Local Session Manager (LSM) Service Defaults in Windows 8

Core Windows Service that manages local user sessions. Stopping or disabling this service will result in system instability.

Default Settings

Startup type: Automatic
Display name:Local Session Manager
Service name:LSM
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Group:COM Infrastructure
Object:LocalSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k DcomLaunch
File:%SystemRoot%\System32\lsm.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LSM

Default Behavior

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

Dependencies

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

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Local Session Manager

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Local Session Manager 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 LSM start= auto
sc start LSM

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The LSM service is using the lsm.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.