Smart Card Removal Policy (SCPolicySvc) Service Defaults in Windows 8

Allows the system to be configured to lock the user desktop upon smart card removal.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Smart Card Removal Policy
Service name:SCPolicySvc
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Object:LocalSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs
File:%SystemRoot%\System32\certprop.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SCPolicySvc
Privileges:
  • SeCreateGlobalPrivilege
  • SeTcbPrivilege
  • SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege

Default Behavior

Smart Card Removal Policy is a Win32 service. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. When the Smart Card Removal Policy service is started, it runs as LocalSystem in a process of svchost.exe, sharing it with other services. If Smart Card Removal Policy 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 SCPolicySvc service hasn't been started.

Dependencies

Smart Card Removal Policy can't start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is disabled or not available.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Smart Card Removal Policy

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Smart Card Removal Policy 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 SCPolicySvc start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The SCPolicySvc service is using the certprop.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.