CNG Key Isolation (KeyIso) Service Defaults in Windows 10
The CNG key isolation service is hosted in the LSA process. The service provides key process isolation to private keys and associated cryptographic operations as required by the Common Criteria. The service stores and uses long-lived keys in a secure process complying with Common Criteria requirements.
Default Settings
| Startup type: | Manual |
| Display name: | CNG Key Isolation |
| Service name: | KeyIso |
| Service type: | share |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
| Path: | %SystemRoot%\system32\lsass.exe |
| File: | %SystemRoot%\system32\keyiso.dll |
| Registry key: | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\KeyIso |
Default Behavior
CNG Key Isolation is a Win32 service. In Windows 10 it is starting only if the user, an application or another service starts it. When the CNG Key Isolation service is started, it is running as LocalSystem in a shared process of lsass.exe along with other services. If CNG Key Isolation fails to start, the failure details are being recorded into Event Log. Then Windows 10 will start up and notify the user that the KeyIso service has failed to start due to the error.
Dependencies
CNG Key Isolation cannot be started under any conditions, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is disabled.
While CNG Key Isolation is stopped, the Extensible Authentication Protocol service cannot be launched.
Restore Default Startup Configuration of CNG Key Isolation
Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which CNG Key Isolation 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 KeyIso start= demand
3. Close the command window and restart the computer.
The KeyIso service is using the keyiso.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.