UAC File Virtualization (luafv) Service Defaults in Windows 11

Virtualizes file write failures to per-user locations.

Default Settings

Startup type: Automatic
Display name:UAC File Virtualization
Service name:luafv
Service type:filesys
Error control:normal
Group:FSFilter Virtualization
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\drivers\luafv.sys
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\luafv

Default Behavior

UAC File Virtualization is a file system driver. In Windows 11 it starts automatically during the operating system startup. If UAC File Virtualization fails to start, the failure details will be recorded into Event Log. Then Windows 11 should boot up and notify the user about the luafv service startup failure.

Dependencies

UAC File Virtualization cannot be started, if the FltMgr service won't start.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of UAC File Virtualization

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which UAC File Virtualization 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 commands below, paste them into the command window and press ENTER:

sc config luafv start= auto
sc start luafv

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The luafv service is using the luafv.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.