Forum Discussion
Why "Windows Security Center Service could not start" message appears when I login to Windows?
I see a notification which says something like, "Windows Security Center Service could not start every time when I log in to Windows . Tap to turn it on" and when I click on it it says cant find the service? Any suggestions to fix this?
On Windows 11 24H2, you won't be able to patch or install updates if the registry keys for Process Protection ( LaunchProtected ) are missing or set to zero. Currently, Microsoft has not provided a fix for this issue.
You will get a read only error when trying to revert them back to the original when using an Online Windows Image. At that point, you have to use the following two files from within the Windows Preinstallation Environment, provided volume letter is set to C, for the Offline Windows Image, and both files are in the same directory:
Use Notepad to create this file on your desktop or another folder: WinPE_Restore_Security_Health_Service_C_Drive_Win11.bat
Use Notepad to create this file on your desktop or another folder: WinPE_Win11_24H2_Security_Health_Service.reg
1. Quick fixes
Restart the service by command
Press Win+R and type services.msc
Find the “Security Center” service
Right click → “Properties” → change the startup type to “Automatic”.
Click “Start” button
2. System file checking
Run CMD as administrator
Execute it in order:
cmd
sfc /scannow
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
3. In-depth solutions
Service dependency failure
Check that the dependent service is running:
Press Win+R and type msconfig
Switch to the “Services” tab
4. Make sure the following services are enabled:
Windows Defender antivirus service
5. Windows Firewall
Group Policy Conflicts
Press Win+R and type gpedit.msc
Navigate to:
Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Security Center
Check if the “Disable Security Center” policy is enabled.
6. Advanced Repair
Registry Repair (proceed with caution)
Press Win+R and type regedit
Locate:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wscsvc
Confirm that the Start key value is 2 (automatic startup).
7. Alternatives
Create a new user account
Go to Settings → Accounts → Family and other users
Add a new local account and test if the problem persists
8. Preventive Measures
Run Windows Update regularly
Avoid disabling security services with third-party optimization tools
Create a system restore point (rstrui)
