The SNMP Trap service receives trap messages, which contain information about specific events and are generated by local or remote SNMP agents. The service forwards the messages to SNMP management programs that run on the computer. When configured for an agent, the SNMP service generates trap messages if any specific events occur, and these messages are sent to a trap destination. For example, an agent can be configured to initiate an authentication trap if an unrecognized management computer sends a request for information. Trap destinations consist of the computer name, and the IP address of the management computer. The trap destination must be a network-enabled host that runs SNMP management software. Trap destinations can be configured by a user, but the events (such as restarting the computer) that generate trap messages are internally defined by the SNMP agent.

If the service stops or if you disable it, SNMP-based programs on the computer do not receive SNMP trap messages from other computers. If this computer monitors network devices or server applications with SNMP traps, significant computer events are lost.

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

When the SNMP Trap service is started in its default configuration, it logs on by using the Local Service account.