How to Disable Windows Messenger Service

This page describes the steps necessary to turn off the Windows Messenger Service that is built into Windows versions XP, 2000, and NT. It does not address problems associated with Instant Messaging services.

It has come to our attention that at least one third party has been directing users to this page via pop-ups. We do not condone this practice, and we are not the source of any pop-up that provides a link to this page.

The following directions are provided as a public service. ITC has no affiliation with any entity outside the University of Virginia that points to this page, including ISPs and vendors.

How Windows Messenger functions on your computer

In their initial state, Microsoft Windows operating systems (98, ME, XP, 2000, NT) allow anyone on the Internet to actuate pop-up messages on your screen. Here is an example of a pop-up generated using Windows Messenger:

Pop-up generated by Windows Messenger Service

The sender need not know anything specific about your computer in order to generate the message, and Windows Messenger makes no attempt to evaluate the validity of the sender or the message. Malevolent individuals can generate pop-ups that try to fool you into taking actions contrary to your best interest; and spammers use Windows Messenger as a method for distributing their advertisements.

So far, it appears that Windows Messenger pop-ups all have "Messenger Service" in the window title (see illustration). If you receive any such message that instructs you to take actions that may divulge sensitive information, change your password, visit a web site, or take other potentially hazardous actions, you should consult with a computing support staff person before proceeding. You should also check before choosing to disable Windows Messenger - or any other Windows service - to make certain you don't inadvertently turn off a service that your department uses.

Disabling the Messenger Service

To prevent anyone on the Internet from generating pop-up messages on your computer, you can disable the Messenger service. You can restart the service easily at a later time if you decide to use it.

Windows XP Professional

  1. Click Start-> Settings -> Control Panel
  2. Click Administrative Tools
  3. Click Services
  4. Double-click Services
  5. Scroll down and highlight Messenger
  6. Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties
  7. Click the STOP button
  8. Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar
  9. Click OK

Windows XP Home

  1. Click Start-> Settings -> Control Panel
  2. Click Performance and Maintenance
  3. Click Administrative Tools
  4. Double-click Services
  5. Scroll down and highlight Messenger
  6. Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties
  7. Click the STOP button
  8. Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar
  9. Click OK

Windows 2000

  1. Click Start-> Settings-> Control Panel-> Administrative Tools-> Services
  2. Scroll down and highlight Messenger
  3. Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties
  4. Click the STOP button
  5. Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar
  6. Click OK

Windows NT

  1. Click Start-> Control Panel
  2. Double-click Administrative Tools
  3. Select Services-> Double-click on Messenger
  4. In the Messenger Properties window, select Stop
  5. Choose Disable as the Startup Type
  6. Click OK

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