Changing windows service display name?

I would like to change the display name of a windows service that has already been created. I have read online that I can just alter the value in the registry. If I alter it in the registry and then relaunch my services window, the new name does not seem to be reflected. I assume if I restart my computer this new name will be reflected but I need a solution that will show up immediately with out having to restart my computer.

Here is an example:

I launch services.exe and right-click on the service I want to change and click properties. In the properties window I see the service name as service1 and the display name as service1. I go into the registry and navigate to

HKLM\system\CurrentControlSet\services\service1.

In here there is a field called DisplayName that is set to service1. I go and change this value to Some Name. After changing this value I relaunch services and I still see service1. When I go to properties of service1, I still see the display name as service1 and not Some Name.

You can do this with the SC command. For example, to rename the Themes service to Theme Manager, open a command prompt with administrator rights. Type

sc config Themes DisplayName= "Theme Manager"

Note the space between the equal sign and the new name. This is mandatory.

If you refresh the services console, you'll see the change. No need to reboot beforehand.

Even you were close you have done it wrong. :)

First navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services In the LEFT pane, select the Service key you want to rename, press F2 and enter the name you want

If you have enum subkey when you expand main key, just delete it as it will be recreated upon restart

The DisplayName subkey can be changed, but you dont have to do that. Usually you will change it to follow the changed Service name

Now restart the computer