WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service (WinHttpAutoProxySvc) Defaults in Windows 8
WinHTTP implements the client HTTP stack and provides developers with a Win32 API and COM Automation component for sending HTTP requests and receiving responses. In addition, WinHTTP provides support for auto-discovering a proxy configuration via its implementation of the Web Proxy Auto-Discovery (WPAD) protocol.
Default Settings
| Startup type: | Manual |
| Display name: | WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service |
| Service name: | WinHttpAutoProxySvc |
| Service type: | share |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | NT AUTHORITY\LocalService |
| Path: | %SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k LocalService |
| File: | %SystemRoot%\system32\winhttp.dll |
| Registry key: | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WinHttpAutoProxySvc |
| Privileges: |
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Default Behavior
WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service is a Win32 service. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. When the WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service is started, it runs as NT AUTHORITY\LocalService in a process of svchost.exe, sharing it with other services. If WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service 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 WinHttpAutoProxySvc service hasn't been started.
Dependencies
WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service can't start, if the DHCP Client service is disabled or not available.
Restore Default Startup Configuration of WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service
Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service 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 WinHttpAutoProxySvc start= demand
3. Close the command window and restart the computer.
The WinHttpAutoProxySvc service is using the winhttp.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.