CNG Key Isolation (KeyIso) Service Defaults in Windows 7
The CNG key isolation service is hosted in the LSA process. The service provides key process isolation to private keys and associated cryptographic operations as required by the Common Criteria. The service stores and uses long-lived keys in a secure process complying with Common Criteria requirements.
Default Settings
| Startup type: | Manual |
| Display name: | CNG Key Isolation |
| Service name: | KeyIso |
| Service type: | share |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
| Path: | %SystemRoot%\system32\lsass.exe |
| Registry key: | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\KeyIso |
Default Behavior
CNG Key Isolation is a Win32 service. In Windows 7 it won't be started if the user doesn't start it. When the CNG Key Isolation service is started, it is running as LocalSystem in a shared process of lsass.exe. Other system components, such as drivers and services, may run in the same process. If CNG Key Isolation fails to start, Windows 7 attempts to write the failure details into Event Log. Then Windows 7 startup should proceed and the user should be notified that the KeyIso service is not running because of the error.
Dependencies
CNG Key Isolation is unable to start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is stopped or disabled.
If CNG Key Isolation is stopped, the Extensible Authentication Protocol service fails to start and initialize.
Restore Default Startup Configuration of CNG Key Isolation
Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which CNG Key Isolation 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 KeyIso start= demand
3. Close the command window and restart the computer.
The KeyIso service is using the lsass.exe 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 7 installation media.