Topshelf Command-Line Reference

Once a service has been created using Topshelf, an extensive command-line vocabulary is available which can be used to install, uninstall, start, and configure the service.

The command-line help can be displayed at any time by entering myService.exe help on the command-line.

Help Text

The help text from the command line is shown below for easy reference.

service.exe [verb] [-option:value] [-switch]

run Runs the service from the command line (default)

help or –help Displays help

install Installs the service

-username The username to run the service
-password The password for the specified username
-instance An instance name if registering the service multiple times
--autostart The service should start automatically (default)
--disabled The service should be set to disabled
--manual The service should be started manually
--delayed The service should start automatically (delayed)
--localsystem Run the service with the local system account
--localservice Run the service with the local service account
--networkservice
 Run the service with the network service permission
--interactive The service will prompt the user at installation for the service credentials
--sudo Prompts for UAC if running on Vista/W7/2008
-servicename The name that the service should use when installing
-description The service description the service should use when installing. Eg: -description: MyService Eg: -description “My Service”
-displayname The display name the the service should use when installing Eg: -displayname: MyService Eg: -displayname “My Service”

start Starts the service if it is not already running

-instance The instance to start

stop Stops the service if it is running

-instance The instance to stop

uninstall Uninstalls the service

-instance An instance name if registering the service multiple times
--sudo Prompts for UAC if running on Vista/W7/2008

Examples

Basic Service Installation

MyService.exe install -username:DOMAIN\ServiceAccount -password:itsASecret -servicename:AwesomeService –autostart

Service Installation with Quoted Arguments

MyService.exe install -username “DOMAIN\Service Account” -password “Its A Secret” -servicename “Awesome Service” –autostart