User Profile Service (ProfSvc) Defaults in Windows 8

This service is responsible for loading and unloading user profiles. If this service is stopped or disabled, users will no longer be able to successfully sign in or sign out, apps might have problems getting to users' data, and components registered to receive profile event notifications won't receive them.

Default Settings

Startup type: Automatic
Display name:User Profile Service
Service name:ProfSvc
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Group:profsvc_group
Object:LocalSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs
File:%SystemRoot%\system32\profsvc.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\ProfSvc
Privileges:
  • SeBackupPrivilege
  • SeRestorePrivilege
  • SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege
  • SeDebugPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege
  • SeAssignPrimaryTokenPrivilege

Default Behavior

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

Dependencies

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

If User Profile Service is disabled, the Application Information service will not be started and initialized.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of User Profile Service

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which User Profile Service 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 ProfSvc start= auto
sc start ProfSvc

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The ProfSvc service is using the profsvc.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.