Tech Bulletin 157: Extending the ServicesPipeTimeout (automatic services start on bootup timeout)

Tech Bulletin 157: Extending the ServicesPipeTimeout (automatic services start on bootup timeout)

Windows has a default time period where it tries to start all automatic services on power up / reboot. If the machine is low spec or there are many services that are set to automatic start - at the end of the default time - 20 seconds - any services which have not started are ignored and so even a Windows service set to "automatic" startup type may not start . It is possible to increase this timeout period via a change to the registry. 



Warning : "Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to re-install Windows to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk."
Always ensure you have a backup of the registry before any changes are made to the registry - Incorrect use of the registry editor can mean having to reinstall the operating system and associated applications.


      Open Run window by clicking Start button -> click Run.

      In Run window, type regedit, and then click OK to open Registry Editor.

      Locate and then click the following registry subkey:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control

      In the right pane, locate the ServicesPipeTimeout entry

      Note: If the ServicesPipeTimeout entry does not exist, first you should create it. Follow below steps:

      
On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click DWORD (32-bit) Value
 Value.

      Type ServicesPipeTimeout and then press ENTER.


      One you locate (or created) ServicesPipeTimeout,
      right-click ServicesPipeTimeout, and then click Modify. Click Decimal, type 120000 (2 mins), and then click OK.

      This value (120000) represents the time in milliseconds to wait for windows service to start before timeout.





  • Restart the computer once you have made the changes to the registry for the settings to be applied.