How To Fix Services Grayed-out Startup Type On Windows 11/10

Fix the “Grayed-out startup type” problem

This article will help you resolve the grayed-out startup type problem in Windows 11/10. There is a grayed-out startup type problem that has to be fixed when you open the services.msc utility in Windows and attempt to change the Startup type but are unable to select an option because it is Services startup type grayed out. The emphasis of this post will be on practical fixes of grayed-out startup type problems that will enable you to stop, deactivate, start, or change any other settings related to the Services Startup type choice.

Windows 11 and Windows 10 are widely used operating systems that offer a plethora of features and functionalities. Among these features, the Windows Services Manager is a critical component that allows users to control and manage various system services. However, some users have encountered a frustrating grayed-out startup type issue where the startup type option for certain services becomes grayed out, preventing them from making changes. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this grayed-out startup type problem and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve it. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced Windows user, you’ll find valuable insights here to help you regain control over your services.

Windows Services

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s take a moment to understand what Windows services are and why they are essential. Windows services are background processes that run independently of user interactions. They perform various tasks like managing hardware, and network connections and running essential system functions. These services are configured to start automatically, manually, or not at all, depending on the requirements of the system and the software installed.

Why the Startup Type Option May Be Grayed Out

The reasons why Startup type selections in services.msc are grayed out can range from basic ones, like not having administrative rights, to sophisticated ones, such a Windows Service app that is corrupted. It’s generally advisable to identify the root cause of a problem and remove all but the most probable causes before you begin troubleshooting it. The Startup type option in the Services interface of Windows 11 or Windows 10 may turn gray for the reasons listed below:

Automatic: The service starts automatically when Windows boots up.
Manual: The service starts when called upon by an application or user.
Disabled: The service remains inactive and does not start.

However, users have reported that the startup type option in the Services Manager is sometimes grayed out, preventing them from changing it. This grayed-out startup type issue can be attributed to several underlying causes:

Insufficient Privileges: If you’re not logged in as an administrator or don’t have the necessary privileges, you won’t be able to modify service settings.
Corrupted System Files: System files that control service management may become corrupt, leading to this grayed-out startup type issue.
Group Policy Settings: Group policies set by your organization or system administrators can restrict your ability to change service settings.
Malware or Viruses: Malicious software can tamper with system settings, including services, and limit your control.

How can I fix the grayed-out startup type

Prior to performing the advanced troubleshooting listed below, try the following:

Change to the account user who has administrator rights.
Check to see if the service is currently active on your computer.
To verify and correct Windows file integrity, do an SFC scan.
To end background processes and update your system, restart your computer.
In a network setting, see if there is a group policy that can prevent alteration.
If the error still occurs on your PC after performing the advanced troubleshooting, keep reading.

1. Run Services as Administrator

The simplest solution to the grayed-out startup type issue is to run the Services Manager as an administrator. Here’s how you can do it:

Search for “Services,” right-click the top result, and select the “Run as administrator option.”

In the Services window, find the service for which you want to change the startup type.
Right-click on the service and select “Properties.”
In the Properties window, go to the “General” tab.
Click on the “Startup type” dropdown menu and see if it’s now accessible. If it’s still grayed out, proceed to the next step.

2. Stop the Service temporarily

A service that is already running can restrict changes to the startup type. In this situation, briefly stopping the service may allow the modification:

Right-click on the Start button and select “Run” or press Win + R.
Type services.msc and press Enter.
In the Services window, find the service for which you want to change the startup type.
Choose “Stop” from the menu’s options list.
Click “Apply” and then “OK” to apply the changes.

3. Modify Registry Permissions

You might need to explicitly change the starting type in the Registry Editor if the previous methods haven’t been able to fix “grayed-out startup type” problem. You can alter many of Windows’ internal settings using this tool, including service configurations.

Press Win + R, type “regedit,” and press Enter to open the Windows Registry Editor.
Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
Look for “bdredline” under Services and click it. If you can’t find it, make one by selecting New > Key from the context menu, giving it the name bdredline, and clicking OK.

Click New > DWORD (32-bit) Value from the context menu of the right-clicked blank space in the right panel.

Create a DWORD value and give it the name DelayedAutostart.

Change the DelayedAutostart value data to suit your needs, and then click OK to save the changes.
- Automatic: Start 2 and DelayedAutostart 0.
- Automatic (Delayed Start): Start 2 and DelayedAutostart 1.
- Manual: Start 3 and DelayedAutostart 0.
- Disabled: Start 4 and DelayedAutostart 0.

4. Use the Command Prompt to Start or Stop a Service

There is a second way to stop and start the services if you can’t do it by service window You can start or stop services by running command lines if you frequently get the grayed-out startup type error.

Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
To stop a service that you wish, enter the command line shown below and hit Enter: Stop-Service -Name “ServiceName”

To start a service, enter the following command line and click Enter: Start-Service -Name “ServiceName”
(Remember the change ServiceName with the problematic service name.)

5. Perform a SFC scan

Corrupted system files can lead to various Windows issues, including the grayed-out startup type problem. To check for and repair these files, you can use the built-in Windows System File Checker (sfc) tool:

Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
Type the following commands to perform a quick fix on your PC: sfc /scannow
Be patient and wait till the scanning is complete.

6. Scan for viruses and malware

Malware and viruses can cause the “grayed-out startup type” problem. To check for issues, conduct a complete computer scan using an authorized antivirus or antimalware tool. Make sure your antivirus software is up to date. You can download a free Malware detector tool. Malware or viruses can tamper with system settings, including services, and limit your control over them. Running a thorough malware scan can help identify and remove any malicious software.

Windows Defender, now known as Microsoft Defender Antivirus, is a built-in security feature in Windows operating systems, including Windows 11 and Windows 10. It serves as a robust and comprehensive antivirus and antimalware solution, offering a range of features to protect your computer from various security threats. Windows Defender, the built-in antivirus program, is capable of performing this scan:

Type “Windows Security” in the Windows search bar and select “Windows Security” from the results.
In the Windows Security window, click on “Virus & Threat Protection.“
Under “Current threats,” click on “Quick Scan” to perform a basic scan.
For a more comprehensive scan, you can choose “Full Scan.“
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the scan.
If any threats are detected, Windows Defender will provide options to remove or quarantine them.

After the scan is complete, restart your computer and check if the issue with the grayed-out startup type is resolved.

Conclusion

The grayed-out startup type problem in Windows 11/10’s Services Manager can be a frustrating issue, but it is usually resolvable with the right steps. By following the solutions outlined in this article, you can regain control over your system services. Whether it’s running Services Manager as an administrator, repairing corrupted system files, adjusting group policy settings, or performing a malware scan, one of these methods should help you resolve the issue and ensure your services are configured to your preferences.

Remember to exercise caution when making changes to system services, as modifying the wrong service settings can affect the stability and functionality of your Windows operating system. Always back up your important data before making significant system changes, and if you’re unsure about a particular service, seek advice from a knowledgeable source or consult with your IT administrator. With the right approach, you can keep your Windows system running smoothly and efficiently.