Windows Services Definitions
Windows Services
Definitions , How many of the Windows services can be disabled?
Did you know having
unnecessary services running just adds an extra load to your
computer making it run slower, have a look through the services
list and see how many you actually need.
AdobeLM Service
Friendly Description
Adobes licensing management service used to ensure that you are
not using any pirated copies of their software, it does this by
examining your computer and making you re-register if this
changes, the service cannot be disabled as it starts again as
soon as you use an Adobe product.
Microsoft
Description
Executable Adobelmsvc.exe
Setting Automatic
Windows Services Definitions
Alerter
Friendly Description
Manages the distribution of alerts to users or computers, alerts
can also be monitored results
Microsoft Description
Notifies selected users and computers of administrative alerts.
If the service is stopped, programs that use administrative
alerts will not receive them. If this service is disabled, any
services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
Executable svchost.exe -k LocalService
Setting Manual can be disabled if alerts are not required
Windows Services Definitions
ALG Application
Layer gateway Service
Friendly Description
Provides support to internet connection firewall ICF & internet
connection sharing ICS
Microsoft Description
Provides support for 3rd party protocol plug-ins for Internet
Connection Sharing and the Windows Firewall.
Executable alg.exe
Setting Manual
Application
Management
Friendly Description
used when an application is modified using add/remove
Microsoft Description
Provides software installation services such as Assign, Publish,
and Remove.
Executable svchost.exe services.exe
Setting Manual
Windows Services Definitions
Automatic Updates
Friendly Description
enables cutting and pasting across network environments
Microsoft Description
Enables the download and installation of Windows updates. If
this service is disabled, this computer will not be able to use
the Automatic Updates feature or the Windows Update Web site.
Executable svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Setting Manual can be disabled if network copying and
pasting is not required
ClipBook
Friendly Description
Allows sharing, copying and pasting over networks
Microsoft Description
Enables ClipBook Viewer to store information and share it with
remote computers. If the service is stopped, ClipBook Viewer
will not be able to share information with remote computers. If
this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on
it will fail to start.
Executable svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Setting Manual, can be disabled
Windows Services Definitions
Computer Browser
Friendly Description
allows your computer to see other devices on a network
Microsoft Description
Maintains an updated list of computers on the network and
supplies this list to computers designated as browsers. If this
service is stopped, this list will not be updated or maintained.
If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend
on it will fail to start.
Executable svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Setting Automatic if not on a network can be disabled
Windows Services Definitions
Cryptographic
Services:
Friendly Description
when installing hardware notifies you that the install driver is
not digitally signed
Microsoft Description
Provides three management services: Catalog Database Service,
which confirms the signatures of Windows files; Protected Root
Service, which adds and removes Trusted Root Certification
Authority certificates from this computer; and Key Service,
which helps enroll this computer for certificates. If this
service is stopped, these management services will not function
properly. If this service is disabled, any services that
explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
Executable vchost.exe -k netsvcs
Setting Automatic , set to disable, but if you get lots
of messages re-enable
Distributed
Transaction Service
Friendly Description
maintaines links between files over network
Microsoft Description
coordinates transactions that span multiple resource managers,
such as databases, message queues, and file systems. If this
service is stopped, these transactions will not occur. If this
service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it
will fail to start.
Executable msdtc.exe
Setting Manual can be disabled if not using NTFS
Windows Services Definitions
DNS Client
Friendly Description
caches Domain Name System information used on local computer
Microsoft Description
Resolves and caches Domain Name System (DNS) names for this
computer. If this service is stopped, this computer will not be
able to resolve DNS names and locate Active Directory domain
controllers. If this service is disabled, any services that
explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
Executable svchost.exe -k NetworkService
Setting Automatic
Windows Services Definitions
Error Reporting
Service
Friendly Description
gives the option to report errors to Microsoft
Microsoft Description
Allows error reporting for services and applictions running in
non-standard environments.
Executable svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Setting Automatic , disable unless you really wish to
send error messages to Bill
Windows Services Definitions
Fast User
Switching Compatibility
Friendly Description
allow multiple users to be logged in at the same time
Microsoft Description
Provides management for applications that require assistance in
a multiple user environment.
