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7 Ways to Fix Services.msc not Opening on Windows 10
Resolve this .msc issue once and for all with these tested solutions
7 min. read
Updated onMarch 26, 2024
updated onMarch 26, 2024
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An MSC is a snap-in control panel file that the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) opens. Device Manager, Task Scheduler, Disk Defragmenter, Group Policy Editor, and Shared Folders are just a few of the MSC tools.
However, someWindows 10users have found that they can’t always open MSC files with anerror messagestating thatMMC cannot open the file.
When this happens, services.msc opens but is blank, and you don’t have access to its functionality.
Are you getting anerror messagesimilar toMMC cannot open the file errorfor a Windows utility? If so, these are a few potential fixes for MSC files that are not opening.
Why are MSC files not opening?
Here are a few common reasons you would face issues while opening MSC files on your Windows computer.
Now that you know the common reasons let us check out the solutions that will help you fix the problem.
How do I fix msc files if they are not opening on Windows 10?
1. Restart your device
Even though it might seem too simple to be true, in a large number of cases, simply restarting your device enables Windows to repair any possibly-corrupted or damaged files, while also refreshing all other services.
After performing the restart, check to see if the situation persists, and if it does, follow the next methods.
2. Run the system file checker
Theservices.msc not openingmight also be due to corrupted system files.System File Checkeris a tool that scans for and fixes corrupted Windows system files, so it might help when services.msc is not working.
3. Roll Windows back to a Restore Point
System Restore is a handy Windows troubleshooting tool that undoes recent system changes. For example, if your MSC tools were working fine a few months back, then rolling Windows back might fix theMMC cannot open the fileerror.
Another thing you can do to restore your system files is to use athird-party repair appthat will do the job for you.
4. Register DLL Files with Regsvr32
The Microsoft Management Console might have missing or corrupted DLL files that the MSC utility needs. In this case, Regsvr32 will come in handy for fixing the MSC error.
That’s a command-line utility that you can register DLLs with. This is one potential Regsvr32 fix for theMMC cannot open the fileMSC error.
5. Register Msxml.dll via the Command Prompt
Alternatively, you can register MMC DLLs with Regsvr32 via the Command Prompt. To do it, follow the steps above.
6. Scan the Registry
MSC system errors can be due to corrupted or invalid registry entries. For example, a registry scan might help fix MSC files that aren’t opening.
Windows doesn’t have a built-in registry cleaner, but plenty ofthird-party utility packagesinclude a registry scanner.
You can scan your registry files and restore them with these professional tools. The software will also protect you from other harmful or corrupted files.
7. Fix MMC DLLs With File Association Fixer v2
File Association Fixer is software that enables you to fix broken file associations when the Registry is corrupted, although the program seemingly doesn’t provide support for MSC file types.
You can feasibly fix Microsoft Management Console DLLs with File Association Fixer. So this might be a utility worth noting if an MSC file isn’t opening for you.
The issue has wider ramifications, such as whenservices.msc access is denied, in which case you’ll need to tweak your admin privileges.
On the other hand, evenadministrators can have blocked services.msc, in which case the solutions are trickier.
What can I do if services.msc is not opening on Windows 11?
Apart from the above solutions, you can try using the below solutions to fix services.msc not opening in Windows 11 problem.
The above solutions mentioned for Windows 10 are sufficient to fix the problem on Windows 11 as well. However, you can also apply the above solutions explicitly mentioned for Windows 11 should help you resolve the issue.
How do I enable services MSC?
Those are a few potential remedies for MSC files that aren’t opening. Full malware scans and installing all Windows updates might also resolve the issue and get your MSC tool up and running again.
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
