Extensible Authentication Protocol - Windows 11 Service
The Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) service provides network authentication in such scenarios as 802.1x wired and wireless, VPN, and Network Access Protection (NAP). EAP also provides application programming interfaces (APIs) that are used by network access clients, including wireless and VPN clients, during the authentication process. If you disable this service, your computer is prevented from accessing networks that require EAP authentication.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 7, 8, Vista and XP.
Startup Type
| Windows 11 version | Home | Pro | Education | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 22H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 23H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 24H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Extensible Authentication Protocol |
| Service name: | EapHost |
| Type: | share |
| Path: | %WinDir%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs -p |
| File: | %WinDir%\System32\eapsvc.dll |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | localSystem |
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
The Extensible Authentication Protocol service is running as localSystem in a shared process of svchost.exe. Other services might run in the same process. If Extensible Authentication Protocol fails to start, the error is logged. Windows 11 startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the EapHost service has failed to start.
Dependencies
Extensible Authentication Protocol is unable to start, if at least one of the following services is stopped or disabled:
If Extensible Authentication Protocol is stopped, the Wired AutoConfig service fails to start and initialize.
Restore Default Startup Type for Extensible Authentication Protocol
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 11 edition and release, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreExtensibleAuthenticationProtocolWindows11.bat file to any folder on a local drive such as SSD or a hard disk.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Properties.
4. Check the Unblock checkbox and click OK.
5. Right-click the batch file again and select Run as administrator.
6. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the eapsvc.dll file exists in the %WinDir%\System32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows 11 installation media.