E
% What Is a Service? (Definition of a Windows Service) GA
S
REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter!
visibility
878 views
thumb_up
22 likes
R
Search Close GO Software & Apps > Windows 23 23 people found this article helpful
What Is a Windows Service?
Definition of a Windows service & instructions on controlling services
By Tim Fisher Tim Fisher Senior Vice President & Group General Manager, Tech & Sustainability Emporia State University Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the VP and General Manager of Lifewire.
thumb_up
46 likes
T
lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on August 8, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email
In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section How Are Services Used Controlling Windows Services See What Services Are Running Enable and Disable Services Delete and Uninstall Services More Info on Windows Services Frequently Asked Questions A service is a small program that usually starts when the Windows operating system loads. You won't normally interact with services like you do with regular programs because they run in the background (you don't see them) and don't provide a normal user interface.
thumb_up
11 likes
H
How Are Services Used
Services can be used by Windows to control many things like printing, sharing files, communicating with Bluetooth devices, checking for software updates, hosting a website, etc. A service can even be installed by a 3rd party, non-Windows program, like as a file backup tool, disk encryption program, online backup utility, and more.How Do I Control Windows Services
Since services don't open and display options and windows like you're probably used to seeing with a program, you must use a built-in Windows tool to manipulate them.
thumb_up
23 likes
E
Services is a tool with a user interface that communicates with what's called Service Control Manager so that you can work with services. Another tool, the command-line Service Control utility (sc.exe), is available as well, but it's more complex to use and so is unnecessary for most people.
thumb_up
44 likes
A
How to See What Services Are Running on Your Computer
The easiest way to open Services is through the Services shortcut in Administrative Tools, which is accessible via Control Panel. Another option is to run services.msc from a Command Prompt or the Run dialog box (WIN+R). If you're running Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, or Windows Vista, you can also see services in Task Manager.
thumb_up
3 likes
A
Services that are actively running right now will say Running in the Status column. See the screenshot above for an example.
thumb_up
41 likes
A
Although there are many more, here are some examples of Windows services you might see running on your computer: Apple Mobile Device Service, Bluetooth Support Service, DHCP Client, DNS Client, HomeGroup Listener, Network Connections, Plug and Play, Print Spooler, Security Center, Task Scheduler, Windows Firewall, and WLAN AutoConfig. It's completely normal if not all the services are running (nothing, or Stopped, is shown in the Status column). If you're looking through the list in an effort to find a solution to a problem your computer is having, don't begin starting all the services that aren't running.
thumb_up
12 likes
D
While it likely won't do any harm, that approach is probably not the solution to your problem. Double-clicking (or tapping) on any service will open its properties, which is where you can see the purpose of the service and, for some, what will happen if you stop it. For example, opening the properties for Apple Mobile Device Service explains that it's used to communicate with Apple devices that you plug into your computer.
thumb_up
8 likes
M
You can't view the properties of a service if you're accessing them through Task Manager. You must be in the Services utility.
thumb_up
29 likes
D
How to Enable and Disable Windows Services
Some services may need to be restarted for troubleshooting purposes if the program they belong to or the task they perform isn't working as it should. Other services may need to be stopped completely if you're trying to reinstall the software, but an attached service won't stop on its own, or if you suspect that the service is being used maliciously. You should be extremely careful when editing Windows services.
thumb_up
44 likes
N
Most of them that you see listed are very important for everyday tasks, and some even depend on other services to work properly. With Services open, right-click (or press-and-hold) any of the services for more options, which let you start, stop, pause, resume, or restart it.
thumb_up
47 likes
I
These options are pretty self-explanatory. As we said above, some services may need to be stopped if they're interfering with a software install or uninstall.
thumb_up
13 likes
V
Say, for example, you're uninstalling an antivirus program, but for some reason the service isn't shutting down with the program, causing you to be unable to completely remove the program because part of it is still running. This is one case where you'd want to open Services, find the appropriate service, and choose Stop so that you can continue with the normal uninstall process. One instance where you may need to restart a Windows service is if you're trying to print something, but everything keeps getting hung up in the print queue.
thumb_up
26 likes
A
The common fix for this problem is to go into Services and choose Restart for the Print Spooler service. You don't want to completely shut it down because it needs to run in order for you to print.
thumb_up
21 likes
D
Restarting the service shuts it down temporarily, and then starts it back up, which is like a simple refresh to get things running normally again.
How to Delete Uninstall Windows Services
Deleting a service may be the only option you have if a malicious program has installed a service that you can't seem to keep disabled.
thumb_up
26 likes
S
The option can't be found in the services.msc program, but it is still possible to completely uninstall a service in Windows. This won't only shut the service down but will delete it from the computer, never to be seen again (unless, of course, it's reinstalled). Uninstalling a Windows service can be done in both the Windows Registry and with the Service Control utility (sc.exe), similar to svchost.exe, via an elevated Command Prompt.
thumb_up
48 likes
D
You can read more about deleting a service using these methods at Stack Overflow. If you're running Windows 7 or an older Windows OS, the free Comodo Programs Manager software can be used to delete Windows services, and it's much easier to use than either method above (but doesn't work in Windows 11/10/8).
thumb_up
36 likes
J
Although it's rare, some programs let you uninstall their service from inside the software's normal graphical user interface. This might be a toggle you can uncheck, or a dedicated "delete service" button.
