Portable Device Enumerator Service (WPDBusEnum) Defaults in Windows 8

Enforces group policy for removable mass-storage devices. Enables applications such as Windows Media Player and Image Import Wizard to transfer and synchronize content using removable mass-storage devices.

Default Settings

Startup type: Manual
Display name:Portable Device Enumerator Service
Service name:WPDBusEnum
Service type:share
Error control:normal
Object:LocalSystem
Path:%SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k LocalSystemNetworkRestricted
File:%SystemRoot%\system32\wpdbusenum.dll
Registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WPDBusEnum
Privileges:
  • SeAuditPrivilege
  • SeChangeNotifyPrivilege
  • SeCreateGlobalPrivilege
  • SeCreatePermanentPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege

Default Behavior

Portable Device Enumerator Service is a Win32 service. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. When the Portable Device Enumerator Service is started, it runs as LocalSystem in a process of svchost.exe, sharing it with other services. If Portable Device Enumerator 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 WPDBusEnum service hasn't been started.

Dependencies

Portable Device Enumerator Service can't start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is disabled or not available.

Restore Default Startup Configuration of Portable Device Enumerator Service

Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Portable Device Enumerator 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 WPDBusEnum start= demand

3. Close the command window and restart the computer.

The WPDBusEnum service is using the wpdbusenum.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.