DCOM Server Process Launcher (DcomLaunch) Service Defaults in Windows 8
The DCOMLAUNCH service launches COM and DCOM servers in response to object activation requests. If this service is stopped or disabled, programs using COM or DCOM will not function properly. It is strongly recommended that you have the DCOMLAUNCH service running.
Default Settings
| Startup type: | Automatic |
| Display name: | DCOM Server Process Launcher |
| Service name: | DcomLaunch |
| Service type: | share |
| Error control: | normal |
| Group: | COM Infrastructure |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
| Path: | %SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k DcomLaunch |
| File: | %SystemRoot%\system32\rpcss.dll |
| Registry key: | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\DcomLaunch |
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
DCOM Server Process Launcher is a Win32 service. In Windows 8 it is starting automatically during the operating system startup. Then the DCOM Server Process Launcher service runs as LocalSystem in a process of svchost.exe, sharing it with other services. If DCOM Server Process Launcher 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 DcomLaunch service hasn't been started.
Dependencies
All the services listed below will not start if DCOM Server Process Launcher is disabled:
- ActiveX Installer (AxInstSV)
- Application Identity
- Application Information
- Background Intelligent Transfer Service
- Background Tasks Infrastructure Service
- Base Filtering Engine
- Bluetooth Support Service
- Certificate Propagation
- CNG Key Isolation
- COM+ Event System
- COM+ System Application
- Computer Browser
- Credential Manager
- Cryptographic Services
- Device Setup Manager
- DHCP Client
- Distributed Link Tracking Client
- Distributed Transaction Coordinator
- DNS Client
- Encrypting File System (EFS)
- Extensible Authentication Protocol
- Family Safety
- Fax
- File History Service
- Function Discovery Provider Host
- Function Discovery Resource Publication
- Group Policy Client
- Health Key and Certificate Management
- HomeGroup Provider
- IKE and AuthIP IPsec Keying Modules
- Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
- IP Helper
- IPsec Policy Agent
- KtmRm for Distributed Transaction Coordinator
- Link-Layer Topology Discovery Mapper
- Local Session Manager
- Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant
- Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider
- Netlogon
- Network Access Protection Agent
- Network Connected Devices Auto-Setup
- Network Connections
- Network Connectivity Assistant
- Network List Service
- Network Location Awareness
- Network Store Interface Service
- Optimize drives
- Performance Logs & Alerts
- Portable Device Enumerator Service
- Printer Extensions and Notifications
- Print Spooler
- Program Compatibility Assistant Service
- Quality Windows Audio Video Experience
- Remote Access Auto Connection Manager
- Remote Access Connection Manager
- Remote Desktop Configuration
- Remote Desktop Services
- Remote Desktop Services UserMode Port Redirector
- Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
- Remote Registry
- Routing and Remote Access
- Security Accounts Manager
- Security Center
- Server
- Shell Hardware Detection
- Smart Card Removal Policy
- Software Protection
- Still Image Acquisition Events
- Superfetch
- System Event Notification Service
- Task Scheduler
- Telephony
- Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service
- User Profile Service
- Virtual Disk
- Volume Shadow Copy
- Windows All-User Install Agent
- Windows Audio
- Windows Backup
- Windows Biometric Service
- Windows Color System
- Windows Connection Manager
- Windows Connect Now - Config Registrar
- Windows Defender Service
- Windows Firewall
- Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)
- Windows Installer
- Windows Management Instrumentation
- Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service
- Windows Remote Management (WS-Management)
- Windows Search
- Windows Store Service (WSService)
- Windows Update
- WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service
- Wired AutoConfig
- WLAN AutoConfig
- Workstation
- WWAN AutoConfig
Restore Default Startup Configuration of DCOM Server Process Launcher
1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Copy the commands below, paste them into the command window and press ENTER:
sc config DcomLaunch start= auto
sc start DcomLaunch
3. Close the command window and restart the computer.
The DcomLaunch service is using the rpcss.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.