Microsoft Watchdog Timer Driver (Wd) Service Defaults in Windows 8

Microsoft Watchdog Timer Driver by Microsoft Corporation.

The Microsoft Watchdog Timer Driver service exists only in:

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Microsoft Watchdog Timer Driver
Service name:Wd
Service type:kernel
Error control:normal
Path:%SystemRoot%\System32\drivers\wd.sys
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Wd

Default Behavior

The Microsoft Watchdog Timer Driver service is a kernel device driver. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. If Microsoft Watchdog Timer 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 Wd service hasn't been started.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Microsoft Watchdog Timer 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 Wd start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The Wd service is using the wd.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.