Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider (swprv) Service Defaults in Windows 8

Manages software-based volume shadow copies taken by the Volume Shadow Copy service. If this service is stopped, software-based volume shadow copies cannot be managed. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider
Service name:swprv
Service type:own
Error control:normal
Object:LocalSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe -k swprv
File:%SystemRoot%\System32\swprv.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\swprv
Privileges:
  • SeBackupPrivilege
  • SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
  • SeCreateGlobalPrivilege
  • SeCreatePermanentPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege
  • SeManageVolumePrivilege
  • SeRestorePrivilege
  • SeIncreaseBasePriorityPrivilege
  • SeManageVolumePrivilege
  • SeRestorePrivilege
  • SeTcbPrivilege

Default Behavior

The Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider service is a Win32 program that can be started by the Service Controller and that obeys the service control protocol. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. When the Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider service is started, it runs as LocalSystem in its own process of svchost.exe. If Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider 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 swprv service hasn't been started.

Dependencies

Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider can't start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is disabled or not available.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider 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 swprv start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The swprv service is using the swprv.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.