What is “Windows Services Manager” Tool, IIS, and More

When using a Windows operating system, one critical component that helps manage and control system processes is the Windows Services Manager.

This built-in tool is designed to start, stop, and configure Windows services, which are integral for various system functionalities.

Whether you’re using Windows 7, Windows 10, or the recently released Windows 11, this guide provides a detailed overview of the Windows Services Manager, including insights on the Internet Information Services (IIS).

Windows Services Manager

What is Windows Services Manager?

Windows Services Manager is a tool within the Microsoft Management Console (MMC). It allows users to manage services, which are applications that run in the background and provide specific functionalities to other software.

Services are essential for various tasks, like sharing network resources, logging onto Windows, or allowing the system to detect hardware changes.

How to Access Windows Services Manager

You can access the Windows Services Manager regardless of your Windows version. Here are the steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. The Services window will open, displaying a list of all available services on your system.

Configuring Services

Within the Services window, you can start, stop, or configure services as follows:

  1. Starting and Stopping Services: Right-click on a service and select ‘Start’ or ‘Stop’. Be aware that starting or stopping certain services can affect system performance or stability.
  2. Configuring Startup Type: Right-click on a service, select ‘Properties’, then set the ‘Startup type’. You can choose from:
    • Automatic: The service starts when the system boots.
    • Manual: The service only starts when manually initiated.
    • Disabled: The service won’t start.

Remember to apply caution when modifying services. Some services are critical for the functioning of your system.

Internet Information Services (IIS)

Internet Information Services (IIS) is an extensible web server software created by Microsoft for use with Windows. It supports HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, FTPS, SMTP, and NNTP. If you’re running a Windows Server or need to host a website on your computer, you’ll likely interact with IIS.

Accessing IIS requires launching the IIS Manager:

  1. Open Control Panel, then select ‘Administrative Tools’.
  2. Locate ‘Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager’ and double-click to open it.

If you can’t find it, you may need to install it via ‘Turn Windows features on or off’ in the Programs and Features section of the Control Panel.

Conclusion

Understanding and using the Windows Services Manager effectively is essential for maintaining system performance and stability.

While it offers advanced options for managing your system, it’s crucial to use this tool carefully to avoid unwanted consequences.

Internet Information Services (IIS), another critical service in the Windows ecosystem, allows users to manage and host web services efficiently.