Application Experience (AeLookupSvc) Service Defaults in Windows 8

Processes application compatibility cache requests for applications as they are launched.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Application Experience
Service name:AeLookupSvc
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Object:localSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs
File:%SystemRoot%\System32\aelupsvc.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\AeLookupSvc
Privileges:
  • SeTcbPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege

Default Behavior

Application Experience is a Win32 service. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. When the Application Experience service is started, it runs as localSystem in a process of svchost.exe, sharing it with other services. If Application Experience fails to start, the error details are added to Windows 8 error log. When the operating system startup is complete, the user is being notified that the AeLookupSvc service hasn't been started.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Application Experience

1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.

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

sc config AeLookupSvc start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The AeLookupSvc service is using the aelupsvc.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 8 installation media.