpdate:I've found a much easier way. You can configure the steam client itself with launch options!

Link here for more information.

On Windows, right-click your Steam shortcut, open Properties, then edit the Target line after \Steam.exe" with the line "-no-browser" (Note, you may need -console too). There are other launch options you can use, such as ones to disable any VR stuff and so forth. Feel free to experiment and see what works for you.

For example, here's mine:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -console -no-browser

This will stop the steamwebhelper service from starting up, and just means that you need to use firefox or chrome when you want to browse the store or trade etc, which a lot of people do this anyway.

Please try this out and see if you notice a difference in TF2 like I did!

I have been looking for YEARS to fix this annoying stutter I would always get, which would lead to annoying deaths and other problems. THANK YOU for the FPS boost and finally fixing this annoying stutter. You are the best.

[quote=zfn]Update:I've found a much easier way. You can configure the steam client itself with launch options!

[url=https://www.reddit.com/r/DotA2/comments/4ztlot/psa_steam_can_be_tweaked_with_launch_options_ex/]Link here for more information.[/url]

On Windows, right-click your Steam shortcut, open Properties, then edit the Target line after \Steam.exe" with the line "[b]-no-browser[/b]" (Note, you may need -console too). There are other launch options you can use, such as ones to disable any VR stuff and so forth. Feel free to experiment and see what works for you.

For example, here's mine:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -console -no-browser

This will stop the steamwebhelper service from starting up, and just means that you need to use firefox or chrome when you want to browse the store or trade etc, which a lot of people do this anyway.

Please try this out and see if you notice a difference in TF2 like I did![/quote]

I have been looking for YEARS to fix this annoying stutter I would always get, which would lead to annoying deaths and other problems. THANK YOU for the FPS boost and finally fixing this annoying stutter. You are the best.
8
#8
5 Frags +
wtzdunno if this still works but it's from https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=483257164

That's the one I linked in my original question. The downsides of this are the 5 steamwebhelper.exe processes are always running, and instantly restart once the script kills them. The script killing them is only to stop the memory leaks and excessive usage people were reporting. Plus the game will stutter every 4 minutes (or whatever time you have this set to) once these processes are killed/restarted.

The reddit user aveyo who made this script has even said that it's useless now that steam can be configured with the launch option to prevent it from starting. This method just isn't as widely known.

So if you are using this script, please run the stop script included in the download, and use my method instead.

VoltI have been looking for YEARS to fix this annoying stutter I would always get, which would lead to annoying deaths and other problems. THANK YOU for the FPS boost and finally fixing this annoying stutter. You are the best.

You are very welcome!

I'll be looking into what other launch options are available which may have a positive affect on TF2 over the next few days, so stay tuned.

[quote=wtz]dunno if this still works but it's from https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=483257164[/quote]
That's the one I linked in my original question. The downsides of this are the 5 steamwebhelper.exe processes are always running, and instantly restart once the script kills them. The script killing them is only to stop the memory leaks and excessive usage people were reporting. Plus the game will stutter every 4 minutes (or whatever time you have this set to) once these processes are killed/restarted.

The reddit user aveyo who made this script has even said that it's useless now that steam can be configured with the launch option to prevent it from starting. This method just isn't as widely known.

[b]So if you are using this script, please run the stop script included in the download, and use my method instead.[/b]

[quote=Volt]I have been looking for YEARS to fix this annoying stutter I would always get, which would lead to annoying deaths and other problems. THANK YOU for the FPS boost and finally fixing this annoying stutter. You are the best.[/quote] You are very welcome!

I'll be looking into what other launch options are available which may have a positive affect on TF2 over the next few days, so stay tuned.
9
#9
2 Frags +

gonna test it and see if it fixes random stutters

gonna test it and see if it fixes random stutters
10
#10
2 Frags +

can u upload a pic to show where u put in -nobrowser? Because I tried it and exitted steam, and it wouldn't let me run open steam.

can u upload a pic to show where u put in -nobrowser? Because I tried it and exitted steam, and it wouldn't let me run open steam.
11
#11
7 Frags +

https://i.gyazo.com/41e73fd0ef8d2694c77fe27dff3d629c.png

make sure theres a space inbetween .exe" and -no-browser

[img]https://i.gyazo.com/41e73fd0ef8d2694c77fe27dff3d629c.png[/img]
make sure theres a space inbetween .exe" and -no-browser
12
#12
2 Frags +

Here is a list of some more command line options to use with Steam.

