How to Fix Services Access is denied in Windows 11

If you change the status of a service, and if you see an error message that says Access is denied on a Windows 11/10 PC. Well let me tell you that this can happen when your user account does not have the correct permissions. Below we leave you a complete guide so you can solve it:

How to Fix Services Access is denied in Windows 11

Essential Prerequisite: Administrative Privileges

Elevated User Account: Attempting service modifications necessitates a user account with administrative rights. Standard user accounts lack the required permissions. If your account type is unclear, consult your system administrator.

Method 1: Tailoring Permissions through Registry Editor

Service Identification:

Launch the Services console by pressing Win+R, typing services.msc, and pressing Enter.

Locate the specific service experiencing the access issue and double-click on it.

Note the displayed Service Name for later use.

Registry Editor Access (Use with Caution):

Access the Registry Editor with care (search for "regedit" in the Start menu). Important: The Registry Editor is a powerful tool. Modifications made here can impact system stability. Proceed with caution and create a system restore point before making any changes, in case you need to revert them.

Granting Full Control Permissions:

Navigate to the following path within the Registry Editor, replacing [service-name] with the service name you noted in step 1:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\[service-name]

Right-click on the service key and select Permissions.

Within the "Permissions" window, locate the Users group and ensure the Full Control checkbox under "Allow" is selected.

Click Apply and OK to save the changes.

Service Management Verification:

Reopen the Services console and attempt to modify the service properties or status. The adjusted permissions should allow you to make the necessary changes.

Method 2: Addressing Service Dependencies and Permissions

Dependency Identification:

In the Services console, double-click the problematic service.

Switch to the Dependencies tab.

Note down the listed service names under "This service depends on the following services."

Verifying Service Dependency Permissions:

Utilize the Registry Editor (as described in Method 1) to check the permissions for each dependent service listed in step 1. Ensure they possess the necessary permissions to function correctly.

Method 3: Configuring the Log On Account

Service Properties:

Right-click the service in question and select Properties.

Log On Tab Configuration:

Navigate to the Log On tab.

Select the This account radio button.

Click Browse.

Specifying the Log On Account:

Enter the username of an account with administrative privileges.

Click Check Names to verify the username is valid.

Click OK to confirm the selection.

Saving Changes:

Click Apply and OK to apply the new log on account configuration.

Service Management Attempt:

Try modifying the service properties or status again. The adjusted log on account should provide the necessary permissions.

With these methods, you will be able to effectively troubleshoot and resolve “Access Denied” errors, allowing you to manage services in Windows 11 with optimal control.