Bluetooth Support Service (bthserv) Defaults in Windows 8

The Bluetooth service supports discovery and association of remote Bluetooth devices. Stopping or disabling this service may cause already installed Bluetooth devices to fail to operate properly and prevent new devices from being discovered or associated.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Bluetooth Support Service
Service name:bthserv
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Object:NT AUTHORITY\LocalService
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k LocalService
File:%SystemRoot%\system32\bthserv.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\bthserv
Privileges:
  • SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
  • SeCreateGlobalPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege

Default Behavior

Bluetooth Support Service is a Win32 service. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. When the Bluetooth Support Service is started, it runs as NT AUTHORITY\LocalService in a process of svchost.exe, sharing it with other services. If Bluetooth Support 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 bthserv service hasn't been started.

Dependencies

Bluetooth Support Service can't start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is disabled or not available.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Bluetooth Support Service

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Bluetooth Support Service 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 bthserv start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The bthserv service is using the bthserv.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.