Executable svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Setting Automatic , Disable unless you really need fast
user switching
Windows Services Definitions
Windows Services Definitions
Help and Support
Friendly Description
If you need help or support Windows connects online to get this
Microsoft Description
Enables Help and Support Center to run on this computer. If this
service is stopped, Help and Support Center will be unavailable.
If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend
on it will fail to start.
Executable svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Setting Manual, Can be disabled
HTTP SSL
Friendly Description
Offer secure browsing on any HTTPS websites such as banking etc
Microsoft Description
This service implements the secure hypertext transfer protocol
(HTTPS) for the HTTP service, using the Secure Socket Layer (SSL).
If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend
on it will fail to start.
Executable svchost.exe -k HTTPFilter
Setting Automatic, can be set to manual so should launch
if needed
Human Interface
Device Access
Friendly Description
Many devices use HID such as mice or keyboards with extra keys
or buttons, which means most that come with new computers
Microsoft Description
Devices (HID), which activates and maintains the use of
predefined hot buttons on keyboards, remote controls, and other
multimedia devices. If this service is stopped, hot buttons
controlled by this service will no longer function. If this
service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it
will fail to start.
Executable svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Setting Automatic, can be set to manual if your sure you
have no HID compliant devices
IMAPI CD-Burning
COM Service
Friendly Description
In a nutshell offers Windows the ability to burn cd's gotta have
a cd/dvd writer installed of course
Microsoft Description
Manages CD recording using Image Mastering Applications
Programming Interface (IMAPI). If this service is stopped, this
computer will be unable to record CDs. If this service is
disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to
start.
Executable imapi.exe
Setting Automatic, can be disabled if you don't burn or
copy to CD type media
Indexing Service
Friendly Description
Indexes your hard drive to apparently enable files to be found
faster, although I've only ever noticed it slowing computers
down
Microsoft Description
Indexes contents and properties of files on local and remote
computers; provides rapid access to files through flexible
querying language.
Executable cisvc.exe
Setting Automatic, can be disabled make sure you remove
the application which is in Add/Remove programs, Add/Remove
Windows Components
IPSEC Services
Friendly Description
Allows for host authentication when transferring data
Microsoft Description
Manages IP security policy and starts the ISAKMP/Oakley (IKE)
and the IP security driver.
Executable lsass.exe
Setting Automatic
Windows Services Definitions
MS Software Shadow
Copy Provider
Friendly Description
enables smart and consistent backups of open files and
applications
Microsoft Description
Manages software-based volume shadow copies taken by the Volume
Shadow Copy service. If this service is stopped, software-based
volume shadow copies cannot be managed. If this service is
disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to
start.
Executable dllhost.exe /Processid:{6078B764-4231-43AA-A6F5-D87BA0139472}
Setting Manual, can be disabled if system is not backed
up using MS software
Windows Services Definitions
Messenger
Friendly Description
Allows pop-up messages to be received, very annoying as a big
issue with advertising pop-ups
Microsoft Description
Transmits net send and Alerter service messages between clients
and servers. This service is not related to Windows Messenger.
If this service is stopped, Alerter messages will not be
transmitted. If this service is disabled, any services that
explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
Executable svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Setting Disable, keep this disabled unless you love
advertising pop-ups
Windows Services Definitions
Net Logon
Friendly Description
Gives authentication when logging onto network domains
Microsoft Description
Supports pass-through authentication of account logon events for
computers in a domain.
Executable lsass.exe
Setting Automatic, can be disabled if not logging onto a
domain
Net Meeting Remote Desktop Sharing
Friendly Description
Allows other users with netmeeting to gain access to your
computer
Microsoft Description
Enables an authorized user to access this computer remotely by
using NetMeeting over a corporate intranet. If this service is
stopped, remote desktop sharing will be unavailable. If this
service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it
will fail to start.
Executable mnmsrvc.exe
Setting Manual, can be disabled if you don't use
Netmeeting, does anyone?
Windows Services Definitions
Network
Provisioning Service
Friendly Description
provides API provisioning for Domain functions
Microsoft Description
Manages XML configuration files on a domain basis for automatic
network provisioning.
