Credential Manager (VaultSvc) Service Defaults in Windows 8

Provides secure storage and retrieval of credentials to users, applications and security service packages.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Credential Manager
Service name:VaultSvc
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Object:LocalSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\lsass.exe
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\VaultSvc
Privileges:
  • SeTcbPrivilege
  • SeTakeOwnershipPrivilege

Default Behavior

Credential Manager is a Win32 service. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. When the Credential Manager service is started, it runs as LocalSystem in a process of lsass.exe, sharing it with other services. If Credential Manager 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 VaultSvc service hasn't been started.

Dependencies

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

If Credential Manager is disabled, the Windows Biometric Service will not be started and initialized.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Credential Manager

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Credential Manager 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 VaultSvc start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The VaultSvc service is using the lsass.exe 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.