More Information on Windows Services
Services are different from regular programs in that a regular piece of software will stop working if the user logs out of the computer.
thumb_up
46 likes
I
A service, however, is running with the Windows OS, sort of in its own environment, which means the user can be logged completely out of their account but still have certain services running in the background. Services can be started when the computer boots up, versus regular apps that start only after you log in to a user account.
thumb_up
1 likes
A
While it might come off as a disadvantage to always have services running, it's actually very beneficial, like if you use remote access software. An always-on service installed by one of those programs enables you to remote into your computer even if you're not logged on locally.
thumb_up
23 likes
J
There are other options within each service's properties window on top of what is described above that lets you customize how the service should start up (automatically, manually, delayed, or disabled) and what should automatically happen if the service suddenly fails and stops running. A service can also be configured to run under the permissions of a particular user. This is beneficial in a scenario where a specific application needs to be used, but the logged-in user doesn't have proper rights to run it.
thumb_up
21 likes
W
You'll likely only see this in a scenario where there's a network administrator in control of the computers. Some services can't be disabled through regular means because they may have been installed with a driver that prevents you from disabling it.
thumb_up
8 likes
A
If you think this is the case, you can try finding and disabling the driver in Device Manager or booting into Safe Mode and attempting to disable the service there (because most drivers don't load up in Safe Mode). Services are created as Microsoft Visual Studio projects. After you create and build an app, you can install it by running the command-line utility InstallUtil.exe.
thumb_up
43 likes
A
Microsoft's Introduction to Windows Service Applications includes more information on this. FAQ How many service packs are there for Windows 7? Officially, Microsoft only has one service pack available for Windows 7.
thumb_up
10 likes
M
You can download and install it in Windows or get it from Microsoft's website. What is the Bonjour service on Windows? Created by Apple in 2002, Bonjour (which means "hello" in French) locates and configures devices running on a local area network, such as printers and file sharing servers.
thumb_up
46 likes
B
It makes it easier to use Apple products on a Windows PC. What is Service Host Superfetch on Windows 10?
thumb_up
46 likes
E
First introduced in 2007, Service Host Superfetch is a service that makes your computer run faster. It uses a prediction algorithm to determine what three programs you're going to use next, then it pre-loads the necessary data into your computer's memory.
thumb_up
24 likes
A
What is the Host Process for Windows service? Host Process for Windows is a core process that runs Dynamic Linked Library (DLL) services.
thumb_up
27 likes
S
These services need Host Process for Windows to run, unlike executable files (EXE) which run themselves. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know!
thumb_up
41 likes
J
Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day
Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire What Is Svchost.exe (Service Host)?
thumb_up
29 likes
M
LogiLDA.dll: What It Means and How to Fix It Task Manager (What It Is & How to Use It) 17 Best Free Uninstaller Programs (October 2022) Startup Settings (What It Is and How to Use It) What Are the Types of System Resources in a Computer? How to Fix It When the Cursor Disappears in Windows 10 How to Fix It When Windows Spotlight Is Not Working on Windows 10 How to Fix It When Windows 11 Is Slow How to Reinstall Windows Defender in Windows 11 How to Fix Kernel32.dll Errors in Windows 9 Best Free Software Updater Programs (October 2022) How to Fix It When Windows 11 Bluetooth Is Not Working Why Does Restarting Seem to Fix Most Computer Problems?
thumb_up
35 likes
E
5 Easy Fixes for Most Computer Problems Runtime Error: What It Is and How to Fix It Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies
thumb_up
23 likes
Similar Discussions
-
Ken Shamrock agrees that he should be a part of Seth Rollins v Matt Riddle
-
6 Best At Home Leg Exercises for Men to Get Strong Glutes
-
Lorient vs Nantes Prediction and Betting Tips September 11 2022
-
5 open world like GTA 5 with a compelling storyline
-
That s exciting that s not happened for quite a while in the Premier League Gary Neville explains how Erling Haaland joining Man City is different to Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry s England arrival
-
5 best Minecraft texture packs for PvP 2022
-
Panthers Gustav Forsling Keeps streak alive
-
Kraken s Philipp Grubauer Exits Friday s contest
-
Roller Ball Skee Bowling Game APK Download for Android
-
Pop Idle APK Download for Android
-
Stencil Art Design Paper C APK Download for Android
-
ACANTHUS CENNET BARUT COLLEC APK Download for Android
-
Daily Shopping APK Download for Android
-
Old School RuneScape APK Download for Android
-
Helicopter Rescue Car Games APK Download for Android
-
Une physicienne cr e 1750 pages Wikip dia pour faire conna tre des femmes scientifiques du monde entier Sciences Wikip dia
-
Financement de Daech par Lafarge la justice am ricaine parle d un crime ahurissant Terrorisme Syrie
-
Comment les checs des candidatures aux JO ont m tamorphos Paris Paris Ile De France
-
Las empresas m s creativas son tambi n las m s pr speras
-
Long Island Attorney Arrested for Allegedly Fighting Police Officer During Jan 6 Riot Capitol Riot Crime And Courts
-
Chuck Palahniuk Mis libros van siempre sobre una persona alienada que encuentra una comunidad y resulta que est menos solo
-
Ojo seco una patolog a que aumenta con el teletrabajo Salud Salud Mental
-
Bel n Esteban llora por el ataque de Kiko Matamoros y desvela que su cabeza ahora no est bien Me has roto el coraz n Televisi n Bel n Esteban
-
Las v ctimas de beb s robados reclaman a las izquierdas un impulso en el Congreso a la ley que les har justicia Victimas Reclaman
-
Randall Emmett Prevents Daughter From Appearing On Vanderpump Rules
-
How to Get Cry Mutiny in Destiny 2 Season of Plunder
-
Survival Game Grounded Becoming A TV Show The Nerd Stash
-
How to Scale Growing Their Dropshipping Business to $500k per Month
-
What Is Samsung s One UI for Android?
-
Acer s Latest Swift Laptop Will Keep You Secure but Won t Weigh You Down