KSecDD Service Defaults in Windows 11

Default Settings

Startup type: Boot
Display name:KSecDD
Service name:KSecDD
Service type:kernel
Error control:critical
Group:Base
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\Drivers\ksecdd.sys
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\KSecDD

Default Behavior

KSecDD 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 KSecDD 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 KSecDD service, Windows 11 won't start.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of KSecDD

1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.

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

sc config KSecDD start= boot
sc start KSecDD

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The KSecDD service is using the ksecdd.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.