DCOM Server Process Launcher - Windows 8 Service
The DCOMLAUNCH service launches COM and DCOM servers in response to object activation requests. If this service is stopped or disabled, programs using COM or DCOM will not function properly. It is strongly recommended that you have the DCOMLAUNCH service running.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 11, 7, Vista and XP.
Startup Type
| Windows 8 edition | Windows 8 | Windows 8.1 | Windows 8.1 Update 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Pro | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Enterprise | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
Default Properties
| Display name: | DCOM Server Process Launcher |
| Service name: | DcomLaunch |
| Type: | share |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\svchost.exe -k DcomLaunch |
| File: | %WinDir%\system32\rpcss.dll |
| Error control: | normal |
| Group: | COM Infrastructure |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
The DCOM Server Process Launcher service runs as LocalSystem in a shared process of svchost.exe. Other services might run in the same process. If DCOM Server Process Launcher fails to start, the error is logged. Windows 8 startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the DcomLaunch service has failed to start.
Dependencies
The following services are unable to start if DCOM Server Process Launcher is stopped:
- ActiveX Installer (AxInstSV)
- Application Identity
- Application Information
- Background Intelligent Transfer Service
- Background Tasks Infrastructure Service
- Base Filtering Engine
- Bluetooth Support Service
- Certificate Propagation
- CNG Key Isolation
- COM+ Event System
- COM+ System Application
- Computer Browser
- Credential Manager
- Cryptographic Services
- Device Setup Manager
- DHCP Client
- Distributed Link Tracking Client
- Distributed Transaction Coordinator
- DNS Client
- Encrypting File System (EFS)
- Extensible Authentication Protocol
- Family Safety
- Fax
- File History Service
- Function Discovery Provider Host
- Function Discovery Resource Publication
- Group Policy Client
- Health Key and Certificate Management
- HomeGroup Provider
- IKE and AuthIP IPsec Keying Modules
- Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)
- IP Helper
- IPsec Policy Agent
- KtmRm for Distributed Transaction Coordinator
- Link-Layer Topology Discovery Mapper
- Local Session Manager
- Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant
- Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider
- Netlogon
- Network Access Protection Agent
- Network Connected Devices Auto-Setup
- Network Connections
- Network Connectivity Assistant
- Network List Service
- Network Location Awareness
- Network Store Interface Service
- Optimize drives
- Performance Logs & Alerts
- Portable Device Enumerator Service
- Printer Extensions and Notifications
- Print Spooler
- Program Compatibility Assistant Service
- Quality Windows Audio Video Experience
- Remote Access Auto Connection Manager
- Remote Access Connection Manager
- Remote Desktop Configuration
- Remote Desktop Services
- Remote Desktop Services UserMode Port Redirector
- Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
- Remote Registry
- Routing and Remote Access
- Security Accounts Manager
- Security Center
- Server
- Shell Hardware Detection
- Smart Card Removal Policy
- Software Protection
- Still Image Acquisition Events
- Superfetch
- System Event Notification Service
- Task Scheduler
- Telephony
- Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service
- User Profile Service
- Virtual Disk
- Volume Shadow Copy
- Windows All-User Install Agent
- Windows Audio
- Windows Backup
- Windows Biometric Service
- Windows Color System
- Windows Connection Manager
- Windows Connect Now - Config Registrar
- Windows Defender Service
- Windows Firewall
- Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)
- Windows Installer
- Windows Management Instrumentation
- Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service
- Windows Remote Management (WS-Management)
- Windows Search
- Windows Store Service (WSService)
- Windows Update
- WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service
- Wired AutoConfig
- WLAN AutoConfig
- Workstation
- WWAN AutoConfig
Restore Default Startup Type of DCOM Server Process Launcher
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 8 release and edition, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreDCOMServerProcessLauncherWindows8.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.
Note. Make sure that the rpcss.dll file exists in the %WinDir%\system32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows 8 installation media.