Known Windows Services

print Known Windows Services

If you suspect there are unauthorised applications or services running on your computer you should be careful not to close down any of the following Windows services. Alternatively you could start your computer with minimal running services by clicking on Start and then Run and then typing msconfig. This will automatically launch your systems configuration utility and give you the option of diagnostic startup and/or configuration of your Services and Startup.

If you are using Windows 2000 or XP click on the Start Menu and then select Run and type services.msc and click OK. This will bring up a list of currently running services and applications on your computer.

Some of the common services which may be running and should not be disabled are listed below:

Alerter
The Alerter service notifies users of administrative alerts on a network.

Workstation
What other service require Alerter to function properly:

Application Management
Used for Assign, Publish and Remove software services.

Automatic Updates
Used to check up to see if there is any critical or otherwise updates available for download.

Background Intelligent Transfer Service
This service is used to transfer asynchronous data via http1.1 servers. According to Microsoft's site, Windows Update uses this feature to continue downloads if you log off or shutdown your system.

COM+ Event System
This service is required for System Event Notification.

Computer Browser
Computer Browser service maintains a listing of computers and resources located on the network. This service is not required on a standalone system.

DHCP Client
This service automatically receives a Dynamic IP address from your DHCP server and DNS updates. This is required for Internet Connection Sharing.

Distributed Transaction Coordinator
Automatically takes care of transactions that span multiple resources.

DNS Client
Resolves and caches DNS names and Active Directory domain controller functions.

Event Log
View Event Log messages from applications in Event Viewer.

Fast User Switching Compatibility
Allows the switching of users without closing all existing applications running under a different account.

Help and Support
This service is required for Microsoft's online (or offline) help documents.

IIS Admin
This service usually operates in conjunction with a local web site or FTP server as a webserver.

IMAPI CD-Burning COM Service
This service operates inbuilt Windows XP CD burn capability.

Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
Used to allow multiple computers on your network to access the internet via only one account.

Logical Disk Manager
This service is vital to run the Disk Management MMC console for dynamic volumes. If you attempt to "Manage" your hard drives and a dialog box pops up complaining about not being able to do this, start this service.

Messenger
This service provides the ability to send messages between clients and servers. This has nothing to do with MSN Messenger.

MS Software Shadow Copy Provider
Used in conjunction with the Volume Shadow Copy service, Microsoft Backup uses these services.

Network Connections
Required for managing network connectivity.

Plug and Play
This service is the heart and soul of the Plug and Play environment.

Print Spooler
Queues up print jobs for later printing. This service is required if you have printers, even if they are network printers.

Protected Storage
Allows for the saving of local passwords or even web sites information (AutoComplete).

QoS RSVP
Provides traffic control on a network using IPSEC and applications that support QoS, and have an adapter that supports it.

Remote Access Auto Connection Manager
Creates a connection to a network when a program requests a remote address.

Remote Access Connection Manager
Creates a network connection and is also required if you use Internet Connection Sharing.

Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
This service is vital as practically everything on your computer depends on this service to be running.

Removable Storage
Used for managing removable media.

Routing and Remote Access
Allows computers to dial in to the local computer through a modem (or other devices) to access the local network using a standard or VPN connection.

Secondary Logon
Enables starting processes under alternate credentials.

Security Accounts Manager
Like Protected Storage, it saves profile and security information for local users. This service is required for IIS Admin.

Server
Used for file and print sharing from your computer or Message Queuing.

Shell Hardware Detection
Used for the auto play of devices like memory cards, CD drives, etc.

Simple TCP/IP Services
This service supports some old school UNIX networking services.

Smart Card Helper
Supports the use of a Smart Card for local or network computer authentication.

SSDP Discovery Service
Used to locate UPnP devices on your home network. Used in conjunction with Universal Plug and Play Device Host, it detects and configures UPnP devices on your home network.

System Event Notification
Used in conjunction with COM+ Event System, this service notifies particular services when system events, such as logon and power events occur.

System Restore Service
This service creates system snap shots or restores a point for returning to later.

Task Scheduler
You use this service to schedule maintenance, Microsoft Backup sessions, or maybe even Auto Update.

Telephony
Controls telephony devices on the local computer. This service is generally required for dial-up modem connectivity.

Terminal Services
Allows remote login to the local computer. This service is required for Fast User Switching, Remote Desktop Server and Remote Assistance.

Universal Plug and Play Device Host
Used in conjunction with SSDP Discovery Service, it detects and configures UPnP devices on your home network.

Upload Manager
This service sends driver information to Microsoft to track availability of driver information. This service is not required for basic File and Print sharing.

Volume Shadow Copy
Used in conjunction with the MS Software Shadow Copy Provider service.

WebClient
This is assumed to be required for service provision for Microsoft's .Net Software.

Windows Audio
This service is required if you wish to hear any audio at all.

Windows Installer
This service is required for software applications that install using MSI files.

Windows Management Instrumentation
This service is required if you want to see the "Dependencies" tab in service configuration and you want everything to go smoothly.

Wireless Zero Configuration
Provides automatic configuration for wireless network devices and connection quality feedback.