Convert Js to Service(NodeJs): Run NodeJs as Windows Service

Many people probably know that NodeJS has huge memory leaks when running as a service. I think this will be no exception for Windows.

Consequently, standard programs such as: NSSM https://nssm.cc/ WinSW are not suitable for converting NodeJS to Service. There are commercial programs that monitor memory leaks:

• AlwaysUp
• FireDaemon Pro
• EXE Service

We'll use EXE Service because it already provides a ready-made configuration example for converting NodeJS to Service and also has js scripts for fixing the service to ensure stable operation.
Don't worry about using JavaScript (ES2023) in "EXE to Service"; it uses its own js engine designed to fix services and notify us of poor service activity.

How to Run Node.js as a Windows Service

Step 1: Open EXE Service

After installing EXE Service, a shortcut will appear on your desktop.

The graphical interface is intended only to simplify service creation.
If you're running Windows Server without a graphical interface, you have two options:

• Create the service on a regular PC and then transfer it to the server.
• Run exeservice.exe directly on the server using the command line. (The graphical interface supports Windows Nano/Core)

Step 2: Create a New Service

EXE Service already includes a ready-made js to Service (NodeJS) example.

Just click the "Create from example" button.

Step 3: Set the Path to the NodeJS Scripts

In the window that appears, you must specify the correct paths:

• Path to the nodejs.exe executable file:
  By default:
  C:\Program Files\nodejs\
• Working Directory:
  Specify the folder where your scripts are located.
• Arguments:
  Specify the arguments for running nodejs.

Step 4: Save and Start the Service

Click "Create Service" to create a Windows service.

If you want the service to start immediately on this computer, click "Start".

After this, NodeJS will:

• Start as a Windows service
• Start automatically with the system
• Be manageable through the Windows Service Manager (services.msc)

In the following articles, I'll explain how to create notifications and how to deal with critical situations with Node.js when it has memory leaks.