Portable Device Enumerator Service (WPDBusEnum) Defaults in Windows 11

Enforces group policy for removable mass-storage devices. Enables applications such as Windows Media Player and Image Import Wizard to transfer and synchronize content using removable mass-storage devices.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Portable Device Enumerator Service
Service name:WPDBusEnum
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Object:LocalSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k LocalSystemNetworkRestricted
File:%SystemRoot%\system32\wpdbusenum.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WPDBusEnum
Privileges:
  • SeShutdownPrivilege
  • SeAuditPrivilege
  • SeTcbPrivilege
  • SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
  • SeCreateGlobalPrivilege
  • SeCreatePermanentPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege
  • SeLoadDriverPrivilege

Default Behavior

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

Dependencies

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

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Portable Device Enumerator Service

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Portable Device Enumerator 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 WPDBusEnum start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The WPDBusEnum service is using the wpdbusenum.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.