File System Dependency Minifilter (FsDepends) Service Defaults in Windows 10
This minifilter tracks the dependencies associated with the various nested volumes/filesystems.
Default Settings
| Startup type: | Manual |
| Display name: | File System Dependency Minifilter |
| Service name: | FsDepends |
| Service type: | filesys |
| Error control: | critical |
| Group: | FSFilter Top |
| Path: | %SystemRoot%\System32\drivers\FsDepends.sys |
| Registry key: | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\FsDepends |
Default Behavior
File System Dependency Minifilter is a file system driver. In Windows 10 it is starting only if the user, an application or another service starts it. If File System Dependency Minifilter fails to load or initialize, Windows 10 attempts to record the error details into Event Log and restart the PC, using the Last Known Good configuration. If the Last Known Good configuration cannot be applied or working improperly, Windows 10 startup process halts with a Stop error. If you disable or delete the FsDepends service, Windows 10 won't start.
Dependencies
File System Dependency Minifilter cannot be started under any conditions, if the FltMgr service is disabled.
Restore Default Startup Configuration of File System Dependency Minifilter
Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which File System Dependency Minifilter depends are configured by default and function properly. See the list of dependencies above.1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Copy the command below, paste it into the command window and press ENTER:
sc config FsDepends start= demand
3. Close the command window and restart the computer.
The FsDepends service is using the FsDepends.sys file that is located in the C:\Windows\System32\drivers directory. If the file is removed or corrupted, read this article to restore its original version from Windows 10 installation media.