What Is Windows Installer Service and How to Enable/Disable It
Windows Installer Service is one of the most essential components of the Windows operating system. It is the one that is responsible for handling theinstallation, removal, and maintenance of your software applications. And this is just the beginning – the Windows Installer Service has other functions. In this guide, you’ll discover everything about it, from its benefits to how to disable it on your PC.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Windows Installer Service
Tip:Are you into gaming? Here are21 ways to enhance your gaming experience on a PC.
Enable/Disable Windows Installer Service on Windows 10/11
By default, the Windows Installer Service is enabled on allWindows versions. However, if you want to disable it on your computer, there are multiple ways to do it.
Method 1: Windows Services
One of the easiest methods to enable or disable the Windows Installer Service is by using the Services console. Here’s a quick guide:
1.Launch theRundialog (Windows Key + R) and enter“services.msc”and then hitOK.
Alternatively, you can also search for Services usingWindows Search.
2.After opening the Services window, scroll down until you locate theWindows Insider Service. Once you’ve found it,double-clickto access its Properties.
3.Now inside the General tab, click on the drop-down menu next to theStartup typeand switch fromManualtoAutomatic.
4.Once that part is done, move to the Service status section and hit theStopbutton.
5.Now all you need to do is clickApplyand then theOKbutton to save the changes.
That’s it. You have successfully disabled the Windows Installer Services on your PC. Toenable it back, you can follow the above procedure and hit theStartbutton.
Tip:Learn how tofind your Windows 10/11 product key.
Method 2: Registry Editor
1.Open theRunprogram and enter“regedit”to launch Registry Editor and then hit theEnterkey.
Alternatively, you can also search for Registry Editor usingWindows Search.
2.Hit theYesbutton if theUAC(User Account Control) prompt appears.
3.After opening the Registry Editor, head over to theAddress barand enter the followingpathto directly jump to the Windows Installer settings.
4.Towards the right, you’ll find theStartregistry file. Simplydouble-clickit to access its properties.
5.After that, enter the followingValue databased on your preference:
6.Once done, hit theOKbutton. That’s all there is to it.
Method 3: Group Policy
Another great way to enable or disable Windows Installer Service on your Windows 10 or 11 is via Group Policy. Fair warning, this method will only work on Windows Pro or Enterprise Edition.
1.Open theWindows Searchand look forGroup Policyand then openEdit group policy.
2.Next, navigate to the followingpathand double-click on theTurn off Windows Installeroption.
3.Now select theEnabledoption and after that, click thedrop-downmenu and selectAlways.
4.Finally, hit theApplyand then theOKbutton to save changes.
Disadvantages of Disabling Windows Installer Service
Before you disable Windows Installer Service on your computer, here are a few things to consider:
1. Why should I disable Windows Installer Service?
If you’re worried about unauthorized software installation on your personal or organizational computer, you can disable the Windows Installer Service to protect it. This will also reduce the risk of malware infecting your PC.
Unveiling the Windows Installer Service
The Windows Installer Service is an incredible feature that performs numerous tasks in the background, exceeding your imagination. We hope the above guide gave you some clarity on this topic and helped you make a wise decision regarding when to enable or disable the Windows Installer Service on your computer.
Rahul is your go-to guide for fixing Windows, Steam, Android, Samsung TV, and Google Chrome. An engineering college dropout who followed his passion for tech, he brings 3 years of troubleshooting experience and 2+ years of running his own tech blog to the table. When he’s not solving your tech problems, you’ll find him unwinding with the latest anime or K-drama.
