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sqlservr & sqlwriter running at startup | Should I be concerned?

Anonymous
2025-01-09T09:18:16+00:00

Hello,

I have noticed recently that every time I boot up my PC, two services named sqlservr and sqlwriter are already running before I have even opened anything.

Here is a screenshot of the services:

It just seems a little suspicious to me that a service like SQL runs without me initiating them by opening something that causes them to run in the background. I use a program called Process Hacker 2 as my task manager, and there's no reason that this program should run those services, it's also a little suspicious that every time I log in after booting up that command prompt opens for 10-15 seconds then closes without having displayed any text at all, and I have a feeling this is either something to do with those services, or it could be related to CompatTelRunner, which shouldn't be running anyway because I disabled it, although it still does. The two mentioned sql services do not appear to be running any additional services in the background, as you can see from the screenshot there is nothing else open within those services, but the fact that they are running without reason seems suspicious.

Any answers given to this question would be greatly appreciated as it would put my mind at ease, and if any additional information is needed, please, by all means ask and I will be happy to provide.

Thanks!

  • Kenny.
Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Emmanuel Santana 38,850 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-01-09T12:15:18+00:00

    Hello Kenny! Thanks for reaching out to the Microsoft Community. I’m here to help with your questions or issues. Just a heads-up, this is a space where Microsoft enthusiasts help each other out—we’re not directly from Microsoft.

    So, about those processes, sqlservr.exe and sqlwriter.exe, they’re part of Microsoft SQL Server, which is basically a database program. Sqlservr.exe is the main engine, and sqlwriter.exe is there for handling backups.

    The reason they’re starting up with your computer is that some software you installed likely uses SQL Server to manage its data. This is pretty common—it could be anything from accounting tools to certain games. These processes run under the NETWORK SERVICE account, so nothing unusual there.

    Should you be worried? Not really. It’s normal for SQL Server to start up if something needs it.

    Here’s what you can do:

    1. Check your installed programs in the Control Panel and look for anything related to SQL Server or apps that might need a database.
    2. If you figure out which program installed SQL Server and you don’t use that software anymore, you can uninstall SQL Server from the Control Panel.
    3. You can also temporarily disable it in Services (search for services.msc). If nothing breaks after disabling it, you’re good. If something does stop working, you can just re-enable it.

    As for the flashing command prompt, it might be related to SQL Server, or it could be from a scheduled task. Keep an eye on it after tweaking the SQL Server settings.

    Hope this clears things up! Feel free to ask if you’ve got more questions.

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-01-09T23:12:55+00:00

    Hello Kenny! Thanks for reaching out to the Microsoft Community. I’m here to help with your questions or issues. Just a heads-up, this is a space where Microsoft enthusiasts help each other out—we’re not directly from Microsoft.

    So, about those processes, sqlservr.exe and sqlwriter.exe, they’re part of Microsoft SQL Server, which is basically a database program. Sqlservr.exe is the main engine, and sqlwriter.exe is there for handling backups.

    The reason they’re starting up with your computer is that some software you installed likely uses SQL Server to manage its data. This is pretty common—it could be anything from accounting tools to certain games. These processes run under the NETWORK SERVICE account, so nothing unusual there.

    Should you be worried? Not really. It’s normal for SQL Server to start up if something needs it.

    Here’s what you can do:

    1. Check your installed programs in the Control Panel and look for anything related to SQL Server or apps that might need a database.
    2. If you figure out which program installed SQL Server and you don’t use that software anymore, you can uninstall SQL Server from the Control Panel.
    3. You can also temporarily disable it in Services (search for services.msc). If nothing breaks after disabling it, you’re good. If something does stop working, you can just re-enable it.

    As for the flashing command prompt, it might be related to SQL Server, or it could be from a scheduled task. Keep an eye on it after tweaking the SQL Server settings.

    Hope this clears things up! Feel free to ask if you’ve got more questions.

    Thank you for taking the time to reply, I was worried but you have put my mind at ease,

    Thanks!

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