CNG Service Defaults in Windows 8

Kernel Cryptography, Next Generation by Microsoft Corporation.

Default Settings

Startup type: Boot
Display name:CNG
Service name:CNG
Service type:kernel
Error control:critical
Group:Core
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\Drivers\cng.sys
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\CNG

Default Behavior

The CNG service is a kernel device driver. In Windows 8 it is being loaded by Boot Loader before Kernel initialization. If CNG fails to load or initialize, the error details should be automatically logged. Then Windows 8 is restarting the PC and attempting to use the Last Known Good configuration. If the Last Known Good configuration isn't working properly, Windows 8 startup ends with a Stop error. If you disable the CNG service, Windows 8 will fail to start.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of CNG

1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.

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

sc config CNG start= boot
sc start CNG

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The CNG service is using the cng.sys file that is located in the C:\Windows\System32\Drivers directory. If the file is removed or corrupted, read this article to restore its original version from Windows 8 installation media.