Print Device Configuration Service (PrintDeviceConfigurationService) Defaults in Windows 11

The Print Device Configuration Service manages the installation of IPP and UP printers. If this service is stopped, any printer installations that are in-progress may be canceled.

The Print Device Configuration Service exists only in:

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Print Device Configuration Service
Service name:PrintDeviceConfigurationService
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Object:LocalSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k LocalSystemNetworkRestricted -p
File:%SystemRoot%\System32\PrintDeviceConfigurationService.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\PrintDeviceConfigurationService
Privileges:
  • SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
  • SeLoadDriverPrivilege

Default Behavior

Print Device Configuration Service is a Win32 service. In Windows 11 it starts only if the user, an application or another service starts it. When the Print Device Configuration Service is started, it logs on as LocalSystem and running in a shared process of svchost.exe. If Print Device Configuration 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 PrintDeviceConfigurationService service startup failure.

Dependencies

Print Device Configuration Service cannot be started, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service won't start.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Print Device Configuration Service

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Print Device Configuration Service 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 command below, paste it into the command window and press ENTER:

sc config PrintDeviceConfigurationService start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The PrintDeviceConfigurationService service is using the PrintDeviceConfigurationService.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.