Peer Networking Grouping (p2psvc) Service Defaults in Windows 8

Enables multi-party communication using Peer-to-Peer Grouping. If disabled, some applications, such as HomeGroup, may not function.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Peer Networking Grouping
Service name:p2psvc
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Object:NT AUTHORITY\LocalService
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k LocalServicePeerNet
File:%SystemRoot%\system32\p2psvc.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\p2psvc
Privileges:
  • SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
  • SeCreateGlobalPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege

Default Behavior

Peer Networking Grouping is a Win32 service. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. When the Peer Networking Grouping service is started, it runs as NT AUTHORITY\LocalService in a process of svchost.exe, sharing it with other services. If Peer Networking Grouping 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 p2psvc service hasn't been started.

Dependencies

Peer Networking Grouping can't start, if any service from the list below is disabled or not available:

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Peer Networking Grouping

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Peer Networking Grouping 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 p2psvc start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The p2psvc service is using the p2psvc.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.