Error: WinTab Service Not Available

The "Wintab service not available" error seen when launching ZBrush or ZBrushCore is triggered when a process responsible for relaying graphics tablet information to ZBrush has failed to do so.

• When ZBrush launches, it checks with Windows to see if a graphics tablet is connected to the computer. If Windows tells it that one is, ZBrush then asks for the Wintab service, which gives ZBrush the ability to use the tablet's advanced functions such as pressure sensitivity. This process is not a default component of Windows; it's installed by the drivers for your tablet.
• When ZBrush asks for the Wintab service, if something prevents that from launching correctly, Windows will then reply that the service is not available, resulting in the error message.

To clarify, this issue is caused by a Windows service and is not within ZBrush's control. Because of this, the solutions to resolve it are more likely found in the resources of the vendor for whichever graphics tablet you're using and whichever version of Windows you have installed. 

In an effort to guide you in the right direction, the two main reasons for this failure are typically: 

• The Wintab service not even being on the computer, which can happen if you never installed the tablet's divers. If this is the issue, you can go to the manufacturer's website for your particular tablet to download and install the most current drivers.
• Wintab telling ZBrush there's a graphics tablet connected when there isn't one, which was an issue on old versions of Windows, which tablet manufacturers were responsible for remedying.

  • If you have previously had a graphics tablet connected to the computer but have unplugged it, try following these steps:

    1. Make sure that you have the most current drivers for your tablet
    2. Plug the tablet into the computer
    3. Launch ZBrush
    4. After ZBrush has fully launched, unplug the tablet
    5. Wait for about a minute 

    Windows should then successfully identify that the tablet is no longer available and remove it from your hardware list. 

    If it doesn't, you'll need to manually remove your tablet:

    1. Search your Start menu for Device Manager
    2. Find the tablet listed under the Mice and other pointing devices category
    3. Right-click on it and choose to either Disable or Uninstall it. 
    4. You may also need to uninstall anything having to do with a graphics tablet in your Add/Remove Programs section. 

    Any time you unplug your tablet you will need to make it a point to wait a minute before doing anything so that Windows can update the hardware list correctly.

  • If you have never had a graphics tablet connected to the computer, then unfortunately the troubleshooting process becomes a bit more trial-and-error. The Wintab service is erroneously relaying one of your devices as a graphics tablet to ZBrush, so you'll need to identify which device is responsible.

    1. Search your Start menu for Device Manager
    2. Head to Mice and other pointing devices 
    3. Try disabling any device that isn't your mouse

    If unresolved, also review the Human Interface Devices section of the Device Manager, or check with your mouse manufacturer to see if there's any missing driver updates.