ARCHIVED: How do I disable the Windows Messenger service?

The Windows Messenger service allows users to send messages one way between Windows NT, 2000, and XP computers. Administrators often use this to notify users if their servers are going down or sometimes when print jobs are finished. If the computer you are using belongs to an organization where you work, volunteer, or go to school, you should check with the computer support staff there before disabling this service.

Note: Windows Messenger is not the same thing as the MSN Messenger instant messaging client.

To disable Windows Messenger, follow the appropriate instructions below:

Windows 2000 or XP

1. Click Start and select Run....
2. In the "Open:" field, type services.msc. Click OK.
3. In the list that appears, find Messenger and right-click it. From the menu that appears, select Properties.
4. Under "Service Status", click Stop (if possible). If this isn't possible, the service is already stopped.
5. From the drop-down menu next to "Startup Type", select Disabled.
6. Click OK. This will turn the service off, and also keep it from starting after you restart the computer.

Windows NT

1. Click Start and select Settings, and then Control Panel.
2. Double-click Services. In the list that appears, find Messenger.
3. Double-click Messenger. Change "Startup Type" to Disabled.
4. Click OK and, while Messenger is still selected, click Stop to turn off the service.