Now Playing Session Manager Service (NPSMSvc) Defaults in Windows 11

This service hosts the Now Playing Session Manager used for Media Scenarios.

The Now Playing Session Manager Service exists only in:

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Now Playing Session Manager Service
Service name:NPSMSvc
Service type:user share process template
Error control:normal
Object:NT AUTHORITY\LocalService
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k LocalService -p
File:%SystemRoot%\System32\npsm.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NPSMSvc
Privileges:
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege

Default Behavior

In Windows 11 it starts only if the user, an application or another service starts it. If Now Playing Session Manager Service fails to start, the failure details will be recorded into Event Log. Then Windows 11 should boot up and notify the user about the NPSMSvc service startup failure.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Now Playing Session Manager Service

1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.

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

sc config NPSMSvc start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The NPSMSvc service is using the npsm.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 11 installation media.