Though they are programmed to run independently, there may be times when you might need to manage these Windows services yourself. So let’s explore how you can do that in two fairly easy ways.
What Are Windows Services? When Do They Need to Be Managed?
Windows Services are like any other programs and applications running on your Windows PC, except that they don’t have any user interface like a screen or buttons. These services typically start when your PC is booting up and run in the background while you’re working on your computer.
Windows Services enable core system services like those used to update Windows and ensure security by keeping Windows Defender running smoothly. Other background services include those that manage printing, system audio, and network or Bluetooth connections.
Though they run independently and are managed well by your PC’s system, there might be times when you face problems with some Windows services. It could be when a service is not operating normally or might have turned off. Or you may want to turn it off due to its high CPU usage.
You can try getting them back to their normal functionality by starting or restarting them manually. Or you might have disabled some services earlier and want to restart them.
So let’s explore how you can manage Windows Services manually in two ways on Windows 10 and 11. To do so, you must be signed in as an Administrator on your device.
Also, it is better to create a system restore point before making any changes to the services. So in case any error occurs, you can revert to the point before you made the changes.
How to Manage Services via the Service Control Manager
It’s easy to manage and enable or disable a service via the Services App or the Service Control Manager.
Press Windows + R keys together to open the Run box. Type services.msc and click OK or hit enter to open the Service Control Manager.
Alternatively, just type services in the search bar and click the app result under Best match. You can open the Services App in other ways too. Once it’s open, you will see all the Windows Services and third-party services listed in the app.
The Status of the services, along with their Startup Type will also be seen next to each service.
Now double-click on the service you want to make changes to—for example, Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection Service is highlighted in the screenshot below.
When you double-click on the service, its Properties window will open. Here you can see the Service status and what action you can choose to take, like Start, Stop, Pause, or Resume the service.
In the Service Properties, you can also specify the Startup Type of the service, which means that you can choose how the service will start when your PC boots up.
To do that, click the down arrow next to Startup type and you will see four options:
Automatic: if you choose this option, the service will automatically start when your system starts up. The service will also automatically stop when it’s no longer needed. Essential services like Windows Audio should be in an Automatic state. If an automatically started service depends on a manually started service, the manually started service will also start automatically at system startup. Automatic (Delayed Start): in this setting, a service will start just after your PC’s boot time. Using this option, the start up of non-essential services can be delayed order to minimise the overall boot time of Windows. Manual: choose this mode to start a service manually when needed. Disabled: This mode will stop a service from starting, so you cannot start it, and neither can it be started by an app. Remember, if you disable a service, any dependent services are also affected, and enabling a service does not automatically restart its dependent services.
How to Start a Service
If you want to start a service, double-click the service. If the Startup type of the service is disabled, then first you will need to change the Startup type to either Automatic, Automatic (Delayed Start), or Manual. Then click Apply.
Finally, click on the Start button, wait till the service status changes to Running, and then click OK and exit Services.
How to Stop or Disable a Service
To stop a service, double-click the service. If the service is running click on the Stop button. The service status will change to Stopped.
If you want to disable the service, change its Startup type to Disabled and click Apply. Finally, click OK and exit Services.
Remember, if somehow a service is not getting stopped, it’s because some services are essential for Windows to run and they can’t be stopped.
And keep in mind, that default service settings are configured to keep key services running optimally. So changing them may prevent correct operation. Be cautious when changing the Startup type service settings that are configured to start automatically.
How to Manage Services Using the Task Manager
You can also manage Windows services using Task Manager. Here’s how:
Press Win + X keys to open the quick access menu. Click on Task Manager to open it. Alternatively, just search for Task Manager and hit Enter. Click the Services tab. Right-click the service name, and select one of the options: Stop, Start, or Restart.
To restart a stopped service ensure the service’s status is running—only then will you be able to restart it.
Though the Task Manager only displays the service name, and not the display name, you can know more about the service by reading its description written next to the name. For example, in the name section, you will see Audiosrv but the description will read Windows Audio.
You Can Manage Windows Services When You Need To
Windows services are programmed to run efficiently and they should start, stop, and restart automatically, if they need to, without you having to manage them.
However, you may want to delay the start up of a service. And some services could give trouble now and then, or even fail to start. In those times, you could use the Service Control Manager or the Task Manager to get services operating normally again.
