How to Start a Service in PowerShell: Simple Guide
Use the
Start-Service cmdlet in PowerShell to start a service by its name or display name. For example, Start-Service -Name 'wuauserv' starts the Windows Update service.Syntax
The basic syntax to start a service in PowerShell is:
Start-Service -Name <ServiceName>: Starts the service by its system name.Start-Service -DisplayName <DisplayName>: Starts the service by its display name.-PassThru: Returns the service object after starting it.-Verbose: Shows detailed information during execution.
powershell
Start-Service -Name <ServiceName> [-PassThru] [-Verbose]
Example
This example starts the Windows Update service by its service name wuauserv. It also uses -Verbose to show progress.
powershell
Start-Service -Name wuauserv -Verbose
Output
VERBOSE: Performing the operation "Start-Service" on target "wuauserv".
Common Pitfalls
Common mistakes when starting services in PowerShell include:
- Using the wrong service name instead of the display name or vice versa.
- Not running PowerShell as Administrator, which is required to start many services.
- Trying to start a service that is disabled or already running.
Always check the service status with Get-Service before starting it.
powershell
Get-Service -Name wuauserv Start-Service -Name wuauserv
Output
Status Name DisplayName
------ ---- -----------
Running wuauserv Windows Update
Quick Reference
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| -Name | Specify the system name of the service to start. |
| -DisplayName | Specify the display name of the service to start. |
| -PassThru | Returns the service object after starting it. |
| -Verbose | Shows detailed operation messages. |
Key Takeaways
Use Start-Service with the correct service name to start a service.
Run PowerShell as Administrator to have permission to start services.
Check service status first with Get-Service to avoid errors.
Use -Verbose to see detailed progress when starting a service.