Windows Color System (WcsPlugInService) Service Defaults in Windows 8

The WcsPlugInService service hosts third-party Windows Color System color device model and gamut map model plug-in modules. These plug-in modules are vendor-specific extensions to the Windows Color System baseline color device and gamut map models. Stopping or disabling the WcsPlugInService service will disable this extensibility feature, and the Windows Color System will use its baseline model processing rather than the vendor's desired processing. This might result in inaccurate color rendering.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Windows Color System
Service name:WcsPlugInService
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Object:NT AUTHORITY\LocalService
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k wcssvc
File:%SystemRoot%\System32\WcsPlugInService.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WcsPlugInService
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Default Behavior

Windows Color System is a Win32 service. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. When the Windows Color System service is started, it runs as NT AUTHORITY\LocalService in a process of svchost.exe, sharing it with other services. If Windows Color System 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 WcsPlugInService service hasn't been started.

Dependencies

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

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Windows Color System

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Windows Color System 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 WcsPlugInService start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The WcsPlugInService service is using the WcsPlugInService.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.