NSSM
NSSM: A free, service-focused choice for running Windows applications reliably. Ranked #15 of 30 in Startup Manager Software by our editors (7.3/10); pricing: Free; best for command-line service startup automation.
At a glance
- Editor score7.3 / 10
- PricingFree
- Best forCommand-line service startup automation
- Paid fromFree
- Startup delayNo
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free software with graphical and command-line service installation
- Monitors applications and restarts them after failure
- Supports dependencies, accounts, logging, and graceful shutdowns
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only platform support
- Focused on services rather than general startup items
- Requires configuration for service behavior and application handling
Our verdict on NSSM
NSSM, or the Non-Sucking Service Manager, runs applications as Windows services. It is aimed at Windows administrators and developers who need to run console applications or scripts as services, whether they prefer a graphical interface or the command line. The software is free, distributed as 32-bit and 64-bit binaries, and provides controls for installation, removal, monitoring, failure recovery, and service behavior.
Its strongest area is service operation and recovery. NSSM can monitor running applications, restart them after failure, apply restart delays and throttling, and configure dependencies, service accounts, logon permissions, process priority, and CPU affinity. It can also redirect standard input, output, and error streams, rotate service output files, and log progress to the Windows system Event Log. Graceful shutdown methods and timeouts add control when applications need more than an immediate process stop.
NSSM is a practical fit when the requirement is to turn a Windows application, console program, or script into a managed service without paying for a service manager. It is less appropriate for someone seeking a conventional startup-item manager, since its focus is Windows service control rather than general startup entries. Choose it for command-line service automation, monitoring, and restart handling on Windows; choose another category of tool when broader startup management is the main need.
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NSSM pricing
NSSM fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Startup delay | No |
| Service control | Yes |
| Startup inspection | Not verified |
| Windows support | Other |
| Portable edition | Not verified |
| Startup item limit | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | Docs |
| Pricing | Free |
| Website | nssm.cc |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to NSSM
- AutorunsA free, detailed Windows tool for auditing and controlling startup activity.9.4
- Autorun OrganizerA broad, free Windows utility for controlling startup entries, delays, services, and scheduled tasks.9.2
- HiBit Startup ManagerA free Windows utility combining startup control, monitoring, delays, and system management.9.0
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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