Wait Type PREEMPTIVE_SERVICE_CONTROL_MANAGE

Wait statistics, in the context of SQL Server, refer to the amount of time that a query spends waiting to access data in the database. When a client application requests data from the database, the request is placed in a queue and the client application must wait for its turn to access the data. The time that the query spends waiting is called a "wait" and is tracked by SQL Server. This information can be used to identify potential performance bottlenecks and optimize the performance of the database. Wait statistics are commonly used by database administrators to diagnose and troubleshoot performance issues in SQL Server.

In SQL Server, wait types help database administrators understand where processes might be delayed. One specific wait type, PREEMPTIVE_SERVICE_CONTROL_MANAGE, is associated with SQL Server waiting on external operations related to Windows services. This wait occurs when SQL Server needs to interact with the operating system to start, stop, or manage services and is waiting for that operation to complete. In this blog post, we’ll break down what this wait type means, when it occurs, and how it may affect SQL Server performance.

What Is the PREEMPTIVE_SERVICE_CONTROL_MANAGE Wait Type?

The PREEMPTIVE_SERVICE_CONTROL_MANAGE wait type appears when SQL Server is performing an operation that requires interaction with Windows services. These operations are handled outside of SQL Server’s normal scheduling and involve preemptive multitasking, where SQL Server yields control to the operating system until the task is complete.

For example, this wait type may occur when SQL Server needs to manage a service, such as the SQL Server Agent, or perform actions like checking the status of a service or starting/stopping a service.

When Does PREEMPTIVE_SERVICE_CONTROL_MANAGE Appear?

This wait type typically occurs in scenarios where SQL Server interacts with the Windows operating system to manage services. Common scenarios include:

• Service Operations – Starting, stopping, or checking the status of a Windows service, such as the SQL Server Agent or Full-Text Search service.
• Backup or Restore Operations – If a backup or restore process requires interaction with a service, such as a Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) operation.
• External Dependencies – Interactions with third-party tools or integrations that rely on Windows service control operations.

While these waits are part of normal operations in certain scenarios, they may indicate potential issues if they occur frequently or for extended periods.

Why PREEMPTIVE_SERVICE_CONTROL_MANAGE Waits Matter

While PREEMPTIVE_SERVICE_CONTROL_MANAGE waits are generally expected when SQL Server interacts with the operating system, prolonged or frequent waits may indicate underlying issues. These waits could lead to delays in completing certain tasks, such as backups, restores, or service operations. High wait times may be caused by:

• Slow Windows Services – If a Windows service takes a long time to start, stop, or respond to requests, it can increase wait times.
• Resource Bottlenecks – Limited CPU, memory, or disk resources on the server can slow down service operations and extend wait times.
• Network Dependencies – If the service operation involves network calls, such as accessing a remote service, latency or connectivity issues can increase wait times.

How to Address PREEMPTIVE_SERVICE_CONTROL_MANAGE Waits

If PREEMPTIVE_SERVICE_CONTROL_MANAGE waits are impacting your SQL Server performance, consider these strategies to reduce them:

• Check Service Performance – Investigate the Windows service being managed to ensure it is performing efficiently and not experiencing issues.
• Optimize Server Resources – Ensure the server has sufficient CPU, memory, and disk resources to handle both SQL Server and operating system tasks efficiently.
• Review Network Dependencies – If the service operation involves network resources, ensure the network is stable and has low latency.
• Schedule Service Operations – Plan service-related operations, such as stopping and starting services, during off-peak hours to minimize their impact on SQL Server workloads.
• Monitor for Unnecessary Operations – Ensure that external tools or processes interacting with SQL Server services are not unnecessarily triggering these operations.

Conclusion

The PREEMPTIVE_SERVICE_CONTROL_MANAGE wait type in SQL Server occurs when the system interacts with Windows services, yielding control to the operating system until the operation completes. While these waits are a normal part of service management, frequent or prolonged waits may indicate issues with service performance, resource bottlenecks, or network dependencies. By optimizing service operations and monitoring for unnecessary delays, you can minimize these waits and ensure smooth SQL Server performance.

If you need expert assistance with SQL Server performance tuning, service management, or troubleshooting wait types, Stedman Solutions offers managed services to keep your SQL Server environment running reliably and efficiently.

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Applies to

Related Waits

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• More About PREEMPTIVE_SERVICE_CONTROL_MANAGE