How to Delete a Service in Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, or XP

This article explains how to delete a Windows service that you suspect may contain malware. Instructions apply to Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

Delete the Service You Suspect Contains Malware

The process of deleting a service that you suspect was used to infect your computer with malware is similar in all versions of Windows.

1. Open the Control Panel.

2. In Windows 10 or Windows 8, select System and Security > Administrative Tools > Services.

   Windows 7 and Vista users select Systems and Maintenance > Administrative Tools > Services.

   XP users select Performance and Maintenance > Administrative Tools > Services.

3. Locate the service you want to delete, right-click the service name, and choose Properties. The Properties dialog box for that service will open.

4. If the service is still running, select Stop. Highlight the service name, right-click, and select Copy. This copies the service name to the clipboard. Click OK to close the Properties dialog.

5. Open a command prompt as an administrator.

6. Type sc delete. Then, right-click and choose Paste to enter the service name. If the service name contains spaces, you need to place quotations marks around the name. Examples without and with a space in the name are:

   • sc delete SERVICENAME
   • sc delete "SERVICE NAME"

7. Press Enter to execute the command and delete the service. To exit the command prompt, type exit and press Enter.

Why Delete Windows Services?

Malware often installs itself as a Windows service in order to load when Windows starts. This allows the malware to run and control designated functions without requiring user interaction. Sometimes, antivirus software removes the malware but leaves the service settings behind. Whether you are cleaning up after an antivirus removal or attempting to remove the malware manually, knowing how to delete a service can help.