Download the `.zip` archive for Elastisearch v{version} from: https://download.elastic.co/elasticsearch/release/org/elasticsearch/distribution/zip/elasticsearch/{version}/elasticsearch-{version}.zip
Unzip it with your favourite unzip tool. This will create a folder called
NOTE: While a JRE can be used for the Elasticsearch service, due to its use of a client VM (as opposed to a server JVM which offers better performance for long-running applications) its usage is discouraged and a warning will be issued.
NOTE: Upgrading (or downgrading) JVM versions does not require the service to be reinstalled. However, upgrading across JVM types (e.g. JRE versus SE) is not supported, and does require the service to be reinstalled.
The Elasticsearch service can be configured prior to installation by setting the the following environment variables (either using the https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc754250(v=ws.10).aspx[set command] from the command line, or through the `System Properties->Environment Variables` GUI).
A unique identifier for the service. Useful if installing multiple instances on the same machine. Defaults to `elasticsearch-service-x86` (on 32-bit Windows) or `elasticsearch-service-x64` (on 64-bit Windows).
`SERVICE_USERNAME`::
The user to run as, defaults to the local system account.
`SERVICE_PASSWORD`::
The password for the user specified in `%SERVICE_USERNAME%`.
`SERVICE_DISPLAY_NAME`::
The name of the service. Defaults to `Elasticsearch <version> %SERVICE_ID%`.
`SERVICE_DESCRIPTION`::
The description of the service. Defaults to `Elasticsearch <version> Windows Service - https://elastic.co`.
`JAVA_HOME`::
The installation directory of the desired JVM to run the service under.
Any additional JVM system properties you may want to apply.
`ES_START_TYPE`::
Startup mode for the service. Can be either `auto` or `manual` (default).
`ES_STOP_TIMEOUT` ::
The timeout in seconds that procrun waits for service to exit gracefully. Defaults to `0`.
NOTE: At its core, `service.bat` relies on http://commons.apache.org/proper/commons-daemon/[Apache Commons Daemon] project
to install the service. Environment variables set prior to the service installation are copied and will be used during the service lifecycle. This means any changes made to them after the installation will not be picked up unless the service is reinstalled.
It is also possible to configure the service after it's been installed using the manager GUI (`elasticsearch-service-mgr.exe`), which offers insight into the installed service, including its status, startup type, JVM, start and stop settings amongst other things. Simply invoking `service.bat manager` from the command-line will open up the manager window:
image::images/service-manager-win.png["Windows Service Manager GUI",align="center"]
Most changes (like JVM settings) made through the manager GUI will require a restart of the service in order to take affect.
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