How to close CMD box, but keep DNSCrypt-Proxy running without installing it as a service?

[KztyAQ]

I want to just start DNSCrypt-Proxy and keep it running without installing it as a service, but I don't want CMD box to continue running in the background on desktop or even minimized. I want it closed, out-of-sight, but not close DNSCrypt-Proxy process. How can I do that? So far only installating DNSCrypt-Proxy as service allows for that...

[jedisct1]

How to Run a Command-Line Tool in Windows and Keep It Running in the Background

To run a command-line tool in Windows and keep it running in the background after closing the terminal, you can use one of the following methods:

---

Method 1: Using start Command

1. Open Command Prompt.

2. Use the start command to launch the program:

   start "" /b path\to\your\program.exe

   • The "" provides a placeholder for the window title (required).
   • The /b flag starts the program in the background without creating a new window.

   Example:

   start "" /b notepad.exe

   After running the command, you can safely close the terminal.

---

Method 2: Using cmd Detachment

1. Run the following command:

   cmd /c start /b path\to\your\program.exe

   • The /c flag tells cmd to execute the command and then terminate.

   Example:

   cmd /c start /b notepad.exe

---

Method 3: Running as a Background Process Using PowerShell

If you're using PowerShell, you can run the following command:

Start-Process -NoNewWindow -FilePath "path\to\your\program.exe"

Example:

Start-Process -NoNewWindow -FilePath "notepad.exe"

This starts the process without creating a new window.

---

Method 4: Creating a Scheduled Task (Advanced Option)

If the program needs to run persistently in the background (e.g., surviving reboots):

1. Open Task Scheduler.
2. Create a new task.
3. Set the trigger to "At startup" or "On demand".
4. Set the action to "Start a program" and provide the path to the program.
5. Save the task and run it.

---

These methods will ensure that your command-line tool continues running even after the terminal is closed.

[KztyAQ]

Have you tried these methods with DNSCrypt-Proxy.exe yourself? All your methods start it, but DNSCrypt-Proxy.exe terminates itself as soon as CLI is closed, regardless of whether its CMD or PS.

[jedisct1]

Try the Task Scheduler method, then:

Open Task Scheduler.
Create a new task:
Trigger: "At startup" or manually as needed.
Action: "Start a program" -> Provide the full path to dnscrypt-proxy.exe.
Ensure "Run whether user is logged on or not" is selected.
Save the task and run it.

This method makes dnscrypt-proxy independent of the terminal.

[lifenjoiner]

I answered a similar question before: lifenjoiner/pd#9 (comment) .

1. A software that puts any application to the system tray

   Recommendations:

   • https://github.com/plastovicka/HotkeyP
   • https://github.com/fcFn/traymond

2. totally hidden by 3rd party Apps or scripts
   Save the following code as dnscrypt-proxy.bat beside dnscrypt-proxy.exe, and then run it.

@echo off
setlocal EnableDelayedExpansion
set argv=%*
if "%~1"=="" (
    set argv=%~dpn0.exe
)
set argv=!argv:\=\\\\!
set argv=!argv: =%%20!
mshta javascript:new%%20ActiveXObject('Wscript\.Shell').Run('!argv!',0);close()

[jedisct1]

Maybe it would be worth adding to the wiki?

[lifenjoiner]

Added https://github.com/DNSCrypt/dnscrypt-proxy/wiki/Installation-Windows#optional-run-the-proxy-as-a-command-line-program-instead-of-a-system-service

[KztyAQ]

That's great, but is there some way to do it without relying on other tools? MSHTA is an obsolete component frequently removed for safety reasons.

[lifenjoiner]

That is "因噎废食" in Chinese idiom.

[lifenjoiner]

My first solution is multi-functional.
Now, 2 hacker ways, and mono-functional:

1. Compile the program using go build -ldflags="all=-s -w -H windowsgui" -trimpath.
2. Change the Subsystem flag of the PE optional header from "Windows Console" to "Windows GUI" using a PE tool.