Summary: Windows Messenger service is almost never needed, and is exploited by spammers when it's running. Follow these steps to disable Windows Messenger service.
I keep getting these pop-up messages. They're very plain, just grey boxes with an OK button, but they are annoying. Someone told me it's from something called the "Messenger Service" and that I can turn it off. How?
First let's be clear, Windows Messenger Service is not related to the Messenger instant messaging programs - it's something else entirely. It's a "service", which is software that runs in the background, listening for incoming network messages, and popping up a very simple box containing the message when one arrives.
And it's very easy to turn off.
•
As you've seen, the Windows Messenger Service has been exploited by SPAMmers to pop-up unwanted advertising messages on unprotected machines on the internet. The average user has absolutely no need for the Windows Messenger Service and it can safely be turned off.
To turn off the Windows Messenger Service:
-
Click on Start
-
Click on Programs
-
Click on Accessories
-
Click on Administrative Tools
-
Click on Computer Management
-
In the Computer Management tool, expand Services & Applications in the left-hand pane by clicking on the plus sign in front of it.
-
Click on Services in the resulting list.
-
In the right hand pane, scroll down until you find the entry Messenger, and double click on it.
-
In the resulting properties box set the Startup Type to Disabled.
-
You can also click on Stop, to stop the service immediately.
-
Click OK, close the Computer Management window, and you're done.
Windows Messenger Service might be used in a corporate environment - for example when you send a document to a network printer. The messenger service handles the pop-up message that the printer sends back when it has finished.
But in the home, or even in a small office setting, there's simply no need.
Related:
Article C2696 - June 20, 2006
Instead, try right clicking on My Computer, and clicking on "Manage" on the resulting popup menu.
Posted by: Leo at June 23, 2006 11:10 PMThere is a very small program called "Shoot the Messenger". Google "Steve Gibson", and you can get it there. It disables Windows Messenger Service with one click and it's free.
Posted by: Robert M. at July 1, 2006 5:46 PMIt's here: http://www.grc.com/stm/shootthemessenger.htm - and yes, Steve Gibson's a good guy. If you feel more comfortable downloading a program to do this for you, this is an appropriate alternative.
Posted by: Hans at July 1, 2006 9:33 PMI need the messenger service to receive alerts from Performance Monitor counters I monitor. But sometimes I come in on a Monday morning with several hundred alerts stacked up from the weekend.
Short of rebooting, is there a way to clear the queue of all these messages? Stopping/restarting the service doesn't clear the queued messages.
Posted by: Frank S at September 25, 2006 8:12 AMi would like to delete my email address bring.it.on01@hotmail.com and keep my new messenger ,bringingiton01@hotmail.com.Could you please tell me how to do it,regards Suzette
Posted by: suzette carpenter at January 16, 2007 1:42 PMi would like to get rid of the windows messenger icon on my task bar. I opened windows messenger and now I regret it.How do I disable the whole thing.?
Posted by: barbara groves at March 25, 2007 3:02 PMTo disable Messenger Servie, you can also click:
Posted by: wltr at October 15, 2007 5:11 PMStart
Control Panel
Administrative Tools
Services
and then find Messenger click on it and click stop.
Hi Leo, I clicked on start, accessories but there is no Administative Tools' etc. I also tried right clicking on My Computer, and clicking on "Manage" but nothing happened. You said "click on manage on the resulting popup menu." which I did but nothing happens when I click on manage. How in the H--- do I get rid of Windows Messenger? Thanks
Posted by: jean gregory at February 24, 2008 11:20 AMClick 1-START 2-Control panel 3- performance and Maintenance 4- Administrative tools 5- Services 6- Find MESSENGER click on it on the right hand and chose STOP. You will be fine ;)
Posted by: Hicham at July 10, 2008 4:50 PMThe procedure outlined above does not work in Windows Vista because there is no Service with the word Messenger on Windows Vista.
Posted by: Obviously at February 23, 2009 4:12 AM