HomeGroup Provider (HomeGroupProvider) Service Defaults in Windows 7

Performs networking tasks associated with configuration and maintenance of homegroups. If this service is stopped or disabled, your computer will be unable to detect other homegroups and your homegroup might not work properly. It is recommended that you keep this service running.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:HomeGroup Provider
Service name:HomeGroupProvider
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Object:NT AUTHORITY\LocalService
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k LocalServiceNetworkRestricted
File:%SystemRoot%\system32\provsvc.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\HomeGroupProvider
Privileges:
  • SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege

Default Behavior

HomeGroup Provider is a Win32 service. In Windows 7 it won't be started if the user doesn't start it. When the HomeGroup Provider service is started, it is running as NT AUTHORITY\LocalService in a shared process of svchost.exe. Other system components, such as drivers and services, may run in the same process. If HomeGroup Provider fails to start, Windows 7 attempts to write the failure details into Event Log. Then Windows 7 startup should proceed and the user should be notified that the HomeGroupProvider service is not running because of the error.

Dependencies

HomeGroup Provider is unable to start, if at least one of the following services is stopped or disabled:

Restore Default Startup Configuration of HomeGroup Provider

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which HomeGroup Provider 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 HomeGroupProvider start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The HomeGroupProvider service is using the provsvc.dll file that is located in the C:\Windows\system32 directory. If the file is removed or corrupted, read this article to restore its original version from Windows 7 installation media.