The WebClient (WebClient) service enables Win32 applications to access documents on the Internet. The service extends the network capability of the Windows operating system by allowing standard Win32 applications to create, read, and write files on Internet file servers through the use of WebDAV (a file-access protocol that is described in XML and uses HTTP for communication). Because it uses standard HTTP, WebDAV communicates by using an existing Internet infrastructure, such as firewalls and routers.

This service is installed by default in Windows 7, and its startup type is Manual.

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

The WebClient service is dependent upon the following system components:

• WebDav Client Redirector Driver
• Redirected Buffering Sub System
• Mup