Windows Service Registration
What is a Windows Service?
A Windows Service is a type of program managed directly by the Windows operating system. The key difference:
| Regular WinWraper service | Windows Service | |
|---|---|---|
| Requires Windows login? | Yes | No |
| Runs after boot? | Only when WinWraper is open | Immediately at Windows startup |
| Managed by | WinWraper | Windows SCM |
| Permission required | Standard user | Administrator |
This is the ideal choice for services that need to run continuously on a server or workstation, even when no one is logged in.
How to register
- Right-click the service you want to register.
- Select Register as Windows Service.
- If prompted for Administrator permission, click Yes.
- WinWraper registers the service with the Windows Service Control Manager (SCM).
The Win Service column in the list will show Stopped once registration is successful.
⚠️Warning
Registering a Windows Service requires Administrator privileges. If WinWraper is running as a standard user, Windows will show a UAC elevation prompt.
Starting and stopping via SCM
After registration you can:
- Right-click → Start Service / Stop Service to control the service through Windows SCM.
- Or use Windows Services (
services.msc) to manage it like any other Windows Service.
Windows Service status values
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Running | Service is running through SCM |
| Stopped | Registered but currently stopped |
| Starting | SCM is starting it |
| Stopping | SCM is stopping it |
| Not Registered | Not yet registered with Windows SCM |
Unregistering
- Right-click → Unregister Windows Service.
- WinWraper stops the service automatically before unregistering.
ℹ️Note
After unregistering, the service remains in the WinWraper list and can still be started and stopped normally, it just no longer runs as a Windows Service.
License requirement
Windows Service Registration requires an Active license. In Trial mode the Register button is disabled.
When should you use a Windows Service?
✅ Use it when:
- The service must run immediately after boot without anyone logging in
- A server or workstation runs 24/7 unattended
- The service needs to start before any user logs in
❌ Not necessary when:
- The service is only used during working hours (development server, local tools)
- You need to easily debug and view logs in a terminal