This tutorial will show you how to delete a service in Windows 11.
Services are an application type that runs in the system background without a user interface. Services provide core operating system features (such as printing, networking, remote access, File Explorer, Windows Search, updates, etc.) and apps to operate as intended.
Sometimes you may need to delete a service. For example, when installed software doesn't uninstall properly, and leaves its service in the Services list.
You must be signed in as an administrator to delete a service.
1 Open the Services console (services.msc).
2 Double click/tap on the service (ex: "Example Service") you want to delete to open its properties. (see screenshot below)
3 Make note of the Service name (ex: "Example") for this service. (see screenshot below)
4 Open Windows Terminal (Admin), and select Command Prompt.
5 Type the command below into the elevated command prompt, and press Enter. (see screenshot below)
For more sc delete command usage details, see: sc delete | Microsoft Docs
sc delete "Service Name"Substitute Service Name in the command above with the actual service name (ex: "Example") from step 3 above.
For example: sc delete "Example"
6 You can now close Services and Windows Terminal (Admin) if you like.
1 Open the Services console (services.msc).
2 Double click/tap on the service (ex: "Example Service") you want to delete to open its properties. (see screenshot below)
3 Make note of the Service name (ex: "Example") for this service. (see screenshot below)
4 Open Registry Editor (regedit.exe).
5 Navigate to the registry key below in the left pane of Registry Editor. (see screenshot below step 6)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
6 Under the Services key in the left pane of Registry Editor, right click or press and hold on the service name (ex: "Example") from step 3, and click/tap on Delete. (see screenshot below)
7 Click/tap on Yes to confirm. (see screenshot below)
8 Close Services and Registry Editor.
9 Restart the computer to apply.
That's it,
Shawn Brink
Last edited:
