Wired AutoConfig (dot3svc) Service Defaults in Windows 10

The Wired AutoConfig (DOT3SVC) service is responsible for performing IEEE 802.1X authentication on Ethernet interfaces. If your current wired network deployment enforces 802.1X authentication, the DOT3SVC service should be configured to run for establishing Layer 2 connectivity and/or providing access to network resources. Wired networks that do not enforce 802.1X authentication are unaffected by the DOT3SVC service.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Wired AutoConfig
Service name:dot3svc
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Group:TDI
Object:localSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k LocalSystemNetworkRestricted -p
File:%SystemRoot%\System32\dot3svc.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\dot3svc
Privileges:
  • SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege
  • SeAuditPrivilege
  • SeTcbPrivilege

Default Behavior

Wired AutoConfig is a Win32 service. In Windows 10 it is starting only if the user, an application or another service starts it. When the Wired AutoConfig service is started, it is running as localSystem in a shared process of svchost.exe along with other services. If Wired AutoConfig fails to start, the failure details are being recorded into Event Log. Then Windows 10 will start up and notify the user that the dot3svc service has failed to start due to the error.

Dependencies

Wired AutoConfig cannot be started under any conditions, if the following services are disabled, deleted or working improperly:

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Wired AutoConfig

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Wired AutoConfig 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 dot3svc start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The dot3svc service is using the dot3svc.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 10 installation media.