BitLocker Drive Encryption Service (BDESVC) Defaults in Windows 8

BDESVC hosts the BitLocker Drive Encryption service. BitLocker Drive Encryption provides secure startup for the operating system, as well as full volume encryption for OS, fixed or removable volumes. This service allows BitLocker to prompt users for various actions related to their volumes when mounted, and unlocks volumes automatically without user interaction. Additionally, it stores recovery information to Active Directory, if available, and, if necessary, ensures the most recent recovery certificates are used. Stopping or disabling the service would prevent users from leveraging this functionality.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:BitLocker Drive Encryption Service
Service name:BDESVC
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Object:localSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs
File:%SystemRoot%\System32\bdesvc.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\BDESVC
Privileges:
  • SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege
  • SeTcbPrivilege
  • SeAssignPrimaryTokenPrivilege
  • SeIncreaseQuotaPrivilege
  • SeSystemEnvironmentPrivilege
  • SeBackupPrivilege
  • SeRestorePrivilege

Default Behavior

BitLocker Drive Encryption Service is a Win32 service. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. When the BitLocker Drive Encryption Service is started, it runs as localSystem in a process of svchost.exe, sharing it with other services. If BitLocker Drive Encryption Service 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 BDESVC service hasn't been started.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of BitLocker Drive Encryption Service

1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.

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

sc config BDESVC start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The BDESVC service is using the bdesvc.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.