---
title: Start or stop the plugin
description: The password synchronization plugin runs as OpenIDM Password Sync Service. You can start and stop the service using Windows Service Manager or the command line.
component: pingidm
version: 8.1
page_id: pingidm:pwd-plugin-guide:start-stop-ad-pwd
canonical_url: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingidm/8.1/pwd-plugin-guide/start-stop-ad-pwd.html
keywords: ["Password", "Synchronization", "Plugins", "Active Directory", "Startup", "Shutdown"]
section_ids:
  windows_service_manager: Windows Service Manager
  command_line: Command line
  plugin_status: Plugin status
---

# Start or stop the plugin

The password synchronization plugin runs as OpenIDM Password Sync Service. You can start and stop the service using Windows Service Manager or the command line.

## Windows Service Manager

1. Click the Start Menu, type services.msc, and click Services Desktop App.

2. In the Services windows, right-click OpenIDM Password Sync Service, and select the applicable option (Start, Stop, or Restart):

   ![Windows Service Manager](_images/win-services-ad-pwd.png)

## Command line

You can use the following commands to start and stop the service from the command line.

|   |                                                                                                                                         |
| - | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|   | The service will not start from the command line if any registry key value [fails validation](conf-ad-pwd-sync.html#regkey-validation). |

```none
PS C:\Program Files\OpenIDM Password Sync> .\idmsync.exe --start
```

```none
PS C:\Program Files\OpenIDM Password Sync> .\idmsync.exe --stop
```

### Plugin status

You can also check the status of the plugin:

```none
PS C:\Program Files\OpenIDM Password Sync> .\idmsync.exe --status
Service is running.
```