Remote Desktop Configuration (SessionEnv) Service Defaults in Windows 11

Remote Desktop Configuration service (RDCS) is responsible for all Remote Desktop Services and Remote Desktop related configuration and session maintenance activities that require SYSTEM context. These include per-session temporary folders, RD themes, and RD certificates.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Remote Desktop Configuration
Service name:SessionEnv
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Object:localSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs -p
File:%SystemRoot%\system32\sessenv.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SessionEnv
Privileges:
  • SeBackupPrivilege
  • SeRestorePrivilege
  • SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege
  • SeTcbPrivilege
  • SeAssignPrimaryTokenPrivilege
  • SeManageVolumePrivilege
  • SeCreateSymbolicLinkPrivilege
  • SeShutdownPrivilege

Default Behavior

Remote Desktop Configuration is a Win32 service. In Windows 11 it starts only if the user, an application or another service starts it. When the Remote Desktop Configuration service is started, it logs on as localSystem and running in a shared process of svchost.exe. If Remote Desktop Configuration fails to start, the failure details will be recorded into Event Log. Then Windows 11 should boot up and notify the user about the SessionEnv service startup failure.

Dependencies

Remote Desktop Configuration cannot be started, if the following services won't start:

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Remote Desktop Configuration

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Remote Desktop Configuration 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 SessionEnv start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The SessionEnv service is using the sessenv.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.