ActiveX Installer (AxInstSV) Service Defaults in Windows 8

Provides User Account Control validation for the installation of ActiveX controls from the Internet and enables management of ActiveX control installation based on Group Policy settings. This service is started on demand and if disabled the installation of ActiveX controls will behave according to default browser settings.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:ActiveX Installer (AxInstSV)
Service name:AxInstSV
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Object:LocalSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k AxInstSVGroup
File:%SystemRoot%\System32\AxInstSV.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\AxInstSV
Privileges:
  • SeAssignPrimaryTokenPrivilege
  • SeIncreaseQuotaPrivilege
  • SeTcbPrivilege
  • SeBackupPrivilege
  • SeRestorePrivilege
  • SeAuditPrivilege
  • SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege

Default Behavior

ActiveX Installer (AxInstSV) is a Win32 service. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. When the ActiveX Installer (AxInstSV) service is started, it runs as LocalSystem in a process of svchost.exe, sharing it with other services. If ActiveX Installer (AxInstSV) 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 AxInstSV service hasn't been started.

Dependencies

ActiveX Installer (AxInstSV) can't start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is disabled or not available.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of ActiveX Installer (AxInstSV)

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which ActiveX Installer (AxInstSV) 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 AxInstSV start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The AxInstSV service is using the AxInstSV.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.