A few useful ones from here:

-clearbeta (Opts out of beta participation in case for some reason it can't be done via settings)
-noverifyfiles (Prevents from the client from checking files integrity. Anyone remember that bug where games would constantly keep verifying itself??)
-single_core (Force Steam to run on your primary CPU only)

[url=https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Command_Line_Options#Steam_.28Windows.29]Here is a list of some more command line options to use with Steam.[/url]

A few useful ones from here:

[b]-clearbeta[/b] (Opts out of beta participation in case for some reason it can't be done via settings)
[b]-noverifyfiles[/b] (Prevents from the client from checking files integrity. Anyone remember that bug where games would constantly keep verifying itself??)
-[b]single_core[/b] (Force Steam to run on your primary CPU only)
13
#13
1 Frags +

how to turn it back????

EDIT: nvm

how to turn it back????

EDIT: nvm
14
#14
2 Frags +

Has anyone teste how sizeable the performance gain are ?

Has anyone teste how sizeable the performance gain are ?
15
#15
4 Frags +
osvaldoHas anyone teste how sizeable the performance gain are ?

Benchmarks using the standard benchmark1.dem file:

Round 1:

Steamwebhelper enabled:
2639 frames 13.974 seconds 188.85 fps ( 5.30 ms/f) 10.409 fps variability
2639 frames 14.190 seconds 185.97 fps ( 5.38 ms/f) 10.471 fps variability
2639 frames 14.101 seconds 187.15 fps ( 5.34 ms/f) 10.295 fps variability

Steamwebhelper disabled:
2639 frames 12.360 seconds 213.52 fps ( 4.68 ms/f) 16.281 fps variability
2639 frames 12.353 seconds 213.64 fps ( 4.68 ms/f) 14.568 fps variability
2639 frames 12.405 seconds 212.74 fps ( 4.70 ms/f) 16.222 fps variability

This seemed completely ridiculous, so I tried again. It may have been because I had just started my computer, and something was running in the background, I have no idea.

Round 2:

Steamwebhelper enabled:
2639 frames 12.441 seconds 212.12 fps ( 4.71 ms/f) 16.530 fps variability
2639 frames 12.395 seconds 212.92 fps ( 4.70 ms/f) 14.266 fps variability
2639 frames 12.454 seconds 211.89 fps ( 4.72 ms/f) 14.425 fps variability
Average: 212.31

Steamwebhelper disabled:
2639 frames 12.433 seconds 212.25 fps ( 4.71 ms/f) 16.345 fps variability
2639 frames 12.333 seconds 213.98 fps ( 4.67 ms/f) 14.650 fps variability
2639 frames 12.414 seconds 212.58 fps ( 4.70 ms/f) 14.128 fps variability
Average: 212.94

Final thoughts:
Please note that these benchmarks were taken as soon as steam (and TF2) loaded, however many users report sluggishness with steamwebhelper happening over time. Therefore I feel that these results poorly reflect the impact that disabling the steamwebhelper actually provides.

Also since I was curious, I decided to benchmark steamwebhelper disabled, but Firefox open with 5 tabs (which is essentially the same thing):
2639 frames 12.468 seconds 211.66 fps ( 4.72 ms/f) 17.146 fps variability

I'd appreciate some more feedback!

[quote=osvaldo]Has anyone teste how sizeable the performance gain are ?[/quote]
Benchmarks using the standard benchmark1.dem file:

[b]Round 1:[/b]

[b]Steamwebhelper enabled:[/b]
2639 frames 13.974 seconds 188.85 fps ( 5.30 ms/f) 10.409 fps variability
2639 frames 14.190 seconds 185.97 fps ( 5.38 ms/f) 10.471 fps variability
2639 frames 14.101 seconds 187.15 fps ( 5.34 ms/f) 10.295 fps variability

[b]Steamwebhelper disabled:[/b]
2639 frames 12.360 seconds 213.52 fps ( 4.68 ms/f) 16.281 fps variability
2639 frames 12.353 seconds 213.64 fps ( 4.68 ms/f) 14.568 fps variability
2639 frames 12.405 seconds 212.74 fps ( 4.70 ms/f) 16.222 fps variability

This seemed completely ridiculous, so I tried again. It may have been because I had just started my computer, and something was running in the background, I have no idea.

[b]Round 2:[/b]

[b]Steamwebhelper enabled:[/b]
2639 frames 12.441 seconds 212.12 fps ( 4.71 ms/f) 16.530 fps variability
2639 frames 12.395 seconds 212.92 fps ( 4.70 ms/f) 14.266 fps variability
2639 frames 12.454 seconds 211.89 fps ( 4.72 ms/f) 14.425 fps variability
Average: 212.31

[b]Steamwebhelper disabled:[/b]
2639 frames 12.433 seconds 212.25 fps ( 4.71 ms/f) 16.345 fps variability
2639 frames 12.333 seconds 213.98 fps ( 4.67 ms/f) 14.650 fps variability
2639 frames 12.414 seconds 212.58 fps ( 4.70 ms/f) 14.128 fps variability
Average: 212.94


[b]Final thoughts:[/b]
Please note that these benchmarks were taken as soon as steam (and TF2) loaded, however many users report sluggishness with steamwebhelper happening over time. Therefore I feel that these results poorly reflect the impact that disabling the steamwebhelper actually provides.

