How to Fix the “Windows Online Troubleshooting Service Is Disabled” Error on Windows
Your Windows computer is likely to run into issues every once in a while. Fortunately, Windows includes a few troubleshooters that can help you fix most issues. However, things can get confusing if the Windows troubleshooter fails to work as expected and displays the “Windows Online Troubleshooting Service is disabled” error.
If you face the same, here are some troubleshooting tips that’ll help you resolve the error in no time.
1. Check Windows Activation Status
One of the most common reasons why your PC may fail to run the online troubleshooting service is if your Windows is not activated. If you’re not sure, use the following steps to check the Windows activation status on your PC.
If it saysNot active, you must purchase a Windows digital license or product key to activate Windows.
2. Check Group Policy Settings
The Windows Online Troubleshooting Service (WOTS) may fail to run on your PC if it has been disabled via Group Policy settings. To fix this, you’ll need to make changes to the Scripted Diagnostics policies on Windows.
It’s worth noting that the Group Policy Editor is only accessible on the Professional, Education, and Enterprise editions of Windows. If you’re running Windows Home, be sure to check outhow to access the Local Group Policy Editor on Windows Homefirst.
Try to run the troubleshooter again and see if you still get the “Windows Online Troubleshooting Service is disabled” error message.
3. Tweak Registry Files
Another way to fix this annoying error message is by editing the Software Publishing registry entry. For that, you’ll need to use the Registry Editor on Windows.
As you may already know, editing registry files carries some risks. Hence, it’s important to back up all the registry files or create a restore point before proceeding. If you need help with that, check our guides onhow to back up the Windows registryandhow to create a restore point in Windows.
4. Repair Corrupt System Files
Problems with your PC’s system files can also prevent Windows troubleshooter from running properly, resulting in the “Windows Online Troubleshooting Service is disabled” error.
If that appears to be the case, you can run the SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scan on your computer. These tools will scan your PC for any corrupt or missing system files and attempt to repair them.
For more information on this, check our guide onhow to repair corrupt Windows files with Windows' built-in toolsand follow the steps outlined there.
5. Check Windows Services
Windows may display the “Windows Online Troubleshooting Service is disabled” error if some of the system services are not running on your computer. Here’s how to check if services related to the Windows troubleshooter are running on your computer.
Similarly, check the status of the following services and start them if they aren’t already running.
6. Disable Microsoft Defender Firewall Temporarily
At times, Microsoft Defender Firewall could also block the troubleshooter from fetching essential data from the internet and cause problems. To investigate this possibility, you can temporarily disable Microsoft Defender Firewall on your PC. For that, use these steps:
After completing the above steps, run the troubleshooter again and see if the error occurs.
7. Clear Temporary Files
Your Windows PC creates temporary files for all kinds of purposes. It’s not uncommon for these files to get corrupted overtime. When this happens, these files may disrupt Windows processes and cause errors like the one described here. If that’s the case, clearing temporary files on your PC should help. If you need help with that, check our guide to learndifferent ways to clear temporary files on Windows.
8. Troubleshoot the Issue in Clean Boot
Booting your PC in a clean boot state allows you to run Windows with a minimal set of apps, services, and drivers. Doing so will help you determine whether a third-party app or service causes the error in question. Check our guide onhow to perform a clean boot on Windowsand follow the steps outlined there to start your PC in a clean boot state.
Try to run the troubleshooter in the clean boot state and see if the error pops up again. If it does not, it means that one of the service or startup programs you disabled was causing the issue.
9. Install Windows Updates
If all else fails, you can check if there are any pending Windows updates available for your PC. These updates typically include important bug fixes along with new features and performance improvements. Hence, it’s best to install them so that your system runs smoothly.
PressWin + Ito open the Settings app and switch to theWindows Updatetab. Click theCheck for updatesbutton to download and install pending updates.
Fixing the “Windows Online Troubleshooting Service is Disabled” Error on Windows
One or more fixes above should help you get rid of the “Windows Online Troubleshooting service is disabled” error on your PC and get the Windows troubleshooter to work again. If not, you can consider repairing your Windows computer with a free repair tool as a last resort.
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