Is it possible to disable or stop a service from starting via the host profile?
I tried it under
service configuration
adding a service and leaving turn on service to uncheck
reapplied profile to host/ rebooted but the service is still started
No, it is not.
You can use the host profiles to provide an automated and centrally managed for host configuration.
Hey, hope you are doing fine:
Check here https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-vSphere/6.7/vsphere-esxi-vcenter-server-67-host-profiles-guide.pdf
Select Edit Host Profile, and click Security and Services.
Also, to apply the host profile keep in mind that the host should be in maintenance mode.