Also since I was curious, I decided to benchmark steamwebhelper disabled, but Firefox open with 5 tabs (which is essentially the same thing):
2639 frames 12.468 seconds 211.66 fps ( 4.72 ms/f) 17.146 fps variability


I'd appreciate some more feedback!
16
#16
-7 Frags +

It is interesting idea!!

It is interesting idea!!
17
#17
14 Frags +
LinksManagementIt is interesting idea!!

https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198840068367
Looks like this spambot forgot to post the malware link. Sad day

[quote=LinksManagement]It is interesting idea!![/quote]
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198840068367
Looks like this spambot forgot to post the malware link. Sad day
18
#18
1 Frags +

edit: nvm

edit: nvm
19
#19
1 Frags +

Sorry for necro, but how do i revert this? I removed the -no-broswer from the options, but my steam browser is still disabled

edit: nvm sorry, u just restart steam

Sorry for necro, but how do i revert this? I removed the -no-broswer from the options, but my steam browser is still disabled


edit: nvm sorry, u just restart steam
20
#20
-4 Frags +

edit:nvm

edit:nvm
21
#21
0 Frags +

I currently have the following in the target field for my shortcut "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -console -no-browser -noverifyfiles -single_core , and now I can't display my library. Has anyone else experienced this.

I currently have the following in the target field for my shortcut "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steam.exe" -console -no-browser -noverifyfiles -single_core , and now I can't display my library. Has anyone else experienced this.
22
#22
4 Frags +

I think the library is browser based now

I think the library is browser based now
23
#23
-1 Frags +
catman1900I think the library is browser based now

im not updating that shit then lmao thanks for warning

[quote=catman1900]I think the library is browser based now[/quote]
im not updating that shit then lmao thanks for warning
24
#24
6 Frags +

I'm sorry the future is now old man

I'm sorry the future is now old man
25
#25
0 Frags +
catman1900I think the library is browser based now

hate to see it.

[quote=catman1900]I think the library is browser based now[/quote]
hate to see it.
26
#26
3 Frags +
catman1900I think the library is browser based now

Correct. The -no-browser launch option will prevent your libraries from loading now, but it is still the only way to stop steamwebhelper from loading.

Personally I'm still using it, as you can still launch the game from the notification tray. If I want to browse the steam store, I use firefox for that anyway.

[quote=catman1900]I think the library is browser based now[/quote]

Correct. The -no-browser launch option will prevent your libraries from loading now, but it is still the only way to stop steamwebhelper from loading.

Personally I'm still using it, as you can still launch the game from the notification tray. If I want to browse the steam store, I use firefox for that anyway.
27
#27
2 Frags +

Another necro for this thread, but I just wanted to note that you can still view your library by going to View and turning on "Small Mode"

Another necro for this thread, but I just wanted to note that you can still view your library by going to View and turning on "Small Mode"
28
#28
2 Frags +

Sorry for another necro but I want to thank zfn for finding this amazing fix.

also noting that it seems you can have it both ways if you just make two shortcuts. Make one with the launch options and one without, and then just change the name/icon of each shortcut to denote which is which. To close steam via desktop you'll have to close it from the first shortcut you made though. You'll have to restart steam to get the desired webhelper setting each time but I found it highly worth it imo. guessing there could be another way around it but this is what I've been using so I figured I'd mention it. you can also use firefox or another browser ofc too. thanks zfn!!

Sorry for another necro but I want to thank zfn for finding this amazing fix.

also noting that it seems you can have it both ways if you just make two shortcuts. Make one with the launch options and one without, and then just change the name/icon of each shortcut to denote which is which. To close steam via desktop you'll have to close it from the first shortcut you made though. You'll have to restart steam to get the desired webhelper setting each time but I found it highly worth it imo. guessing there could be another way around it but this is what I've been using so I figured I'd mention it. you can also use firefox or another browser ofc too. thanks zfn!!
29
#29
5 Frags +
E:\Steam\Steam.exe -no-browser +open steam://open/minigameslist

use this for the minimal library wich is not dependant on browser

https://i.imgur.com/pRj20J0.jpg

[code]E:\Steam\Steam.exe -no-browser +open steam://open/minigameslist[/code]
use this for the minimal library wich is not dependant on browser
[img]https://i.imgur.com/pRj20J0.jpg[/img]
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