batcmd.com Windows 8 Services

Hardware Policy Driver - Windows 8 Service

Contains Processor and other policies.

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 Boot Boot Boot
Pro Boot Boot Boot
Enterprise Boot Boot Boot

Default Properties

Display name:Hardware Policy Driver
Service name:hwpolicy
Type:kernel
Path:%WinDir%\System32\drivers\hwpolicy.sys
Error control:ignore

Default Behavior

The Hardware Policy Driver service is a kernel mode driver. If Hardware Policy Driver fails to load or initialize, Windows 8 start up proceeds. No warning is displayed, but the error is recorded into the Event Log.

Restore Default Startup Type of Hardware Policy Driver

Automated Restore

1. Select your Windows 8 release and edition, and then click on the Download button below.

2. Save the RestoreHardwarePolicyDriverWindows8.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 hwpolicy.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.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.