WINDOWS SERVICE
hidserv: Human Interface Device Service
Activates and maintains the use of hot buttons on keyboards, remote controls and other multimedia devices.
TECHNICAL SUMMARY
| Service name | hidserv |
|---|---|
| Display name | Human Interface Device Service |
| Runs from | C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe |
| Command line | svchost.exe -k LocalSystemNetworkRestricted -p |
| Runs as | LocalSystem |
| Verdict | Leave it alone |
| Microsoft, Windows Server 2016 guidance | No guidance |
Paths, signer and service account observed on Windows 11 build 26300 on 12 November 2026. Run the commands below to check your own PC.
Should you touch it?
Leave it aloneMicrosoft recommends keeping this service running, and its guidance for Windows 10 and 11 IoT Enterprise says reconfiguring it is not recommended. On the PC used for this page it was Manual, with a trigger registered, and running.
What PC Tweaker does with it
PC Tweaker does not change this service. No control in the catalogue stops it, disables it or edits its start type.
Check it yourself
See its state and start type
PowerShellGet-Service hidserv | Format-List Name, DisplayName, Status, StartType sc qc hidserv
Common questions
What does the hidserv service do?
Activates and maintains the use of hot buttons on keyboards, remote controls and other multimedia devices. It runs C:\Windows\System32\svchost.exe (svchost.exe -k LocalSystemNetworkRestricted -p) as LocalSystem.
Can I disable hidserv?
Leave it alone. Microsoft recommends keeping this service running, and its guidance for Windows 10 and 11 IoT Enterprise says reconfiguring it is not recommended. On the PC used for this page it was Manual, with a trigger registered, and running.
Do my keyboard and mouse need hidserv to work?
Microsoft's description covers hot buttons on keyboards, remote controls and other multimedia devices. It does not mention ordinary typing or pointer movement. If the extra buttons on a keyboard or remote stop responding, this is the service to check: Get-Service hidserv | Select-Object Status, StartType.
How do I check that it is the real service?
On Windows 11 build 26300 it is registered as svchost.exe -k LocalSystemNetworkRestricted -p, runs as LocalSystem and loads C:\Windows\system32\hidserv.dll, signed by Microsoft Windows. It has no dependencies.