The IKEEXT service hosts the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) and Authenticated Internet Protocol (AuthIP) keying modules. These keying modules are used for authentication and key exchange in Internet Protocol security (IPsec). Stopping or disabling the IKEEXT service will disable IKE and AuthIP key exchange with peer computers. IPsec is typically configured to use IKE or AuthIP; therefore, stopping or disabling the IKEEXT service might result in an IPsec failure and might compromise the security of the system. It is strongly recommended that you have the IKEEXT service running.
If you use an external hardware firewall/gateway/router between your computer and the internet, do not use IPsec (VPN tunneling, etc) and Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), then this service and the following group of services can be disabled:
I highly recommend that you do not disable the Windows Firewall, but the services listed above are all involved with each other.
Default Vista Home Basic: Automatic (Started)
Default Vista Home Premium: Automatic (Started)
Default Vista Business: Automatic (Started)
Default Vista Ultimate: Automatic (Started)
Safe Setting: Automatic
Service Name (registry): IKEEXT
Display Name: IKE and AuthIP IPsec Keying Modules
C:\Windows\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Account: Local System Account
What service IKE and AuthIP IPsec Keying Modules needs to function properly:
What other service require IKE and AuthIP IPsec Keying Modules to function properly:
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Windows Service Configurations!
Includes explanations of each service and advice on which services you can safely disable.