Windows services operate behind the scenes, powering many essential functions. While most users are aware of their existence, few understand their purpose or how to manage them effectively. This guide delves into the world of Windows services, exploring their functionality, creation, deletion, and troubleshooting.
Windows services
Understanding Windows Services
Windows services are executable programs, often without a user interface, that launch before user login during Windows startup. They are crucial for various operating system functions.
Several methods exist to view installed services:
- Computer Management: Type “services” in the taskbar search field, or right-click the Windows icon, navigate to “Computer Management,” then “Services and Applications,” and finally double-click “Services.”
- Task Manager: In Windows 11, click the bottom icon on the left side of the Task Manager window.
- System Configuration: Type “msconfig” in the taskbar search field, select “System Configuration,” and navigate to the “Services” tab.
Task Manager services
Important Note: Each service has both a service name and a display name, which often differ. Computer Management and System Configuration display the display name, while Task Manager uses the service name. To find a service’s name, double-click it in Computer Management. For example, “Task Scheduling” has the service name “Schedule.”
Creating Custom Windows Services
The Service Control Manager (SCM) controls services, issuing commands like start, stop, pause, and restart. While Windows system services and third-party services are designed to respond to these commands, other programs like Word or browsers are not. To create a custom service, you’ll need a tool like Daemon Master.
Daemon Master, a free and open-source tool, allows you to configure any EXE, LNK, or BAT program as a service, ensuring automatic execution during Windows startup. It acts as an intermediary between the SCM and your application, translating commands and messages.
task scheduler
Using Daemon Master
- Launch Daemon Master, click “New,” and name your service. Use identical service and display names for easy identification. Add a description.
Daemon Master
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Accept the default “Automatic” startup type. Leave “Working directory” blank.
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Click the “…” button, browse to your program’s EXE file, and click “Open.”
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Click “Save.”
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Right-click the new service in the overview and select “Start service.” Your program will now launch automatically at startup.
Daemon Master
Remember, services run in the background without a visible window. To view the program window, right-click the service in Daemon Master and select “Start service on desktop.” This is not a permanent setting. To delete the service, right-click and select “Delete.”
Daemon Master
Managing and Troubleshooting Services
Services can be started manually or automatically, delayed, stopped, paused, or resumed. Deactivating unnecessary services, especially remnants from uninstalled third-party software, can be done via System Configuration (msconfig). Hide Microsoft services to focus on third-party entries.
Services config
Troubleshooting Windows issues often involves managing specific services. For example, restarting the “Print Spooler” service can resolve printer problems. Similarly, restarting the WireGuard service can fix VPN connectivity issues. The “Optimize drives” service (defragsvc) is crucial for disk defragmentation and TRIM on SSDs. Adjusting its startup type to “Automatic” can resolve issues with the defrag.exe command.
print spooler
Deleting Services
To completely delete a service, you’ll need its service name (found in Computer Management). Open an elevated command prompt (search for “cmd” and “Run as administrator”) and use the sc.exe tool. First, stop the service: sc stop [service name]. Then, delete it: sc delete [service name].
Alternatively, use Autoruns from Sysinternals. Navigate to the “Services” tab, uncheck to disable, or right-click and select “Delete” to remove a service. Administrator rights are required.
Direct registry editing is also possible. Locate the service’s key in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServices and delete it after ensuring the service is stopped.
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Identifying Unnecessary Services
While deactivating services doesn’t necessarily boost performance, it can reduce potential security vulnerabilities. Use tools like Ashampoo Winoptimizer to identify non-essential services based on user ratings and system requirements. Proceed with caution and avoid disabling critical system services.
