Optimize drives (defragsvc) Service Defaults in Windows 8

Helps the computer run more efficiently by optimizing files on storage drives.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Optimize drives
Service name:defragsvc
Service type:own
Error control:normal
Object:localSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k defragsvc
File:%SystemRoot%\System32\defragsvc.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\defragsvc
Privileges:
  • SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege
  • SeIncreaseWorkingSetPrivilege
  • SeTcbPrivilege
  • SeSystemProfilePrivilege
  • SeAuditPrivilege
  • SeCreateGlobalPrivilege
  • SeBackupPrivilege
  • SeManageVolumePrivilege

Default Behavior

The Optimize drives service is a Win32 program that can be started by the Service Controller and that obeys the service control protocol. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. When the Optimize drives service is started, it runs as localSystem in its own process of svchost.exe. If Optimize drives 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 defragsvc service hasn't been started.

Dependencies

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

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Optimize drives

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Optimize drives 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 defragsvc start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The defragsvc service is using the defragsvc.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.