File System Dependency Minifilter - Windows 8 Service
This minifilter tracks the dependencies associated with the various nested volumes/filesystems.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 11 and 7.
Startup Type
| Windows 8 edition | Windows 8 | Windows 8.1 | Windows 8.1 Update 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Pro | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Enterprise | 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 8 startup also fails, and the boot process halts with a Stop error. If you disable this service, Windows 8 will fail to start. Do NOT change this service startup configuration if your computer is working.
Dependencies
File System Dependency Minifilter won't start, if the FltMgr service is stopped or disabled.
Restore Default Startup Type of File System Dependency Minifilter
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 8 release and edition, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreFileSystemDependencyMinifilterWindows8.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 FsDepends.sys file exists in the %WinDir%\System32\drivers folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows 8 installation media.