Executable svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Setting Manual, if you don't login to a domain, can be
disabled
NT LM Security
Support Provider
Friendly Description
Allows users to login to a network using NTLM
Microsoft Description
Provides security to remote procedure call (RPC) programs that
use transports other than named pipes.
Executable lsass.exe
Setting Manual should be able to disable if your not
using pre-windows 2000
Office Source
Engine
Friendly Description
Allows Microsoft office to install on demand components
Microsoft Description
Saves installation files used for updates and repairs and is
required for the downloading of Setup updates and Watson error
reports.
Executable OSE.EXE
Setting Manual
Portable Media
Serial Number Service
Friendly Description
aimed at preventing piracy by giving the file author access to
restrict file usage based on the retreived serial number of a
media device
Microsoft Description
Retrieves the serial number of any portable media player
connected to this computer. If this service is stopped,
protected content might not be down loaded to the device.
Executable svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Setting Manual
Windows Services Definitions
Print Spooler
Friendly Description
Allows files to be quickly cached and printed in the background,
allowing you to carry on working while this is happening
Microsoft Description
Loads files to memory for later printing.
Executable spoolsv.exe
Setting Automatic, Can be disabled if you never print
Protected Storage
Friendly Description
Provides protection for passwords, and auto complete data
Microsoft Description
Provides protected storage for sensitive data, such as private
keys, to prevent access by unauthorized services, processes, or
users.
Executable lsass.exe
Setting Automatic
Remote Desktop
Help Session Manager
Friendly Description
Allows other users to connect and control your pc
Microsoft Description
Manages and controls Remote Assistance. If this service is
stopped, Remote Assistance will be unavailable. Before stopping
this service, see the Dependencies tab of the Properties dialog
box.
Executable sessmgr.exe
Setting Manual, set to disable and enable if needed
Windows Services Definitions
Remote Procedure
Call Locator
Friendly Description
Manages and checks the presence of an RPC service
Microsoft Description
Manages the RPC name service database.
Executable locator.exe
Setting Manual, can be disabled if unused
Remote Registry
Friendly Description
Allows remote users to modify registry settings on this computer
Microsoft Description
Enables remote users to modify registry settings on this
computer. If this service is stopped, the registry can be
modified only by users on this computer. If this service is
disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to
start.
Executable svchost.exe -k LocalService
Setting Automatic, unless it's used disable as remote
registry access could be a security risk
Removable Storage
Friendly Description
Provides support for removable devices such as dat drives, zip
drives and older type CD drives
Microsoft Description
Executable svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Setting Manual
Windows Services Definitions
Routing and Remote
Access
Friendly Description
Allows computer dial in access
Microsoft Description
Offers routing services to businesses in local area and wide
area network environments.
Executable svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Setting Manual, Set to Disable
Secondary Logon
Friendly Description
Allows users to run applications using another account as
opposed to the account used to login to the system, but usign
the RunAs setting, only works from applications, not files or
shortcuts
Microsoft Description
Enables starting processes under alternate credentials. If this
service is stopped, this type of logon access will be
unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that
explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
Executable svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Setting Automatic, can be disabled if you never use RunAs
Windows Services Definitions
Security Accounts Manager
Friendly Description
Security Accounts Manager or SAM stores all user system user
information
Microsoft Description
Stores security information for local user accounts.
Executable lsass.exe
Setting Automatic
Security Center
Friendly Description
security centre provides a single location for security settings
which includes monitoring, protecting and updating
Microsoft Description
Monitors system security settings and configurations.
Executable svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Setting Automatic
Server
Friendly Description
provides basic print and file server services.
Microsoft Description
Supports file, print, and named-pipe sharing over the network
for this computer. If this service is stopped, these functions
will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services
that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
Executable svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Setting Automatic can be disabled if you are not on a LAN
Windows Services Definitions
Smart Card
Friendly Description
Enables recognition and compatability of smart cards
Microsoft Description
Manages access to smart cards read by this computer. If this
service is stopped, this computer will be unable to read smart
cards. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly
depend on it will fail to start.
Executable SCardSvr.exe
Setting Manual, can be disabled if not using any smart
cards
SSDP Discovery
Service
Friendly Description
as per Microsoft Description
Microsoft Description
Enables discovery of UPnP devices on your home network.
