If you receive The Windows Security Center service can’t be started error message in Windows 11 or Windows 10, then this article may be able to help you troubleshoot the problem. You may try these troubleshooting steps in any order.
The Windows Security Center service can’t be started
To resolve The Windows Security Center service can’t be started error on your Windows 11/10 computer, follow these suggestions:
1] Scan PC with antivirus
First of all, deep-scan your PC with your security software. This is to ensure that it is not some malware which is preventing your Security Center from running.
2] Re-enable Security center
Disable and then enable Security Center and see if it helps.
3] Enable it using Action Center
If your Security Center is disabled, open Control Panel > All Control Panel Items > Action Center and see if you can restart the Windows Security Service by clicking on the Turn on now button.
4] Ensure that these Services are enabled
If this does not help, type services.msc in Start Screen search and hit Enter to open Services Manager.
- Here ensure that the Security Center service is started and set on Automatic or Automatic (Delayed Start).
- Also, ensure that the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) and Windows Management Instrumentation services are started and set on Automatic.
Action Center, previously known as Windows Security Center, monitors the security status of the computer. However, the related service is called Security Center service. The Security Center (WSCSVC) Service monitors and reports security health settings on the computer.
5] Check Properties of Security Center Service
Since the Service Manager is open, you may optionally open Properties of Security Center Service > Log On tab. Click Browse.
Enter your computer’s name in the Enter the object name to select box.
Click on Check names, and then on OK/Apply/OK. See if this helps.
6] Repair the WMI Repository
Repair the WMI Repository, and see if it helps. To do so, open an elevated command prompt windows from the Windows WinX menu, type the following and hit Enter:
winmgmt /verifyrepository
If you get a WMI repository is consistent message, you may skip this step.
But if you get a WMI repository is inconsistent message, you can reset or repair the WMI repository.
To do so, type the following and hit Enter:
winmgmt /salvagerepository
You will see a WMI repository has been salvaged message.
Now, see if it has helped.
The Windows Security Center uses the Windows Management Instrumentation or WMI to collect information about the PC. If there are some inconsistencies, the Security Center may fail to start.
Read: Windows Security Service missing after malware attack
7] Run System File Checker
Run System File Checker to check for and replace corrupted system files if any, and see if it helps resolve the issue.
8] Troubleshoot in Clean Boot State
If this does not help, you have to perform a Clean Boot and troubleshoot the conflicting program which may be preventing the Security Center from running.
9] Reset Windows 11/10
If nothing helps, you may have to Repair Windows 7, Reset Windows 8 or Reset Windows 11/10.
10] Use Microsoft Fix it
Microsoft Fix it 20084 for Windows 7 and Windows Vista will fix your registry keys and reset Windows Security Center settings to their defaults. See if it helps. I am not sure if it will work on Windows 10/8 too.
Do remember to create a system restore point first before making any changes to your system so that you can always go back if the changes do not meet your expectations.
Thank you sir for giving us an idea about security center, it really works. thank you very much.
bad idea
What? And why? :)
The Microsoft Fix It 20084 resolved this issue for me in Windows 8.1 Update, just FYI. Thank you!
Thank you!!! :)
thankss…
In step 5 you and Widows Support say we need to put the PC name but if you do so then after clicking check name you will be request for a user or built-in sec principal
My firewall and security center dont even show up on services, like they got wiped from the computer..
Try No. 7 pls.
If you are like me and tried ALL of the suggestions to get Security Center to work and have had no success, go to the Restore option in Windows 8 and restore the computer to a time when you remember the Security Center working properly. I feel like I should have chosen that option first!
The Microsoft Fix It 20084 resolved this issue for me in Windows 8.1 Update, just FYI. Thanks
Sir, any Idea about a fix for this issue in Windows 10 ? Any help will be highly appreciated.
The same procedure should apply.
Never mind ! That was a serious malware issue. Had to Reset OS. Lost all Softwares. Had to download them again from VAIO official site and Win Store. All fixed. Creating Restore points now. Thanks for your reply.
Defender and Security Center both down on Win 10 x64.
I can re-enable in services.msc, but I find off after few seconds. WMI is ok
Removed infections with both Bitdefender, Spyhunter and Kaspersky tool.
Trying fixit on 10 x64 :)
Also see: https://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-defender-is-turned-off and https://www.thewindowsclub.com/unable-to-turn-on-windows-defender.
Forgot to say. I did that procedures..
Now, after .reg reset of Windows Defender, can I open and keep active Security Center (some malware in scheduled tasks, I suppose) but I still haven’t (disappared) any WinDefend in services.msc :(
I suggest you use a Standalone On demand Antivirus Scanners and scan your PC for malware: https://www.thewindowsclub.com/standalone-on-demand-antivirus-scanners
Hi
I Have trouble with my WIN X i can’t download games in store is the error code 0X80073CF9 and how i can fix it? i can’t solved it…
and “The Windows Security Center service can’t be started” i can’t still solved that
No.8) Microsoft Fix it 20084 worked like a charm on my Windows 10. Solved it in a few seconds. This after spending a week looking for a soultion. Thanks Anand.
Thank you sir…it’s works.
thank you
Thanks a lot!! It really works!!!
It worked