Fax Service Defaults in Windows 8

Enables you to send and receive faxes, utilizing fax resources available on your computer or on the network.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Fax
Service name:Fax
Service type:own
Error control:normal
Object:NT AUTHORITY\NetworkService
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\fxssvc.exe
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Fax
Privileges:
  • SeAssignPrimaryTokenPrivilege
  • SeAuditPrivilege
  • SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
  • SeCreateGlobalPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege
  • SeIncreaseQuotaPrivilege

Default Behavior

The Fax 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 Fax service is started, it runs as NT AUTHORITY\NetworkService in its own process of fxssvc.exe. If Fax 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 Fax service hasn't been started.

Dependencies

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

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Fax

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

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The Fax service is using the fxssvc.exe 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.