0x800704ECSystemHigh

Error 0x800704EC — Service Logon Failed (ERROR_SERVICE_LOGON_FAILED) | Windows System Error Fix

Windows 11Windows 10Windows Server 2022

What Does 0x800704EC Mean?

The service did not start due to a logon failure. The account used to run the service cannot log on.

Real-World Causes

1Service account password was changed but not updated in services.msc
2Service account was deleted or disabled
3Service account lacks 'Log on as a service' right
4Domain trust relationship broken for the service account

Symptoms

⚠Service fails to start with logon failure error
⚠Event ID 7038 in System event log
⚠Applications depending on the service stop working
⚠Service shows 'stopped' with error in services.msc

DIY Fix

Beginner-friendly steps you can try at home

1Open services.msc, right-click the service > Properties > Log On tab, update the password
2If using Local System, switch back to 'Local System account'
3Verify the account exists and is not disabled in Computer Management > Local Users and Groups

Advanced Fix

For experienced users and IT professionals

1Grant 'Log on as a service' right: secpol.msc > Local Policies > User Rights Assignment
2For domain accounts, verify the domain trust: 'nltest /verify'
3Reset the service to use Local System: 'sc config servicename obj=LocalSystem'

Frequently Asked Questions

What account should Windows services use?

Most services should use built-in accounts: Local System (highest privilege), Local Service (limited privilege), or Network Service (limited privilege with network access). Only use specific user accounts when the service needs access to specific user resources.

Related Error Codes

0x80070422Service Disabled (ERROR_SERVICE_DISABLED)0x800704DDNot Logged On (ERROR_NOT_LOGGED_ON)

About the Author

Windows Troubleshooting Team

Verified against official Microsoft documentation and real-world diagnostic data. Error behavior confirmed across Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server.