WebClient Service Defaults in Windows 8
Enables Windows-based programs to create, access, and modify Internet-based files. If this service is stopped, these functions will not be available. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
Default Settings
| Startup type: | Manual |
| Display name: | WebClient |
| Service name: | WebClient |
| Service type: | share |
| Error control: | normal |
| Group: | NetworkProvider |
| Object: | NT AUTHORITY\LocalService |
| Path: | %SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k LocalService |
| File: | %SystemRoot%\System32\webclnt.dll |
| Registry key: | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WebClient |
| Privileges: |
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Default Behavior
WebClient is a Win32 service. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. When the WebClient service is started, it runs as NT AUTHORITY\LocalService in a process of svchost.exe, sharing it with other services. If WebClient 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 WebClient service hasn't been started.
Dependencies
WebClient can't start, if the WebDav Client Redirector Driver service is disabled or not available.
Restore Default Startup Configuration of WebClient
Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which WebClient 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 WebClient start= demand
3. Close the command window and restart the computer.
The WebClient service is using the webclnt.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.