Diagnostic Service Host (WdiServiceHost) startup type, default configuration, and information
Registry Name:
WdiServiceHost
Display Name:
Diagnostic Service Host
Description:
The Diagnostic Service Host is used by the Diagnostic Policy Service to host diagnostics that need to run in a Local Service context. If this service is stopped, any diagnostics that depend on it will no longer function.
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\wdi.dll
Dependencies:
The service depends on the following system components to function properly:
- None
System components that depend on this service to function properly:
- None
Log On As:
NT AUTHORITY\LocalService
Additional Information:
The Diagnostic Service Host (WdiServiceHost) is a Windows service that supports system diagnostics and troubleshooting by hosting and managing Windows Diagnostic Infrastructure (WDI) components. It helps detect, analyze, and resolve performance issues, crashes, or errors in the operating system by running diagnostic tasks in the background.
The service runs automatically when needed and typically operates without user intervention. While disabling it may prevent some diagnostic features from working, it generally has minimal impact on everyday usage. Most users can leave it enabled to allow Windows to automatically troubleshoot problems.
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.