How to Fix the “Windows Resource Protection Could Not Start the Repair Service” Error

The “Windows Resource Protection Could Not Start the Repair Service” error typically occurs when the System File Checker (SFC) tool cannot access or repair system files due to issues with the Windows Modules Installer service. This error can prevent SFC from performing its repairs, leading to unresolved system file problems. Here’s a step-by-step guide to resolving this issue.

1. Ensure Windows Modules Installer Service is Running

The Windows Modules Installer service (TrustedInstaller) must be running for SFC to work properly.

• Open Services:
  • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Locate Windows Modules Installer:
  • Scroll down and find "Windows Modules Installer" in the list.
• Check Service Status:
  • Right-click on "Windows Modules Installer" and select "Properties."
  • Ensure the "Startup type" is set to "Manual" or "Automatic."
  • If the service is not running, click "Start" to initiate it.

2. Run the DISM Tool

The Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) can repair the Windows image and may fix issues preventing SFC from running.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
  • Press Windows + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."
• Run DISM Command:
  • Type the following command and press Enter:

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    

  • Wait for the process to complete. This may take some time.

3. Restart Windows Modules Installer Service

If restarting the service didn’t work, try restarting it through Command Prompt.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
  • Press Windows + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."
• Run Commands to Restart Service:
  • Enter the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

    net stop trustedinstaller
    net start trustedinstaller
    

4. Check System Files and Repair Permissions

Issues with system file permissions can prevent SFC from running correctly.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
  • Press Windows + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."
• Check System Files Permissions:
  • Type the following command and press Enter:

    icacls %windir%\System32 /grant administrators:F /T
    

  • This command grants full control to the administrators group for the System32 directory.

5. Verify the Integrity of the WinSxS Folder

The WinSxS folder contains important system files and may be corrupted.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
  • Press Windows + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."
• Run Commands to Verify WinSxS Folder:
  • Enter the following command and press Enter:

    Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore
    

  • This will analyze the WinSxS folder and may provide information on issues.

6. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot can help determine if background services or startup programs are interfering with SFC.

• Open System Configuration:
  • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
• Configure Clean Boot:
  • In the "General" tab, select "Selective startup" and uncheck "Load startup items."
  • Go to the "Services" tab, check "Hide all Microsoft services," and click "Disable all."
  • Click "Apply" and "OK," then restart your computer.
• Run SFC Again:
  • After performing a clean boot, try running SFC again.

7. Check for Pending Windows Updates

Pending Windows updates can sometimes interfere with system repairs.

• Open Settings:
  • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
• Go to Update & Security:
  • Click on "Update & Security" and select "Windows Update."
• Check for Updates:
  • Click "Check for updates" and install any pending updates.
• Restart Your Computer:
  • After installing updates, restart your computer and try running SFC again.

8. Run in Safe Mode

Running SFC in Safe Mode can help bypass issues caused by third-party applications or services.

• Enter Safe Mode:
  • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  • Go to the "Boot" tab and check "Safe boot."
  • Select "Minimal" and click "Apply," then "OK."
  • Restart your computer to boot into Safe Mode.
• Run SFC:
  • Once in Safe Mode, open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

    sfc /scannow
    

9. Use a Windows Installation Media

If none of the above steps work, you can use Windows installation media to repair your system.

• Create Installation Media:
  • Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website.
  • Create a bootable USB or DVD.
• Boot from Installation Media:
  • Restart your computer and boot from the installation media.
• Access Repair Options:
  • Select "Repair your computer" from the installation media.
  • Choose "Troubleshoot" and then "Advanced options."
  • Select "Startup Repair" or "System Restore" as needed.

10. Perform a System Restore

If the issue started recently, performing a System Restore might resolve the problem by reverting your system to a previous state.

• Open System Restore:
  • Press Windows + R, type rstrui.exe, and press Enter.
• Choose a Restore Point:
  • Follow the prompts to select a restore point from before the issue began and restore your system.

Conclusion

The “Windows Resource Protection Could Not Start the Repair Service” error can be resolved using various methods, from ensuring the Windows Modules Installer service is running to running system repair tools and performing clean boots. By following the steps outlined above, you can address the issue and restore the functionality of system file repairs. If the problem persists despite these efforts, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support or a professional technician for further assistance. Regular system maintenance and updates can help prevent such issues in the future.