Plug and Play - Windows XP Service
Enables a computer to recognize and adapt to hardware changes with little or no user input. Stopping or disabling this service will result in system instability.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 11, 7, 8 and Vista.
Startup Type
| Windows XP edition | without SP | SP1 | SP2 | SP3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Professional | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Plug and Play |
| Service name: | PlugPlay |
| Type: | share |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\services.exe |
| Error control: | normal |
| Group: | PlugPlay |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
Default Behavior
The Plug and Play service runs as LocalSystem in a shared process. It shares the executable file with other services. If the Plug and Play fails to load or initialize, the error is recorded into the Event Log. Windows XP startup should proceed, but a message box is displayed informing you that the PlugPlay service has failed to start.
Dependencies
If the Plug and Play is stopped, the following services will not start and initialize:
- Logical Disk Manager
- Logical Disk Manager Administrative Service
- Messenger
- Smart Card
- Telephony
- Windows Audio
Restore Default Startup Type of Plug and Play
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows XP edition and Service Pack, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestorePlugandPlayWindowsXP.bat file to any folder on your hard drive.
3. Run the downloaded batch file.
4. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the services.exe file exists in the %WinDir%\system32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows XP installation media.