Group Policy Client - Windows Vista 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 stopped or 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 stopped or disabled.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 11, 7 and 8.
Startup Type
| Windows Vista edition | without SP | SP1 | SP2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Home Basic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Home Premium | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Business | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Ultimate | 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 starts as LocalSystem and runs in a shared process of svchost.exe. If Group Policy Client fails to start, the error is recorded into the Event Log. Windows Vista startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the gpsvc service has failed to start.
Dependencies
The Group Policy Client service won't start, if the following system components are stopped or disabled:
Restore Default Startup Type of Group Policy Client
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows Vista edition and Service Pack, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreGroupPolicyClientWindowsVista.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 to save changes.
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 Vista installation media.