Group Policy Client - Windows 8 Service
The service is responsible for applying settings configured by administrators for the computer and users through the Group Policy component. If the service is disabled, the settings will not be applied and applications and components will not be manageable through Group Policy. Any components or applications that depend on the Group Policy component might not be functional if the service is disabled.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 11, 7 and Vista.
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: | Group Policy Client |
| Service name: | gpsvc |
| Type: | share |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs |
| File: | %WinDir%\System32\gpsvc.dll |
| Error control: | normal |
| Group: | ProfSvc_Group |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
The Group Policy Client service runs as LocalSystem in a shared process of svchost.exe. Other services might run in the same process. If Group Policy Client fails to start, the error is logged. Windows 8 startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the gpsvc service has failed to start.
Dependencies
Group Policy Client won't start, if the following services are stopped or disabled:
Restore Default Startup Type of Group Policy Client
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 8 release and edition, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreGroupPolicyClientWindows8.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 gpsvc.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.