WebClient Service Defaults in Windows 10

Enables Windows-based programs to create, access, and modify Internet-based files. If this service is stopped, these functions will not be available. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:WebClient
Service name:WebClient
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Group:NetworkProvider
Object:NT AUTHORITY\LocalService
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k LocalService -p
File:%SystemRoot%\System32\webclnt.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WebClient
Privileges:
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege
  • SeCreateGlobalPrivilege
  • SeAssignPrimaryTokenPrivilege
  • SeIncreaseQuotaPrivilege

Default Behavior

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

Dependencies

WebClient cannot be started under any conditions, if the WebDav Client Redirector Driver service is disabled.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of WebClient

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

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The WebClient service is using the webclnt.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.