Device Setup Manager (DsmSvc) Service Defaults in Windows 8

Enables the detection, download and installation of device-related software. If this service is disabled, devices may be configured with outdated software, and may not work correctly.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Device Setup Manager
Service name:DsmSvc
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Object:LocalSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs
File:%SystemRoot%\System32\DeviceSetupManager.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\DsmSvc
Privileges:
  • SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege
  • SeAuditPrivilege
  • SeTcbPrivilege
  • SeCreatePermanentPrivilege
  • SeAssignPrimaryTokenPrivilege

Default Behavior

Device Setup Manager is a Win32 service. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. When the Device Setup Manager service is started, it runs as LocalSystem in a process of svchost.exe, sharing it with other services. If Device Setup Manager 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 DsmSvc service hasn't been started.

Dependencies

Device Setup Manager can't start, if any service from the list below is disabled or not available:

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Device Setup Manager

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Device Setup Manager 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 DsmSvc start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The DsmSvc service is using the DeviceSetupManager.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.