Instructions apply to Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

In Windows 10 or Windows 8, selectSystem and Security>Administrative Tools>Services.

Windows 7andVistausersselectSystems and Maintenance>Administrative Tools>Services.

A zoomed up shot of a the DELETE key on a computer keyboard

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XPusers selectPerformance and Maintenance>Administrative Tools>Services.

Locate the service you want to delete, right-smack the service name, and chooseProperties.

The Properties dialog box for that service will open.

Control Panel in Start menu search results

If the service is still running, selectStop.

Highlight the service name, right-click, and selectCopy.

This copies the service name to the clipboard.

Path to Services in Windows 10

ClickOKto terminate the Properties dialog.

Open acommand prompt as an administrator.

Typesc delete.Then, right-click and choosePasteto enter the service name.

The right-click menu in Services with Properties highlighted

If the service name contains spaces, you better place quotations marks around the name.

Examples without and with a space in the name are:

PressEnterto execute the command and delete the service.

To exit the command prompt, typeexitand pressEnter.

Service Properties dialog box

As of January 2020, Microsoft isno longer supporting Windows 7.

We recommendupgrading to Windows 10to continue receiving security updates and technical support.

Why Delete Windows Services?

Screenshot of Administrator Command Prompt

Malware often installs itself as a Windows service to load whenWindowsstarts.

This allows the malware to run and control designated functions without requiring user interaction.

Sometimes,antivirus softwareremoves the malware but leaves the service controls behind.

Screenshot of “sc delete servicename” in Command Prompt window