Running as Windows Service

Running Emby Server as a Windows Service

Before setting up a Windows Service, you'll need to install Emby Server from the Emby website.

To setup a Windows Service, we'll be using a program called NSSM that can turn any app into a Windows Service. To begin:

  • Download NSSM. Make sure to choose the 64-bit or 32-bit version of NSSM to match the architecture of your Windows installation.
  • Save nssm.exe to a folder of your choice. You'll need to keep NSSM in this folder in order for the service to function.
  • Open a command prompt as admin and "cd" to the folder containing NSSM.
  • Type "nssm install" to open the NSSM user interface.

Follow this guide to create your Windows Service, but incorporate the following changes:

  • Application path: path to EmbyServer.exe
  • Startup directory: folder containing the above executable
  • Arguments: -service
  • Service name: Emby Server (or other name of your choice)

Then, on the exit actions tab, make sure to configure the exit action to not automatically restart:

NSSM Service Editor

This is important because without this, using the Shutdown button inside Emby Server will cause NSSM to automatically restart Emby Server.

Warning

Emby will not auto update while running as a service. To upgrade Emby Server, download the latest version from https://emby.media/windows-server.html. Stop the service and perform the install using the version downloaded. Restart service.