9 Best Ways to Fix Services.msc not opening on Windows

Summary:

Services.msc is a critical Windows tool for managing background services like print spooling and updates. When it fails to open, users encounter blank screens, crashes, or error messages like “Windows cannot open Services.” Common triggers include damaged MMC components, corrupted registry entries, malware infections, faulty Windows updates, system file corruption, or permission conflicts. These issues can disrupt service management and impact system stability.

What This Means for You:

• Impact: Unable to start/stop essential services or troubleshoot system issues.
• Fix: Run System File Checker (sfc /scannow) as first responder.
• Security: Scan for malware – hijacked services are common attack vectors.
• Warning: Avoid manual registry edits without backups.

Solutions:

Solution 1: Run System File Checker (SFC)

SFC scans and repairs corrupted protected system files – a frequent culprit behind MMC issues like Services.msc failures.

1. Press Windows + X > Select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin)
2. Run:
   sfc /scannow
3. Restart your PC after completion.

If errors persist, use the Deployment Image Servicing tool:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Solution 2: Check Disk for File System Errors

File system errors can break Services.msc dependencies. Use CHKDSK to fix storage issues:

1. Open Command Prompt as Admin.
2. Schedule a scan for next reboot:
   chkdsk C: /f /r
3. Type Y > Restart PC.

Wait for the scan – it may take hours on large drives.

Solution 3: Restore MMC Registry Keys

Damaged registry entries under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MMC can cripple Services.msc.

Method A – Automated Fix (Recommended):
Download Microsoft’s MMC Repair Script > Right-click FixMMC.reg > Merge > Restart.

Method B – Manual Edit:
1. Press Win + R > regedit
2. Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MMC\SnapIns\{BD95BA60-2E26-AAD1-AD99-00AA00B8E05A}
3. Right-click the key > Permissions > Grant Full Control to Administrators.
4. Reboot.

Solution 4: Re-register MMC DLLs

Corrupted DLLs break Services.msc functionality. Reset them via Command Prompt Admin:


regsvr32 /n /i:U shell32.dll
regsvr32 /i msxml3.dll
regsvr32 mmcndmgr.dll
regsvr32 atl.dll


Restart your PC after running these commands.

People Also Ask:

• Q: How to open Services without services.msc? A: Use sc query in Command Prompt or PowerShell’s Get-Service.
• Q: Can a Windows update break Services.msc? A: Yes – uninstall recent updates via Settings > Update History.
• Q: Why does Services.msc stay blank? A: Group Policy conflict – run gpupdate /force.
• Q: How to back up services configuration? A: Export registry keys from HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services.

Protect Yourself:

• Create a System Restore point before registry edits
• Use Microsoft Defender Offline Scan weekly
• Block third-party MMC snap-ins via GPO
• Update Windows monthly – patches fix MMC exploits

Expert Take:

Services.msc errors rarely occur in isolation – monitor Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc) for Event ID 7000 service failures, which often precede MMC breakdowns.

Tags:

• fix services.msc snap-in not working Windows 11
• repair Microsoft Management Console not opening
• services.msc blank screen after Windows update
• resolve MMC has encountered an error
• reset corrupted services registry keys
• how to re-register mmcndmgr.dll

*Featured image via source

Edited by 4idiotz Editorial System