Microsoft Infrared HID Driver (HidIr) Service Defaults in Windows 8

Infrared Miniport Driver for Input Devices by Microsoft Corporation.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Microsoft Infrared HID Driver
Service name:HidIr
Service type:kernel
Error control:ignore
Group:extended base
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\drivers\hidir.sys
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\HidIr

Default Behavior

The Microsoft Infrared HID Driver service is a kernel device driver. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. If Microsoft Infrared HID Driver fails to load or initialize, Windows 8 startup proceeds. The error details should be added to Event Log without notifying the user.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Microsoft Infrared HID 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 HidIr start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The HidIr service is using the hidir.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.