Program Compatibility Assistant Service - Windows 8 Service
This service provides support for the Program Compatibility Assistant (PCA). PCA monitors programs installed and run by the user and detects known compatibility problems. If this service is stopped, PCA will not function properly.
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 | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Pro | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Enterprise | Manual | Manual | Manual |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Program Compatibility Assistant Service |
| Service name: | PcaSvc |
| Type: | share |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\svchost.exe -k LocalSystemNetworkRestricted |
| File: | %WinDir%\System32\pcasvc.dll |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
The Program Compatibility Assistant Service runs as LocalSystem in a shared process of svchost.exe. Other services might run in the same process. If Program Compatibility Assistant Service fails to start, the error is logged. Windows 8 startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the PcaSvc service has failed to start.
Dependencies
Program Compatibility Assistant Service won't start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is stopped or disabled.
Restore Default Startup Type of Program Compatibility Assistant Service
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 8 release and edition, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreProgramCompatibilityAssistantServiceWindows8.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 pcasvc.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.