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Change a Windows Service's Startup Type (Enable/Disable)

Use Set-Service to make a service start at boot, start on demand, or never start at all.

WindowssystemservicespowershellLow risk
Run `Set-Service -Name spooler -StartupType Disabled` (or Manual / Automatic) in an elevated PowerShell to change whether the service starts at boot.

01Command

Command
$ Set-Service -Name spooler -StartupType Disabled    ::  also valid: Manual, Automatic, AutomaticDelayedStart

02What it does

Every Windows service has a startup type: Automatic starts at boot, Manual only when something requests it, and Disabled never. Set-Service -StartupType rewrites that setting persistently, so it survives reboots — unlike stopping the service, which affects only the current session. Combine with Start-Service or Stop-Service to change the running state too.

03Risk

RiskLow risk
RequirementsRequires an elevated (Administrator) PowerShell prompt.
!Warning: Disabling the Print Spooler, Windows Update or antivirus services can break features system-wide; note the original value (Get-Service shows it) so you can restore it.

04Undo

Undo
$ Set-Service -Name spooler -StartupType Automatic

05Sources

  • Set-Service
    Microsoft Learn · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Documents the -StartupType parameter with values Automatic, Manual, Disabled (and AutomaticDelayedStart) for controlling when a service starts.
  • Set-Service — Configure a Windows service
    SS64 · technical · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Syntax shows Set-Service -Name <string> -StartupType {Automatic | Manual | Disabled} for changing a service's start mode.

Last verified: 2026-09-19 · Category: System & Settings

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