Group Policy Client (gpsvc) Service Defaults in Windows 8

The service is responsible for applying settings configured by administrators for the computer and users through the Group Policy component. If the service is disabled, the settings will not be applied and applications and components will not be manageable through Group Policy. Any components or applications that depend on the Group Policy component might not be functional if the service is disabled.

Default Settings

Startup type: Automatic
Display name:Group Policy Client
Service name:gpsvc
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Group:ProfSvc_Group
Object:LocalSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs
File:%SystemRoot%\System32\gpsvc.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\gpsvc
Privileges:
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege
  • SeTcbPrivilege
  • SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege
  • SeIncreaseQuotaPrivilege
  • SeAssignPrimaryTokenPrivilege
  • SeSecurityPrivilege
  • SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
  • SeCreatePermanentPrivilege
  • SeShutdownPrivilege
  • SeLoadDriverPrivilege
  • SeRestorePrivilege
  • SeBackupPrivilege
  • SeCreatePagefilePrivilege

Default Behavior

Group Policy Client is a Win32 service. In Windows 8 it is starting automatically during the operating system startup. Then the Group Policy Client service runs as LocalSystem in a process of svchost.exe, sharing it with other services. If Group Policy Client 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 gpsvc service hasn't been started.

Dependencies

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

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Group Policy Client

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Group Policy Client 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 commands below, paste them into the command window and press ENTER:

sc config gpsvc start= auto
sc start gpsvc

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The gpsvc service is using the gpsvc.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.