Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service (WMPNetworkSvc) Defaults in Windows 8

Shares Windows Media Player libraries to other networked players and media devices using Universal Plug and Play.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service
Service name:WMPNetworkSvc
Service type:own
Error control:normal
Object:NT AUTHORITY\NetworkService
Path:%ProgramFiles%\Windows Media Player\wmpnetwk.exe
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WMPNetworkSvc
Privileges:
  • SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
  • SeCreateGlobalPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege

Default Behavior

The Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service is a Win32 program that can be started by the Service Controller and that obeys the service control protocol. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. When the Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service is started, it runs as NT AUTHORITY\NetworkService in its own process of wmpnetwk.exe. If Windows Media Player Network Sharing 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 WMPNetworkSvc service hasn't been started.

Dependencies

Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service can't start, if any service from the list below is disabled or not available:

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Windows Media Player Network Sharing 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 WMPNetworkSvc start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The WMPNetworkSvc service is using the wmpnetwk.exe file that is located in the %ProgramFiles%\Windows Media Player directory. If the file is removed or corrupted, read this article to restore its original version from Windows 8 installation media.