CNG Service Defaults in Windows 11
Default Settings
| Startup type: | Boot |
| Display name: | CNG |
| Service name: | CNG |
| Service type: | kernel |
| Error control: | critical |
| Group: | Core |
| Path: | %SystemRoot%\System32\Drivers\cng.sys |
| Registry key: | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\CNG |
Default Behavior
CNG is a kernel driver. In Windows 11 it starts by the operating system Boot Loader before the Kernel initialization, as a part of the driver stack. If CNG 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 CNG service, Windows 11 won't start.
Restore Default Startup Configuration of CNG
1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Copy the commands below, paste them into the command window and press ENTER:
sc config CNG start= boot
sc start CNG
3. Close the command window and restart the computer.
The CNG service is using the cng.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.