IDE Channel (atapi) Service Defaults in Windows 11

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:IDE Channel
Service name:atapi
Service type:kernel
Error control:critical
Group:SCSI Miniport
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\drivers\atapi.sys
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\atapi

Default Behavior

IDE Channel is a kernel driver. In Windows 11 it starts only if the user, an application or another service starts it. If IDE Channel fails to start, Windows 11 tries to record the error details into Event Log and restart the PC, using the Last Known Good configuration. If the Last Known Good configuration can't be used, Windows 11 startup process halts with a Stop error. If you disable or delete the atapi service, Windows 11 won't start.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of IDE Channel

1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.

2. Copy the command below, paste it into the command window and press ENTER:

sc config atapi start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The atapi service is using the atapi.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 11 installation media.