The Microsoft iSCSI Initiator Service (MSiSCSI) manages iSCSI sessions from a computer to remote iSCSI target devices. If this service is stopped, the computer cannot log on or access iSCSI targets. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it fail to start.

You can use iSCSI to connect storage devices over a network (LAN, WAN, or the Internet) by using TCP/IP. iSCSI devices can be disks, tapes, CDs, or other storage devices on network connected systems.

The Microsoft iSCSI Initiator Service ensures that all volumes and devices listed as "favorite targets" are available to the computer. The iSCSI Initiator properties are configured from the Administrative Tools Control Panel. To use an Internet storage device, you must unblock the appropriate firewall ports.

The IP network that is used by iSCSI does not include a default security mechanism. Because iSCSI is a plaintext protocol, iSCSI presents an attack surface that should be secured if you decide to use this service. To help secure IP packets (the data stream), you can use the challenge-handshake authentication protocol (CHAP), RADIUS authentication, or Internet Protocol security (IPsec). IPsec can be combined with either CHAP or RADIUS authentication.

This service is installed by default and the service startup type is Manual.

This service is not dependent on any other system service, nor is any service dependent on it.