CaptureService (CaptureService)CaptureService (CaptureService) startup type, default configuration, and information

 Registry Name:

CaptureService

 Display Name:

CaptureService

 Description:

Enables optional screen capture functionality for applications that call the Windows.Graphics.Capture API.

For more information, see the Additional Information section.

 Default Status:

Stopped

 Default Startup Type:

Manual

Learn more about the different startup types of Windows services in Microsoft Windows.

 Image Path:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe -k LocalService -p

  svchost.exe is a system process that hosts and manages Windows services running from DLL files rather than standalone executable files, allowing Windows to modularize and efficiently manage background tasks.

svchost.exe loads and runs Windows services, such as networking, Windows Update, audio, and many others. Multiple instances of svchost.exe can run simultaneously, each hosting different services. This helps with stability and security—if one service fails, it doesn't crash all services.

 DLL File Path:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\CaptureService.dll

 Dependencies:

The service depends on the following system components to function properly:

System components that depend on this service to function properly:

  • None

 Log On As:

NT AUTHORITY\LocalService

 Additional Information:

The CaptureService (CaptureService) manages screen and audio capture functionalities, primarily supporting features like game recording, screenshots, and screen sharing through tools such as the Xbox Game Bar, Windows + Alt + Print Screen shortcuts, and other screen-capture applications. It enables seamless recording and sharing of gameplay, video calls, or presentations by coordinating with system resources and graphics drivers.

Disabling the CaptureService Windows service may break screen capture or recording features in supported apps, though it has no impact on basic screen-capture methods like the Snipping Tool. Most users should leave it enabled if they use gaming or streaming features, while others can disable it if not needed. It consumes minimal resources when idle.

 Windows Service Startup Type:

In Microsoft Windows, Windows services can be configured with different startup types that determine how and when they are started:

  • Automatic: The service starts automatically when Windows boots.
  • Automatic (Delayed Start): The service starts automatically after the system has finished booting and initial services have started, helping improve startup performance.
  • Manual: The service does not start automatically. It must be started by a user or another process when needed.
  • Manual (Trigger Start): The service starts manually or in response to specific system events (triggers), such as device insertion or network changes.
  • Disabled: The service is prevented from starting, even if required by the system or an application.