Microsoft Hyper-V Generation Counter (gencounter) Service Defaults in Windows 8
Virtual Machine Generation Counter by Microsoft Corporation.
Default Settings
| Startup type: | Manual |
| Display name: | Microsoft Hyper-V Generation Counter |
| Service name: | gencounter |
| Service type: | kernel |
| Error control: | normal |
| Path: | %SystemRoot%\System32\drivers\vmgencounter.sys |
| Registry key: | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\gencounter |
Default Behavior
The Microsoft Hyper-V Generation Counter service is a kernel device driver. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. If Microsoft Hyper-V Generation Counter 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 gencounter service hasn't been started.
Restore Default Startup Configuration of Microsoft Hyper-V Generation Counter
1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Copy the command below, paste it into the command window and press ENTER:
sc config gencounter start= demand
3. Close the command window and restart the computer.
The gencounter service is using the vmgencounter.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.