Missing WebClient Service on Windows Server 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2016

Missing WebClient Service on Windows Server 2016 and 2012

In this post, we will learn how to Install Desktop Experience Feature to solve “Missing WebClient Service” issue In Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2016.

Start Webclient Service in SharePoint Server

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Missing WebClient Service on Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2016


In SharePoint 2016, I cannot save document back into a document library and to solve this issue, I should make sure that the “WebClient” service is started and running properly in Windows Services list, but in my case, I couldn’t find “WebClient” service listed in the Windows Service.

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Missing WebClient Service on Windows Server 2012

In Windows Server 2012, the “Missing WebClient Service” issue usually occurs because of the Desktop Experience feature is not installed.

add desktop experience features in windows server

Missing WebClient Service on Windows Server 2016

In Windows Server 2016, there is no “Desktop Experience feature“, so you should instead Install WebDAV Redirector Feature to solve the “Missing WebClient Service” issue.

Missing WebClient Service on Windows Server 2016

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Install Desktop Experience Windows Server 2012

To solve “Missing WebClient Service on Windows Server 2012“, you must first install Desktop Experience feature on Windows Server 2012.

Add Roles and Features on Windows Server

  • Open Server Manager.
  • From the above menu, click on “Manage”.
  • Select “Add Roles and Features”.
add server role and features in windows server

Install Desktop Experience Feature on Windows Server 2012

  • Follow the “Add Roles and Features Wizard” to reach the “Features” section.
  • Below “User Interfaces and Infrastructure“, Check “Desktop Experience” then click Next.
Install Desktop Experience Feature on Windows Server 2012
  • Wait a moment till the Desktop Experience feature installation is done.
  • Click Close.
Install desktop experience server 2016
  • Now, you may need to restart the server to reflect the feature installation (Mainly depends on the Server Manager Warning).

Start WebClient Service on Windows Server 2012

  • Go back to open Windows Services List.
  • Click Windows Button + R to open the Run dialog.
  • Type the below to open Windows Services.
Services.msc
Run Services in Windows Server
  • You could find WebClient Service listed in Windows Services now.
start webclient service in windows server

Install Desktop Experience Windows Server 2016

To solve “Missing WebClient Service on Windows Server 2016“, you must first install WebDAV Redirector Feature.

In Windows Server 2016, the WebDAV Redirector Feature enables Windows-Based programs to create, access, and modify Internet-Based files.

Add Roles and Features on Windows Server 2016

  • Open Server Manager.
  • From the above menu, click on “Manage”.
  • Select “Add Roles and Features”.
add server role and features in windows server

Missing Desktop Experience Feature on Windows Server 2016

As we earlier mentioned, in Windows Server 2016, there is no “Desktop Experience feature“, so you should instead Install WebDAV Redirector Feature to solve the “Missing WebClient Service” issue.

Install WebDAV Redirector Feature on Windows Server 2016

  • Follow the “Add Roles and Features Wizard” to reach the “Features” section.
  • Check “WebDAV Redirector” then click Next.
Missing WebClient Service on Windows Server 2016
  • Wait a moment till the WebDAV Redirector feature installation is done.
  • Click Close.
  • Now, you may need to restart the server to reflect the feature installation (Mainly depends on the Server Manager Warning).

Start WebClient Service on Windows Server 2016

  • Go back to open Windows Services List.
  • Click Windows Button + R to open the Run dialog.
  • Type the below to open Windows Services.
Services.msc
Run Services in Windows Server
  • You could find WebClient Service listed in Windows Services now.
start webclient service in windows server

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have installed Desktop Experience feature to solve “Missing WebClient Service on Windows Server 2012“.

Additionally, we have solved “Missing WebClient Service on Windows Server 2016” by installing WebDAV Redirector feature.

Applies To
  • Windows Server 2016.
  • Windows Server 2012.
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