Fixing 'Windows Could Not Start SQL Server' Error: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you've ever experienced the dreaded "Windows could not start the SQL Server on Local Computer" error, you're not alone. This common hiccup in running Microsoft SQL Server services can leave even seasoned IT professionals scratching their heads. Luckily, there are several proven solutions for this issue, and we’re here to guide you through every step.
But before we roll up our sleeves and dive into fixes, let's explore what’s going on beneath the hood. Why does this happen? What does it mean for your system? And, most importantly, how can you get things back on track?

---

What’s the Problem?​

Microsoft SQL Server, like any other background service on your Windows machine, needs to run properly for you to access databases. When this service falters, you’re presented with errors—particularly this classic one:

“Windows could not start the SQL Server (<DB-NAME>) on Local Computer. For more information, review the System Event Log. If this is a non-Microsoft service, contact the service vendor, and refer to service-specific error code 3417.”

Or, worse, sometimes you'll see the equally head-scratching:

“Error 1053: The service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely fashion.”

These errors could arise for multiple reasons, such as misconfigured services, dependency issues, timeout errors, or even network hiccups. Updating Windows itself or network configurations can also throw these errors due to compatibility or permission mishaps. Now that we’ve identified why things go awry, let’s tackle it head-on.

---

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix SQL Server Start-Up Errors​

Here are four concrete fixes to resolve the issue. Each solution targets a specific root cause of the problem.

---

1. Change the Login Type​

This might sound simple, but ensuring the SQL Server logs in using the correct account can quickly resolve the issue. By switching to the Local System Account, you eliminate permission errors. Follow these steps:

• Open the Run dialog using Win + R.
• Type Services.msc and hit Enter.
• Locate the SQL Server service (look for something like SQL Server (MSSQL$<InstanceName>)).
• Right-click on it and select Properties.
• Navigate to the Log On tab.
• Set the option to Local System Account.
• Click Apply and then OK.

After making the changes, restart the SQL Server service. Test connecting to your database. If this doesn’t work, don’t worry—there’s more you can do.

---

2. Check and Activate Service Dependencies​

SQL Server depends on a chain of other background services to function. If one of these dependencies isn’t running, SQL Server won’t start either. Fixing it is straightforward:

• Open Services using Win + R → Services.msc.
• Locate the SQL Server service again and open its Properties.
• In the Dependencies tab, you'll see a list of other services it relies on. Examples include:
• Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)
• Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
• SQL Server Browser (if using named instances)
• Navigate back to the main Services screen and ensure that all dependent services are started. If not, right-click on each one, and select Start.

Restart SQL Server and try again. Dependencies often cause silent failures, so this is an important step.

---

3. Set Up the ServicesPipeTimeout Registry Key​

Sometimes, this error occurs because Windows assigns a predefined time for services to start (usually 30 seconds) and gives up if the service is delayed. Setting your system to allow more time can help overcome these delays.
Here's how to increase the timeout duration:

• Backup Your Registry
• Use Win + R → regedit.
• Go to File > Export, and save a backup of the registry.
• Add ServicesPipeTimeout Key
• Navigate to this key:
  

       HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control

• Right-click on the Control folder, and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
• Name it ServicesPipeTimeout.
• Double-click the new key and set its value to 180000 (this equals 3 minutes in milliseconds).
• Click OK, then exit.
• Reboot Your PC
  After restarting your system, open the Services app and start the SQL Server service again.

This method often resolves timeout errors (Error 1053) by allowing the SQL service more time to initialize.

---

4. Adjust Certificate Settings (CTL Workaround)​

In some cases, SQL Server Reporting Services fail to start because it cannot access Certificate Trust Lists (CTLs) from Windows Update. This might occur if your system isn’t connected to the internet or if Windows Update has been blocked. Here’s how to tweak those settings:

For Users with Group Policy Editor:​

• Open the Group Policy Editor (Win + R → gpedit.msc).
• Navigate to:
  

     Computer Configuration > Policies > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Public Key Policies > Certificate Path Validation Settings

• Open the Network Retrieval tab.
• Tick Define these policy settings.
• Disable Automatically update certificates in the Microsoft Root Certificate Program.
• Click OK.

For Windows Home Edition Users (Registry Alternative):​

• Open regedit via the Run dialog.
• Navigate to:
  

     HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\SystemCertificates

• Create a new key named AuthRoot.
• Right-click AuthRoot → New > DWORD → Name it DisableRootAutoUpdate.
• Set its value to 1.
• Exit and restart your system.

With this change, the service will no longer depend on fetching certificates, which often prevents it from starting in a timely manner.

---

How to Start SQL Server Manually in the Future​

Once the service is fixed, you might wonder how to start it manually if needed. Follow these simple steps:

• Go to the Start Menu or open Run (Win + R).
• Type Services.msc and find the SQL Server instance.
• Right-click on the service and choose Properties.
• Set the Startup type to Automatic so it starts at boot.
• Click Start to launch it immediately.

---

Can You Run SQL Server on Your Local Computer?​

Yes, and it’s actually quite common! SQL Server installations (via Microsoft Management Studio) are used by developers, testers, database administrators, and more. You can run and administer the database system directly on a local machine, perfect for training or development environments.
If you're unsure how to proceed, check out our guides on installing and configuring SQL Server Management Studio or even other C/RDBMS platforms like MongoDB.

---

In Summary​

The “Windows could not start the SQL Server on Local Computer” error might seem daunting, but with the solutions above, you'll be back in business without breaking a sweat. Whether it’s changing login settings, fixing service dependencies, or adding a custom timeout in the registry, these methods address the problem at its core. The fixes are easy to replicate, even if you're not a SQL wizard.
Still scratching your head? Join the discussion on WindowsForum.com and share your experiences or ask for support. Let's tackle those errors together!

---

Source: The Windows Club https://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-could-not-start-the-sql-server-on-local-computer