Software Bus Driver (swenum) Service Defaults in Windows 8

Plug and Play Software Device Enumerator by Microsoft Corporation.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Software Bus Driver
Service name:swenum
Service type:kernel
Error control:normal
Group:Extended Base
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\drivers\swenum.sys
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\swenum

Default Behavior

The Software Bus Driver service is a kernel device driver. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. If Software Bus Driver 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 swenum service hasn't been started.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Software Bus Driver

1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.

2. Copy the command below, paste it into the command window and press ENTER:

sc config swenum start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The swenum service is using the swenum.sys file that is located in the C:\Windows\System32\drivers directory. If the file is removed or corrupted, read this article to restore its original version from Windows 8 installation media.