---
title: "Run an application as a Windows Service"
slug: "run-an-application-as-a-windows-service"
abstract: "A Sitecore Host application can run as a Windows Service."
---
# Run an application as a Windows Service

A Windows Service is an executable application that the operating system runs in the background. It does not require a logged-in user session to run. In Windows, the Service Control Manager (SCM) manages all Windows service processes. The SCM is a special system process that starts and stops the services. 

You can configure a Sitecore Host application to run as a Windows Service by passing the `-s` or `--service` argument to the host application.

> [!note]
> Currently this feature is only compatible with Sitecore Host applications that target the full .NET framework. If not, the `-s` option is not available.

Running the above command from anywhere other than a Windows Service (for example, from the command line) results in the following error message:

*Cannot start service from the command line or a debugger. A Windows Service must first be installed (using installutil.exe) and then started with the ServerExplorer, Windows Services Administrative tool or the NET START command.*

## Install a Sitecore Host application as a Windows Service

Use the following  PowerShell command to install a new service:

```text
New-Service -Name "ExampleService" -DisplayName "Example Service" -Description "An Example Service" -StartupType Manual -BinaryPathName "Path-To-App.exe --service"

```

## Start the service

To start the service, use the following Powershell command:

```text
Start-Service -Name "ExampleService"

```

## Stop the service

To stop the service, use the following Powershell command:

```text
Stop-Service -Name "ExampleService"

```

## Uninstall the service

To uninstall the service, use the following Powershell command:

```text
sc.exe Delete "ExampleService"

```