batcmd.com Windows 8 Services

Themes - Windows 8 Service

Provides user experience theme management.

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:Themes
Service name:Themes
Type:share
Path:%WinDir%\System32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs
File:%WinDir%\system32\themeservice.dll
Error control:normal
Group:ProfSvc_Group
Object:LocalSystem
Privileges:
  • SeAssignPrimaryTokenPrivilege
  • SeDebugPrivilege
  • SeImpersonatePrivilege

Default Behavior

The Themes service runs as LocalSystem in a shared process of svchost.exe. Other services might run in the same process. If Themes fails to start, the error is logged. Windows 8 startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the Themes service has failed to start.

Restore Default Startup Type of Themes

Automated Restore

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

2. Save the RestoreThemesWindows8.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 themeservice.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.

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.