[Fix] Unable to Start a DCOM Server on Windows 11

Are you facing an error where the Event viewer says Unable to start a DCOM server when you start to use in-built applications?

If this issue is the case, there is nothing to worry about.

I have been in a similar situation as you. With proper confidence and research, I have been able to get out of this issue. So, if you are looking for an ultimate guide to fix DCOM server error on your Windows 11 system, you have landed in the right place.

This post will show you some of the best practical and effective techniques to fix the DCOM server error issue on your Windows 11 system.

Keep reading and precisely follow the instructions to fix the DCOM server error problem.

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Why Unable to Start a DCOM Server Error Occurs on Windows 11

Generally, the error: Unable to start a DCOM server occurs on Windows 11 after installing an update. There is some technical error in your system that might be responsible for the error.

Here is a list of possible technical reason on your system that creates the DCOM Server error:

Corrupted Microsoft Office Suite:

If the Event viewer references the MS Office suite application for the DCOM server error, then the MS Office suite application is the main reason for the error.

The DCOM server error probably occurs for corrupted office installation that creates corrupted files. By repairing the MS Office suite application, you can fix the error.

Firewall Interference:

Your system active firewall is giving DCOM server error because it can’t clear outdated firewall rules. To resolve this issue, you’ll need to delete the outdated and unnecessary firewall keys.

Also, check out our expert-recommended guide on How To Enable Telnet On Windows 11.

Overprotective Antivirus suite:

The third-party antivirus suite application is another primary reason to create the DCOM server error.

Sometimes, third-party antivirus suite applications conflict with the system firewall, creating unnecessary issues. To fix this error or problem, need to remove or uninstall the AV suite.

Corrupted System File:

A corrupted system file is another reason for displaying the DCOM server error. When your Windows system’s system files are corrupted, technical processes including software, system data, and so on become incompatible.

You’ve seen the possible causes of the Windows 11 DCOM server error so far, and in the next part, I’ll show you several tested and proven solutions to the problem.

So, let’s get started on the next section.

How to Fix Unable to Start a DCOM Server on Windows 11

Many Windows 11 users reported that they face a DCOM server error after installing an update when trying to open preinstalled windows applications or MS Office suite.

There are have many reasons to face the DCOM server error in your Windows 11 system computer. In the previous section, I discuss some of them.

This section will discuss some practical and tested methods to solve the error quickly.

Here are the steps to fix the unable to start a DCOM server error on Windows 11:

1. Repair the Microsoft Office Suite

The corrupted Microsoft Office Suite application is one of the main reasons to face the DCOM server error.

The DCOM server error probably occurs for corrupted office installation that creates corrupted files. You need to repair the MS Office suite application to solve the error.

Follow these steps to fix the DCOM server error by repairing the apps:

Press Windows Key + I on your keyboard to open the Windows System Settings App.
Click on the Windows icon on your taskbar, and then click on the Settings icon under the pinned apps to open Windows Settings.

Select the Apps tab option from the left side settings menu panel.
Click on the Apps & features option at the top of the right side screen.

Click on the apps search bar and type Microsoft Office to find the Microsoft Office application.
Scroll down and find the Microsoft Office application.

Click on the Microsoft Office program three-dot menu.
Select the Modify button to repair the MS Office application.

Select Yes to confirm to modify the app when the User Account Control window is prompt on the screen.
Select Quick Repair if you want a quick repair that quickly fixes most issues without an internet connection.

Select Online Repair to fix all issues with the internet connection. This method takes a little longer.

Click on the Repair button.
Click on the Repair button again to start a Quick Repair.

Wait until the process is complete.
After completing the process successfully, restart your computer and check whether the error is solved.
If you still have problems after a Quick Repair, you can select the Online Repair option.

So, the superfetch service is using a lot of CPU? Check out how to disable SuperFetch on Windows 11.

2. Delete the Firewall Interference

Another effective method to solve the DCOM server error is to delete the firewall interference on your Windows 11 system computer.

Outdated and unnecessary firewall keys can create the DCOM server error. So, deleting the firewall interference can solve your problem.

Follow the steps below to delete the firewall interference by using the Registry Editor:

Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Windows Run Program on your system.
Type regedit in the run box.

Click on the OK button or hit the Enter key on your keyboard to open the Registry Editor.
Select Yes to confirm to open the Registry Editor when the User Account Control (UAC) window is prompt on the screen.
Enter the following path in the Registry Editor address bar: Image no: 2.4
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\FirewallRules

Right-click on the FirewallRules registry key and select the Delete option.

Click on the Yes button to permanently delete the key, and it’s all subkey.

Clear the Registry Editor address bar, and enter the following path in the address bar: Image no: 2.7
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\RestrictedServices\Configurable\System

Right-click on the System registry key and select the Delete option.

Click on the Yes button to permanently delete the key, and it’s all subkey.

Clear the Registry Editor address bar, and enter the following path in the address bar: Image no: 2.10
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\RestrictedServices\AppIso\FirewallRules

Right-click on the FirewallRules registry key and select the Delete option.

Click on the Yes button to permanently delete the key, and it’s all subkey.

Close the Registry Editor, restart your computer, and check whether the error is solved.

Quickly check out our latest fix for Bluetooth Toggle Missing On Windows 11.

3. Uninstall the Antivirus Software

The third-party antivirus or malware detected software is one of the leading causes to see the DCOM server error on your Windows 11 system.

To solve the issue, you need to uninstall the third-party antivirus or malware detected software on your device.

Follow these steps to fix the error by removing or uninstalling the apps:

Press Windows Key + I on your keyboard to open the Windows System Settings App.

Click on the Windows icon on your taskbar, and then click on the Settings icon under the pinned apps to open Windows Settings.

Select the Apps tab option from the left side settings menu panel.
Click on the Apps & features option at the top of the right side screen.

Scroll down and find your antivirus software.

Click on the three-dot menu and select the Uninstall button.

Click on the Uninstall button to confirm to delete or remove the app.

4. Run the System File Checker (SFC) Tool

Another option to fix the DCOM server error on your Windows 11 system is to run the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and restore the corrupted system files.

Follow the steps below to fix the DCOM server error on your Windows 11 system by the SFC tool:

Click on the Windows Search icon at the left side of the taskbar to open the Windows Search panel.
Type cmd and click on Run as administrator to open the Command Prompt with admin privileges.

Type the sfc /scannow command. Hit the Enter button to run the SFC tool to scan and restore the corrupted system files.

Wait until the process is complete.
After the successful scan, see whether your error is solved. If not, try the next solution to try to fix the problem.

5. Run the DISM Tool

Running the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) program is another way to fix the DCOM server error on your Windows 11 PC.

Follow the steps below to run the DISM tool to solve the DCOM server error on your Windows 11 system:

Press the Win + S key on your keyboard to open the Windows Search panel.
Type cmd and click on Run as administrator to open the Command Prompt with admin privileges.

Type the DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth command and hit the Enter button, and wait until the process is complete.

After completing the first process, enter DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth command and press the Enter button, and wait until the process is complete.

After the successful scan, see whether your error is solved.

Final Thoughts

The Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) is a flexible platform and language, allowing users to reuse most components without rebuilding them. It enables users to start and use server objects remotely.

There are some technical reasons for getting a DCOM server error, and I discuss and list the possible cause of getting the DCOM error on your Windows 11 system in this post.

Here, I also describe five tested and proven methods to solve your DCOM server error on your Windows 11 computer, which helps you resolve your problem.

I hope you found this post to be informative. If you found your solution, please let me know which method works for you.

You may also look at other posts if you’re interested in learning more about similar topics.