MSCONFIG or System Configuration is a utility in Windows computers that lets users manage startup processes and troubleshoot startup issues. You can view, enable, and disable Windows and third-party services via MSCONFIG. Moreover, MSCONFIG also helps you troubleshoot issues in a Clean Boot State. The process to disable third-party services via MSCONFIG is simple. Launch MSCONFIG, then navigate to the Services tab. After that, select the Hide all Microsoft Services option and then uncheck the third-party service that you want to disable. What if you disable all the services in MSCONFIG by mistake? In this article, we will talk about what you can do if you have accidentally disabled all services in MSCONFIG.
Accidentally disabled all services in MSCONFIG
Disabling all the services will make your system unstable. If you have accidentally disabled all services in MSCONFIG on your Windows computer, the solutions provided in this article may help you resolve the issue. The users who disabled all the services accidentally reported that they got stuck on the sign-in screen.
- Try other ways to log in
- Perform an Automatic Repair
- Perform a System Restore
- Reset your PC
- Repair Windows using an Installation Media.
Let’s see all these fixes in detail.
1] Try other ways to log in
According to users’ feedback, most of them got stuck on the login screen. Because you have disabled all the services in MSCONFIG, the PIN will not work to sign in because the respective service is not running. In this case, you can try other ways to sign in to your computer. If you have set a password as an additional option to sign in, you can use that option and see if it works. Some users have tried to log in using their old password, and it worked.
You can also try signing in using your Microsoft account password (if you have added your Microsoft account to your Windows PC). If you have created another user account that does not have a password or PIN, sign in to your computer via that account. If this works, you can sign in to your computer. Now, launch MSCONFIG, enable all the disabled services, and restart your computer. This will fix the problem.
Also, see if you can enter Safe Mode; if you can, you can reverse the changes in MSCONFIG. If not, read on.
2] Perform an Automatic Repair
Automatic Repair was called Startup Repair earlier. The Startup Repair or Automatic Repair fixes the problems like missing or damaged system files, Windows startup issues, etc. To run Automatic Repair, you have to enter into Windows Recovery Environment.
Windows RE or Windows Recovery Environment is an advanced recovery mode. To enter Windows RE, shut down your computer. After that, turn on your computer by pressing and holding the Shift key. This will take you into the Windows Recovery Environment. If this does not work, there is one more way that you can try. Shut down your computer by pressing and holding the power button. Now, turn on your computer and press and hold the power button when you see the Windows or computer manufacturer’s logo. This will turn off your computer again. Do this three to four times. Interrupting the normal boot process three to four times will start Windows RE automatically.
After entering the Windows Recovery Environment, go to “Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Automatic Repair.” Do not interru[pt the automatic repair process, as it will damage your system files and put you in trouble. After the completion of the automatic repair process, the problem should get fixed.
3] Perform a System Restore
System Restore is a tool designed by Microsoft to protect and repair computer software. It is recommended to turn on System Restore on a Windows computer. If you have turned it on, Windows automatically creates a System Restore Point that contains a snapshot of the Windows Registry and system files. You can use the Restore Points to restore your system if a problem occurs.
Perform a System Restore and select the restore point that is created before the date you have disabled all the services using the MSCONFIG. This will fix the issue but do note that it will also delete or uninstall the programs you have installed after the date on which the Restore Point was created.
Because you are not able to log in to your computer, you have to enter Windows Recovery Environment to restore your system. We have already talked about how to enter Windows RE earlier in this article.
When your enter Windows Recovery Environment, you will see the Preparing automatic repair message. On the Automatic Repair screen, click Advanced options. Now, go to “Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore.”
4] Reset your PC
If your problem is not resolved after trying the above fixes, resetting your PC can help. When the Windows operating system is not performing properly or giving you problems, you can reset your PC. When you perform this action, you will see the following two options:
- Keep my files
- Remove everything
If you select the Keep my files option, Windows will remove your apps and settings but your personal files and data will not be deleted. So select this option. To reset your PC, you have to enter Windows Recovery Environment because you cannot log in to your computer. We have already talked about how to enter Windows RE.
After entering Windows Recovery Environment, go to “Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.” Follow the instructions on your screen to reset your PC. After resetting your computer, the issue should get fixed.
This post will show you in detail Reset Windows using Advanced Startup Options when the PC won’t boot.
5] Repair Windows using Installation Media
You can repair Windows using Installation Media – that is sure to help you.
Read: Windows Biometric Service stopped working [Fixed].
Can I disable all services in MSCONFIG?
You can disable all services in MSCONFIG but it is not recommended to disable all the services. When you start your system, both Windows and third-party services start automatically and keep running in the background. Windows services are important for the proper functioning of a system. If you disable all the services, your system will become unstable and you will not be able to use it.
If you have disabled all the services in MSCONFIG by mistake, you can try the solutions provided in this article.
How do I enable services in MSCONFIG?
The Services tab of MSCONFIG lets you manage Windows and third-party services You can enable and disable services from there. The Services which show a checkmark are enabled. To disable a service, simply clear the checkbox and then click Apply. This will disable that service. But you have to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. To enable services, open the MSCONFIG app and navigate to the Services tab. After that, enable the checkbox adjacent to the service that you want to enable, then click Apply. Restart your computer.
I hope this helps.
Read next: Windows could not start the Remote Desktop Services.
