ServiceInstall

ServiceInstall is a command in the NSIS scripting language used to install and register a Windows service as part of a software installer. When invoked, it creates a Windows service entry in the Service Control Manager and associates it with the startup executable supplied by the installer. The command is intended for software that needs a background process to run continuously, such as daemons or background workers, and is commonly used in conjunction with a corresponding ServiceUninstall directive to remove the service during uninstallation.

The directive configures properties that determine how the service is run and managed. Typical settings include the service's internal name, a display name shown in user interfaces, the path to the service executable, and the startup type (automatic, manual, or disabled). It can also specify dependencies on other services, the account under which the service runs, and an optional description. On installation, NSIS will register the service with the system’s Service Control Manager. The installer usually requires administrator privileges to install services, and the installation may be followed by a start operation or handled automatically by the startup type.

During uninstall, the service is stopped if running and deleted from the Service Control Manager to clean up resources. Considerations include ensuring proper permissions, avoiding name conflicts, and respecting service dependencies. See also: ServiceUninstall, Windows service concepts, Services snap-in.