Wired AutoConfig (dot3svc)Wired AutoConfig (dot3svc) startup type, default configuration, and information

 Registry Name:

dot3svc

 Display Name:

Wired AutoConfig

 Description:

The Wired AutoConfig (DOT3SVC) service is responsible for performing IEEE 802.1X authentication on Ethernet interfaces. If your current wired network deployment enforces 802.1X authentication, the DOT3SVC service should be configured to run for establishing Layer 2 connectivity and/or providing access to network resources. Wired networks that do not enforce 802.1X authentication are unaffected by the DOT3SVC service.

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 LocalSystemNetworkRestricted -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\dot3svc.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:

localSystem

 Additional Information:

The Wired AutoConfig (dot3svc) service is a core Windows service responsible for managing IEEE 802.1X authentication on wired Ethernet networks. It automates the configuration and authentication process for devices connecting to networks that require advanced security protocols, typically in enterprise environments.

 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.