Executable svchost.exe -k LocalService
Setting Manual, Can be disabled if you have no UPnP
devices on your network
Task Scheduler
Friendly Description
create tasks from creating backups to pc reboots very useful
Microsoft Description
Enables a user to configure and schedule automated tasks on this
computer. If this service is stopped, these tasks will not be
run at their scheduled times. If this service is disabled, any
services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
Executable svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Setting Automatic, but set to disable if not used
TCP/IP NetBIOS
Helper
Friendly Description
This service provides legacy support for NetBios over TCP/IP
Microsoft Description
Enables support for NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT) service and
NetBIOS name resolution.
Executable svchost.exe -k LocalService
Setting Automatic, but disable if you network does not
use NetBIOS and, or WINS
Windows Services Definitions
Telnet
Friendly Description
An older type connection medium still widely used for networking
and unix administration
Microsoft Description
Enables a remote user to log on to this computer and run
programs, and supports various TCP/IP Telnet clients, including
UNIX-based and Windows-based computers. If this service is
stopped, remote user access to programs might be unavailable. If
this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on
it will fail to start.
Executable tlntsvr.exe
Setting Disable, unless you have a need to use Telnet
Disable, if you do set to Manual
Terminal Services
Friendly Description
Alllows remote users to administrator and take complete remote
control of a pc
Microsoft Description
Allows multiple users to be connected interactively to a machine
as well as the display of desktops and applications to remote
computers. The underpinning of Remote Desktop (including RD for
Administrators), Fast User Switching, Remote Assistance, and
Terminal Server.
Executable svchost -k DComLaunch
Setting Manual, Disable if you don't require
Uninterrupted
Power Supply
Friendly Description
A UPS Allows a pc to keep running if mains power is removed,
this service monitors the power
Microsoft Description
Manages an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) connected to the
computer.
Executable ups.exe
Setting Manual , Disable if you have a laptop or do not
have a UPS
Windows Services Definitions
Universal Plug and
Play Device Host
Friendly Description
UPnP enables a pc to be a control point to discover and control
the devices through a Web or program interface.
Microsoft Description
Provides support to host Universal Plug and Play devices.
Executable svchost.exe -k LocalService
Setting Manual, can be disabled if no UPnP compatible
devices are being used
Volume Shadow Copy
Friendly Description
Helps to create consistant point in time backups of files,
Microsoft Description
Manages and implements Volume Shadow Copies used for backup and
other purposes. If this service is stopped, shadow copies will
be unavailable for backup and the backup may fail. If this
service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it
will fail to start.
Executable vssvc.exe
Setting Manual
Windows Firewall Internet Connection Sharing or ICS
Friendly Description
serves multiple functions firewall protects your computer, very
urgent, plus allows ICS or internet connection sharing
Microsoft Description
Provides network address translation, addressing, name
resolution and/or intrusion prevention services for a home or
small office network.
Executable svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Setting Automatic
Windows Image Acquisition WIA
Friendly Description
Provides generic control of webcams, scanner, cameras
Microsoft Description
Provides image acquisition services for scanners and cameras.
Executable svchost.exe -k imgsvc
Setting Manual
Windows Time
Friendly Description
Provides accurate time when connecting to time servers
Microsoft Description
Maintains date and time synchronization on all clients and
servers in the network. If this service is stopped, date and
time synchronization will be unavailable. If this service is
disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to
start.
Executable svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Setting Automatic, Can be disabled if you prefer to
update time manually
Wireless Zero Configuration
Friendly Description
Automatic configration of 802.11 wireless network adapters
Microsoft Description
Provides automatic configuration for the 802.11 adapters
Executable svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Setting Automatic, can be disabled if not using wifi
WMI Performance
Adapters
Friendly Description
Provides network performance
Microsoft Description
Provides performance library information from WMI HiPerf
providers.
Executable wmiapsrv.exe
Setting Manual, can disable if not on network
Workstation
Friendly Description
provides stability to network connections, stopping service will
cause network connections to fail
Microsoft Description
Creates and maintains client network connections to remote
servers. If this service is stopped, these connections will be
unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that
explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
Executable svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Setting Automatic
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