How to Enable Default Services in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Services in Windows are essential for the operation of various system functions, from network connectivity to security and performance. Occasionally, some services might be disabled or misconfigured, which can lead to issues within the system. This guide will walk you through the process of enabling default services in Windows 10 and Windows 11 to restore standard settings and ensure stable system operation.

Step 1: Open the Services Manager

To manage services in Windows, you’ll need to open the Services Manager:

  • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • In the Open field, type services.msc and press Enter or click OK.

The Services Manager window will open, displaying a list of all the services installed on your computer.

Step 2: Find Necessary Services

Within the Services Manager, locate the services you want to enable. Each service has a name and description, making it easier to identify. For restoring default system settings, it’s recommended to check the following services:

  • Windows Update — manages Windows updates.
  • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) — assists with file transfers in the background.
  • Cryptographic Services — supports security features for certificates.
  • Windows Defender Antivirus Service — manages antivirus protection.

Step 3: Enable Services

To activate a service, follow these steps:

  1. Find the service you want to enable and double-click on it.
  2. In the window that opens, go to the General tab.
  3. In the Startup type section, select Automatic to have the service start with the system.
  4. Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.
  5. If the service is currently stopped, click the Start button to activate it immediately.

Step 4: Restart Your System

To apply changes and ensure services run correctly, restart your computer. This allows the system to start up with the new settings and confirms that all services are functioning as expected.

What to Do If a Service Doesn’t Start?

Occasionally, a service may not start due to errors or access restrictions. In this case:

  • Ensure you’re signed in with administrator privileges.
  • Consider restoring the system to a previous restore point created before the issue occurred.
  • Check the Event Viewer (via eventvwr.msc) for error messages related to the service.