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.