The SSDP Discovery (SSDPSRV) service discovers networks devices and services that use the simple service discovery protocol (SSDP), such as Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) devices. For example, the UPnP Device Host service uses SSDP to locate and identify UPnP-certified network devices and service. The SSDP Discovery service also announces SSDP devices and services that are running on the local computer.

The service is started only when the computer attempts to locate and configure UPnP-certified devices. If you disable this service, the computer is cannot find UPnP-certified devices on the network and the UPnP Device Host service cannot find and interact with UPnP-certified devices.

This service is installed by default in Windows 7, and its startup type is Manual. The service is installed by default in Windows Server 2008 R2, and its startup type is Disabled.

When the SSDP Discovery service is started in its default configuration, it logs on by using the Local Service account.

The SSDP Discovery service is dependent on the following system component:

• HTTP

The following system components are dependent on the SSDP Discovery service:

• Media Center Extender Service
• UPnP Device Host