Windows - Configuration - Disable TightVNC Service at Startup

What the TightVNC startup disabler does

This Automox Worklet™ identifies and modifies the TightVNC service startup configuration on Windows endpoints. When TightVNC is installed, the service named tvnserver may be configured to start automatically when Windows boots.

The Worklet checks the current startup type of the tvnserver service. If it finds the service is set to Automatic, it changes the startup type to Manual, preventing the service from loading during boot. If the service is already set to Manual or does not exist, the Worklet makes no changes.

Why disable automatic TightVNC startup

Remote access services running automatically on every endpoint create persistent attack vectors that expose your organization to unauthorized access attempts and lateral movement attacks. When TightVNC's tvnserver service starts automatically at boot, it maintains a continuous listening service that attackers can probe for weak credentials or exploit vulnerabilities, while consuming system resources unnecessarily during normal operations when remote access is not required. This Automox Worklet changes the service startup from Automatic to Manual, reducing attack surface by allowing administrators to start TightVNC only when remote support is actually needed, balancing operational flexibility with security posture.

How TightVNC startup modification works

1. Evaluation phase: The Worklet queries the tvnserver service to check its current StartType setting. If the service does not exist on the endpoint, it exits without error. If the service exists and is set to Automatic, the Worklet signals that remediation is needed.

2. Remediation phase: The Worklet uses the Set-Service PowerShell cmdlet to change the tvnserver service startup type from Automatic to Manual. This change takes effect immediately, preventing the service from starting at the next system boot.

TightVNC startup configuration requirements

• Windows 10 or later (workstation endpoints)

• Windows Server 2016 or later (server endpoints)

• TightVNC must be installed on the endpoint for the Worklet to function

• PowerShell access with sufficient permissions to modify service startup settings

• No dependencies on external modules or services

Expected TightVNC startup behavior after remediation

After remediation, you can expect these specific outcomes:

• The tvnserver service StartType will be changed from Automatic to Manual

• The service will not start automatically at system boot

• Administrators can still manually start the service when needed via Services.msc or PowerShell

• You can verify the change using Get-Service -Name tvnserver | Select-Object Name, StartType, Status

How to validate disable tightvnc service at startup changes

1. Run this Worklet on a pilot Windows endpoint and review evaluation output for disable tightvnc service at startup.

2. Confirm Automox activity logs show successful completion and exit code 0.

3. Verify endpoint state using checks aligned to evaluation script logic, such as Get-Service, Write-Output.

4. Validate remediation effects from script operations such as Get-Service, Write-Output, Set-Service, then rerun evaluation for compliance.

For technical validation, compare endpoint state to the Worklet evaluation logic and remediation flow for disable tightvnc service at startup. This supports repeatable system preferences workflows, faster change control review, and auditable compliance evidence.

Useful script references for this Worklet include evaluation operations such as Get-Service, Write-Output and remediation operations such as Get-Service, Write-Output, Set-Service. Use these indicators to verify that endpoint changes match intended policy outcomes.