Can I remove windows back up utility from my computer without any terrible effects?

Let me first explain, that I got my computer during a time when I was very depressed with my life and wasn't thinking clearly. Consequently, I didn't take good care of my computer along with other things in my life. For a couple years I stopped using the computer and had it locked in a closet. I need to start using it again but because of how bad I treated it in the past it goes really slow. I saw that the windows back up utility takes up a lot of information. Can I remove it? Without a problem? I just really need to use the computer for school work. I don't really have anything that I am aware of on the computer that I will be very upset if I lost. Any thoughts???