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How to Fix the “Service to Detect This Status is Disabled” Error in Windows 10: Step-by-Step Guide

If you have encountered the “Service to Detect This Status is Disabled” error in Windows 10, you are not alone. This error can prevent certain system features from working properly, causing frustration.

Fortunately, fixing this issue is usually straightforward. This guide will walk you through easy, step-by-step methods to resolve the problem.

Each step is explained in simple terms, so even if you are not very familiar with Windows, you can follow along without trouble.

By the end of this article, you will know how to fix the error and keep your system running smoothly.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before diving into the solutions, please check the following:

  • Windows Updates: Ensure your Windows 10 is up to date. Sometimes, updates fix related issues automatically.
  • Administrator Access: You will need administrator rights to change system services and settings.
  • Backup Important Data: Although these steps are safe, it’s always good to backup important files before making system changes.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can solve many Windows errors. Restarting refreshes system files and services that might have temporarily glitched.

To restart:

  1. Click the Start button.
  2. Select the Power icon.
  3. Choose Restart.

After your computer restarts, check if the error still appears.

Step 2: Check the Status of the Related Service

The error usually happens because a specific Windows service is turned off or disabled. Services are background programs that help Windows operate smoothly.

Here’s how to check and enable the service:

  1. Press Windows + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter. This opens the Services window.
  3. In the list, look for the service related to the error. This might be called something like “Network Location Awareness” or “Diagnostic Policy Service”. The exact service depends on the error context.
  4. Right-click on the service and select Properties.
  5. In the General tab, find the Startup type dropdown menu.
  6. If it is set to Disabled, change it to either Manual or Automatic.
  7. Click Apply, then Start if the service is not running.
  8. Click OK to save changes.

Restart your computer again and see if the issue is resolved.

Step 3: Use the System File Checker Tool

Windows has a built-in tool called System File Checker (SFC) that scans and repairs corrupted system files. Corruption can cause services to fail.

Follow these instructions:

  1. Click the Start button, type cmd.
  2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  3. In the black command window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This process may take some time. It will scan your system for damaged files and fix them automatically.

Once it finishes, restart your computer and check if the error persists.

Step 4: Use the DISM Tool to Repair System Image

If the SFC tool did not fix the problem, the system image might be corrupted. The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can repair this.

To run DISM:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (same as in Step 3).
  2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These commands check for corruption and repair your Windows image. This process might take several minutes.

After completion, restart your PC and verify if the issue is gone.

Alternative Method: Reset Windows Services to Default

If you suspect multiple services are misconfigured, you can reset all Windows services to their default settings.

This method is more advanced and should be done with caution:

  • Create a system restore point before proceeding.
  • Use third-party tools or manually reset service startup types in services.msc.

Resetting services can help if you or software accidentally changed important service settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes the “Service to Detect This Status is Disabled” error?

Usually, this error occurs because the relevant Windows service needed to detect the status is disabled or stopped. System file corruption or recent updates can also cause this.

Can I safely enable disabled services?

Yes, but only enable services you recognize or are instructed to. Enabling random services can cause system instability.

Do I need to be an administrator to fix this?

Yes, administrative privileges are required to change service settings and run repair tools.

Will running SFC or DISM delete my files?

No, these tools only scan and repair system files. Your personal files will remain untouched.

What if the error persists after all steps?

If the problem continues, there may be deeper system issues or hardware problems. Consider advanced troubleshooting or professional help.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps and the error is still not fixed, consider the following:

  • System Restore: Use a restore point to revert your PC to a time before the error appeared.
  • Windows Reset: Resetting Windows 10 allows you to reinstall the OS while keeping or removing your files.
  • Official Microsoft Support: Visit the Microsoft Support website for expert help.

These options should be used as a last resort when other fixes fail.

Conclusion

The “Service to Detect This Status is Disabled” error in Windows 10 can disrupt your normal computer use, but it is usually fixable with simple steps.

Start by restarting your computer, then check and enable the necessary services. Use built-in tools like SFC and DISM to repair system files if needed.

If the problem persists, consider resetting services or more advanced options carefully.

By following this guide, you can address the error effectively and keep your Windows 10 system running smoothly.

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