Windows Installer (msiserver) Service Defaults in Windows 8

Adds, modifies, and removes applications provided as a Windows Installer (*.msi, *.msp) package. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Windows Installer
Service name:msiserver
Service type:own
Error control:normal
Object:LocalSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\msiexec.exe /V
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\msiserver
Privileges:
  • SeTcbPrivilege
  • SeCreatePagefilePrivilege
  • SeLockMemoryPrivilege
  • SeIncreaseBasePriorityPrivilege
  • SeCreatePermanentPrivilege
  • SeAuditPrivilege
  • SeSecurityPrivilege
  • SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
  • SeProfileSingleProcessPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege
  • SeCreateGlobalPrivilege
  • SeAssignPrimaryTokenPrivilege
  • SeRestorePrivilege
  • SeIncreaseQuotaPrivilege
  • SeShutdownPrivilege
  • SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege
  • SeLoadDriverPrivilege
  • SeBackupPrivilege
  • SeCreateSymbolicLinkPrivilege

Default Behavior

The Windows Installer service is a Win32 program that can be started by the Service Controller and that obeys the service control protocol. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. When the Windows Installer service is started, it runs as LocalSystem in its own process of msiexec.exe. If Windows Installer 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 msiserver service hasn't been started.

Dependencies

Windows Installer can't start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is disabled or not available.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Windows Installer

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Windows Installer 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 command below, paste it into the command window and press ENTER:

sc config msiserver start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The msiserver service is using the msiexec.exe 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.