File System Dependency Minifilter - Windows 11 Service
This minifilter tracks the dependencies associated with the various nested volumes/filesystems.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 7 and 8.
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: | File System Dependency Minifilter |
| Service name: | FsDepends |
| Type: | filesys |
| Path: | %WinDir%\System32\drivers\FsDepends.sys |
| Error control: | critical |
| Group: | FSFilter Top |
Default Behavior
The File System Dependency Minifilter service is a file system driver. If File System Dependency Minifilter fails to load or initialize, the error is logged and the computer attempts to restart, using the Last Known Good configuration. If the Last Known Good configuration fails, Windows 11 startup also fails, and the boot process halts with a Stop error. If you disable this service, Windows 11 will fail to start. Do NOT change this service startup configuration if your computer is working.
Dependencies
File System Dependency Minifilter is unable to start, if the FltMgr service is stopped or disabled.
Restore Default Startup Type for File System Dependency Minifilter
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 11 edition and release, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreFileSystemDependencyMinifilterWindows11.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 FsDepends.sys file exists in the %WinDir%\System32\drivers folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows 11 installation media.