Printer Extensions and Notifications (PrintNotify) Service Defaults in Windows 8
This service opens custom printer dialog boxes and handles notifications from a remote print server or a printer. If you turn off this service, you won't be able to see printer extensions or notifications.
Default Settings
| Startup type: | Manual |
| Display name: | Printer Extensions and Notifications |
| Service name: | PrintNotify |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
| Path: | %SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k print |
| File: | %SystemRoot%\system32\spool\drivers\W32X86\3\PrintConfig.dll |
| Registry key: | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\PrintNotify |
Default Behavior
In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. If Printer Extensions and Notifications 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 PrintNotify service hasn't been started.
Dependencies
Printer Extensions and Notifications can't start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is disabled or not available.
Restore Default Startup Configuration of Printer Extensions and Notifications
Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Printer Extensions and Notifications 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 PrintNotify start= demand
3. Close the command window and restart the computer.
The PrintNotify service is using the PrintConfig.dll file that is located in the C:\Windows\system32\spool\drivers\W32X86\3 directory. If the file is removed or corrupted, read this article to restore its original version from Windows 8 installation media.