Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant (wlidsvc) Service Defaults in Windows 8

Enables user sign-in through Microsoft account identity services. If this service is stopped, users will not be able to logon to the computer with their Microsoft account.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant
Service name:wlidsvc
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Object:LocalSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs
File:%SystemRoot%\system32\wlidsvc.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wlidsvc
Privileges:
  • SeCreateGlobalPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege
  • SeTcbPrivilege
  • SeAssignPrimaryTokenPrivilege
  • SeIncreaseQuotaPrivilege

Default Behavior

Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant is a Win32 service. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. When the Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant service is started, it runs as LocalSystem in a process of svchost.exe, sharing it with other services. If Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant 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 wlidsvc service hasn't been started.

Dependencies

Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant can't start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is disabled or not available.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant 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 wlidsvc start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The wlidsvc service is using the wlidsvc.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.