Microsoft Hardware Error Device Driver (ErrDev) Service Defaults in Windows 8

Error Device Driver by Microsoft Corporation.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Microsoft Hardware Error Device Driver
Service name:ErrDev
Service type:kernel
Error control:normal
Group:Extended Base
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\drivers\errdev.sys
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ErrDev

Default Behavior

The Microsoft Hardware Error Device Driver service is a kernel device driver. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. If Microsoft Hardware Error Device Driver 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 ErrDev service hasn't been started.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Microsoft Hardware Error Device Driver

1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.

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

sc config ErrDev start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The ErrDev service is using the errdev.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.