Use sc query to list or check service status, including filtering by state with proper spacing after =; 2. Start or stop services with sc start or sc stop, checking dependencies via sc qc if needed; 3. Configure service settings like startup type with sc config, setting start= auto, demand, or disabled, and modify account or path cautiously; 4. View detailed configuration using sc qc to troubleshoot service properties and dependencies; 5. Create services with sc create by specifying binPath and other parameters, and delete them with sc delete after stopping the service; 6. Send control codes with sc control for advanced service-specific operations, always running Command Prompt as Administrator and testing changes safely—sc enables full command-line service management for scripting and remote administration.

The sc command in Windows is a powerful command-line tool for managing services—useful for administrators and power users who need to configure, start, stop, or query services without using the graphical Services app (services.msc). Here's how to use it effectively.

1. Querying Services with sc query

To get information about a specific service or list all services:

sc query

This lists all services and their current status (RUNNING, STOPPED, etc.).

To check a specific service (e.g., Print Spooler):

sc query spooler

You can also filter by state:

sc query type= service state= active
sc query state= inactive

Note: There must be a space after the = in these commands.

2. Starting and Stopping Services

To start a service:

sc start spooler

To stop a service:

sc stop spooler

?? Some services have dependencies. If a service fails to start, check its dependencies using sc qc spooler.

3. Configuring a Service with sc config

You can change a service’s startup type or other parameters.

Set a service to automatic startup:

sc config spooler start= auto

Set to manual:

sc config spooler start= demand

Set to disabled:

sc config spooler start= disabled

Other config options include:

• binpath= to change the executable path
• obj= to change the account the service runs under (e.g., LocalSystem, NT Authority\NetworkService)
• DisplayName= to rename the display name

Example:

sc config spooler obj= "LocalSystem" password= ""

? Be cautious with obj and password—misconfiguration can break services.

4. Getting Detailed Service Configuration (sc qc)

To view a service’s configuration (path, startup type, account, etc.):

sc qc spooler

This shows:

• SERVICE_NAME
• TYPE
• START_TYPE (e.g., AUTO_START, DEMAND_START)
• ERROR_CONTROL
• BINARY_PATH_NAME
• LOAD_ORDER_GROUP
• TAG
• DISPLAY_NAME
• DEPENDENCIES
• SERVICE_START_NAME (account it runs under)

Useful for troubleshooting startup issues.

5. Creating and Deleting Services

Create a new service:

sc create MyService binPath= "C:\path\to\program.exe" DisplayName= "My Custom Service" start= auto

Ensure the binary path is correct and the executable supports running as a service.

Delete a service (removes it from the database):

sc delete MyService

?? The service must be stopped before deletion. Also, sc delete does not remove the executable file.

6. Sending Control Commands (sc control)

Some services accept custom control codes. For example, to force the Event Log service to reload:

sc control eventlog 1

(Where 1 is a control code—this is advanced and service-specific.)

Tips and Notes

• Run Command Prompt as Administrator when modifying or controlling services.
• Use double quotes around paths or names with spaces.
• Always test changes in a safe environment.
• Common service names: winrm, wuauserv (Windows Update), dhcp, dns, RemoteRegistry, etc.

Basically, sc gives you full control over Windows services from the command line—ideal for scripting, remote management, or troubleshooting when GUI tools aren’t available.

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