What is "WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service" in my Windows 7 service list? And how is "WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service" service related to winhttp.dll?

"WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service" is a Windows 7 service that "WinHTTP implements the client HTTP stack and provides developers with a Win32 API and COM Automation component for sending HTTP requests and receiving responses. In addition, WinHTTP provides support for auto-discovering a proxy configuration via its implementation of the Web Proxy Auto-Discovery (WPAD) protocol." "WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service" service is provided by winhttp.dll DLL file.

Detailed information on "WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service" service:

Service name: WinHttpAutoProxySvc
Display name: WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service
Execution command: C:\Windows\system32\svchost.exe -k LocalService
Start type: Manual
Service status: Started
Dependencies:
   DHCP Client

"WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service" service is provided by a DLL file called: winhttp.dll:

Name: winhttp.dll
Location: C:\Windows\System32\winhttp.dll
Description: Windows HTTP Services
File version: 6.1.7601.17514
Size: 343 KB (351,232 bytes)
Modified: Saturday, November 20, 2010, 7:21:36 AM

Disabling "WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service" service may cause issues when running Windows 7 system.

⇒ 'svchost.exe -k LocalServiceAndNoImpersonation" Services on Windows 7

⇐ "Windows Time - W32Time.dll" Service on Windows 7

⇑ 'svchost.exe -k LocalService' Services on Windows 7

⇑⇑ Windows 7 Services Tutorials