Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) Defaults in Windows 8

Transfers files in the background using idle network bandwidth. If the service is disabled, then any applications that depend on BITS, such as Windows Update or MSN Explorer, will be unable to automatically download programs and other information.

Default Settings

Startup type:
Windows 8 CoreAutomatic (Delayed Start)
Windows 8 ProAutomatic (Delayed Start)
Windows 8 EnterpriseAutomatic (Delayed Start)
Windows 8.1 CoreAutomatic
Windows 8.1 ProManual
Windows 8.1 EnterpriseAutomatic
Windows 8.1 Update 1 CoreAutomatic
Windows 8.1 Update 1 ProAutomatic
Windows 8.1 Update 1 EnterpriseAutomatic
Display name:Background Intelligent Transfer Service
Service name:BITS
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Object:LocalSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs
File:%SystemRoot%\System32\qmgr.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\BITS
Privileges:
  • SeCreateGlobalPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege
  • SeTcbPrivilege
  • SeAssignPrimaryTokenPrivilege
  • SeIncreaseQuotaPrivilege

Default Behavior

Background Intelligent Transfer Service is a Win32 service. It is starting automatically after the operating system and most important software have been loaded and started in all editions of Windows 8. This service is starting automatically during the operating system startup in Windows 8.1 Core, Windows 8.1 Enterprise, all editions of Windows 8.1 Update 1. This service will not be started until the user starts it in Windows 8.1 Pro.

When the Background Intelligent Transfer Service is started, it runs as LocalSystem in a process of svchost.exe, sharing it with other services. If Background Intelligent Transfer 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 BITS service hasn't been started.

Dependencies

Background Intelligent Transfer Service can't start, if any service from the list below is disabled or not available:

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Background Intelligent Transfer Service

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Background Intelligent Transfer Service depends are configured by default and function properly. See the list of dependencies above.

1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.

2. Depending on the version of your operating system, copy the commands below, paste them into the command window and press ENTER.

For Windows 8 Core, Windows 8 Pro, Windows 8 Enterprise:
sc config BITS start= delayed-auto
sc start BITS

For Windows 8.1 Core, Windows 8.1 Enterprise, Windows 8.1 Update 1 Core, Windows 8.1 Update 1 Pro, Windows 8.1 Update 1 Enterprise:
sc config BITS start= auto
sc start BITS

For Windows 8.1 Pro:
sc config BITS start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The BITS service is using the qmgr.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.