Fix: Windows Could Not Start Active Directory Web Service

Sometimes, you try to open or use Active Directory services, but Windows shows the message: “Windows could not start Active Directory Web Services.” This problem can stop important directory management tasks and make administration difficult. The error usually appears because a required service is stopped, system files are damaged, or service settings are incorrect.

Luckily, you can fix it with a few simple steps.

What Causes Active Directory Web Services To Fail?

The issue can occur when:

• The ADWS service is not running.
• Required dependencies are stopped.
• System files are corrupted.
• Domain Services are experiencing issues.

Fix: Windows Could Not Start Active Directory Web Service

Below are some fixes that will resolve this issue:

Fix 1: Start The Active Directory Web Services Service

The first thing to check is whether the service is running.

• Press Windows + R.
• Type services.msc and press Enter.
• Find Active Directory Web Services.
• Double-click it.
• Set Startup Type to Automatic.
• Click Start if the service is stopped.
• Select Apply and then OK.

Restart your computer and check if the error is gone.

Fix 2: Check Service Dependencies

ADWS depends on other services to work correctly.

• Open Services again.
• Open Active Directory Web Services properties.
• Go to the Dependencies tab.
• Make sure all listed services are running.
• Start any stopped dependency service.

Fix 3: Repair Corrupted System Files

Damaged system files can prevent services from starting.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

• Run the following command:

sfc /scannow

• Wait for the scan to complete.
• Restart the computer.
• If the problem remains, run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After the process finishes, reboot your PC.

Fix 4: Restart Active Directory Domain Services

If your server uses Active Directory Domain Services, restarting it may help.

• Open Services.
• Locate the related Active Directory services.
• Restart them one by one.
• Restart the server.

In short, the “Windows could not start Active Directory Web Services” error is usually caused by stopped services, missing dependencies, or corrupted system files.

That’s it!