How to fix
“Services.msc Access Denied” error
on Windows

Hello. Please help me with the “Services.msc Access Denied” error in Windows. I get this pop-up window and the message pretty much states that the system cannot start the service. I have no idea what is happening and why or how to fix this. Can I possibly do it myself with your help?

The “Services.msc Access Denied” error in Windows is an issue that is related to third-party problems in most cases. Common reasons for this error include not running the console as an administrator, interference from third-party security software, corrupted system files, or incorrect user account permissions. 

Encountering the "Services.msc Access Denied" error can be quite frustrating, especially when you're trying to manage system services. This error usually happens because you don't have the necessary permissions and people often are puzzled why this appears or how to deal with it.

This “Services.msc Access Denied” error on Windows can occur on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, and it often surfaces during Windows updates, acting as a significant roadblock. There are particular problems with quickly released updates, so people who installed them right after the release might encounter various errors out of nowhere.

The file that is indicated in the common access denied error, in this case is a Windows services file. These services are essential background processes that handle various tasks on your computer. Sometimes, even with administrative privileges, you might encounter this error when managing these services.

How to fix “Services.msc Access Denied” error in Windows?

Before troubleshooting and fixing the “Services.msc Access Denied” error on Windows, it's important to know what Windows services are. These independent processes run in the background, providing essential functions for the operating system and applications. Managed through tools like services.msc or the command prompt, these services come with specific permissions and dependencies.

“Services.msc Access Denied” error on Windows can happen for several reasons:

1. Insufficient Permissions: Your user account might not have the required permissions to control the service. Ensure your account has administrative privileges.
2. User Account Control (UAC): This feature in Windows 10 may restrict your ability to modify services. Try temporarily disabling UAC or run the service management tools as an administrator.
3. Service Dependencies: The service you're trying to manage might depend on other services. Make sure these dependent services are running correctly, as errors with them can cause access-denied issues.

If you are dealing with this error because of the problematic Windows OS update, waiting for another update without these additional bugs could help. However, when it comes to permissions and even system issues, it is not easy to fix the “Services.msc Access Denied” error on Windows just by checking for more recent OS updates. This is where some tools like [d1] designed for system optimization can come. Also, we have gathered a few methods for the manual solutions.

Check User account permissions

• Press Windows Icon + R.
• Type compmgmt.msc, and press Enter to open Computer Management.
  

  

  
  
• Click Local Users and Groups then double-tap Users.
• Double-click Administrator.
• Go to the Member Of tab and ensure that your account is a member of the Administrators group. If not, click Add.
  

  

  
  
• Add Administrators as the object name, and click Check Names and then OK.
• Log out and log back in to apply the changes.

Alter UAC settings

• Hit the Windows button and open the Control panel.
• Choose System and Security.
  

  

• Go to Security and Maintenance.
• Click on Change User Account Control settings.
• In the UAC settings window, move the slider to the second notch from the top, which is Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (default).
  

  

  
  
• Click OK and confirm any prompts.
• Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Uninstall third-party security software

• Go to Settings.
  

  

• Go to Apps.
• Then, find your Apps & Features.
• Find the program in the list and click on it.
• Press Uninstall and wait for the process to finish.

Alter setting in WIndows Registry

• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box
• Type regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor
• Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services.
• Right-click on the service and choose Permissions.
• Choose Advanced.
• Alter the owner to your user account via Change. Enter the object name anc click Check Names.
• Click OK, then check Replace owner on subcontainers and objects and click Apply.
• Go back to the Permissions window, select your user account, and grant it Full Control. Click OK to apply the changes.