Program Compatibility Assistant Service - Windows 10 Service
This service provides support for the Program Compatibility Assistant (PCA). PCA monitors programs installed and run by the user and detects known compatibility problems. If this service is stopped, PCA will not function properly.
This service also exists in Windows 11, 8 and Vista.
Startup Type
| Windows 10 version | Home | Pro | Education | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1507 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1511 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1607 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1703 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1709 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1803 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1809 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1903 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1909 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 2004 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 20H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 21H1 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 21H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 22H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Program Compatibility Assistant Service |
| Service name: | PcaSvc |
| Type: | share |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\svchost.exe -k LocalSystemNetworkRestricted -p |
| File: | %WinDir%\System32\pcasvc.dll |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
The Program Compatibility Assistant Service is running as LocalSystem in a shared process of svchost.exe. Other services might run in the same process. If Program Compatibility Assistant Service fails to start, the error is logged. Windows 10 startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the PcaSvc service has failed to start.
Dependencies
Program Compatibility Assistant Service is unable to start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is stopped or disabled.
Restore Default Startup Type of Program Compatibility Assistant Service
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 10 edition and release, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreProgramCompatibilityAssistantServiceWindows10.bat file to any folder on your hard drive.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Run as administrator.
4. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the pcasvc.dll file exists in the %WinDir%\System32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows 10 installation media.