The "lsass.exe Unable to Locate Component" error means Windows can't find or load a file it needs to run the lsass.exe process. That process is essential for managing security policies and authenticating users on your device.
The missing or corrupted file could be a system file or a DLL (Dynamic Link Library) file. The lsass.exe process depends on these files to work properly. In this guide, we'll show you how to fix the "lsass.exe Unable to Locate Component" error in Windows.
1. Run an SFC scan in Windows Command Prompt
As mentioned above, the "lsass.exe Unable to Locate Component" error can occur when a specific file that the lsass.exe process relies on is damaged or missing.
Problems like this can be fixed by scanning your system with System File Checker (SFC), a tool developed by Microsoft that checks the system for inconsistencies and corruption.
If it finds a problem, SFC will repair it without needing any significant input from you. If the issue is caused by corruption, this tool should resolve it. If you use a third-party security program on your computer, you should also run a full system scan with your antivirus and see whether that makes any difference.
2. Replace the oleaut32.dll file in Windows
According to many reports, this particular problem can also appear when the oleaut32.dll file, which is needed to launch the application, is missing. You can fix this by replacing the file with a healthy copy from a trusted source.
To do this, you'll need to create a bootable CD or USB drive with the same version of Windows as your device. That way, you can get a verified, working copy of the file from the installation media. You'll also avoid any errors or conflicts that could arise if you tried to replace the file while Windows is running. Still, it's a good idea to back up your system before you continue, just to be safe.
Once you've created the boot drive and the backup, follow these steps:
- Insert the CD or plug the bootable USB drive into your computer and restart it.
- During startup, you may need to enter the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings to change the boot order and prioritize booting from the CD or USB drive. The best way to do this is to check your computer's user manual or look up instructions online on the manufacturer's website.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to continue, and when your computer boots from the CD or bootable USB drive, press R to bring up the Windows Recovery Console options.
- Choose your preferred settings.
- Now, open Command Prompt with admin rights and run the command below. This changes the directory to the location of the oleaut32.dll file:
cd c:windowssystem32 - Next, run this command to rename the existing file to oleaut32.old:
ren oleaut32.dll oleaut32.old - Then copy the file from the installation media to your device with the following command. You may need to change the drive letter d: to match your installation media.
copy d:windowssystem32oleaut32.dll c:windowssystem32 - Finally, type "exit" in Command Prompt and close the utility.
- When you're done, remove the CD or bootable USB drive and restart your computer. After it restarts, you can check whether the problem has been resolved.
3. Perform a system restore
You can also roll your system back to a point before the error appeared.
You can do this with the System Restore feature, which works by creating restore points on your computer, usually before any significant change is made. When you select a restore point, your system returns to the state it was in when that point was created, which resolves the error in the process.
4. Install the latest Windows updates
If you have updates pending on your system, it's worth taking the time to install them. Microsoft regularly releases updates that include fixes for known issues, and by bringing your Windows system up to the latest version, you may be able to resolve the problem you're facing right away.
If that doesn't work, you can perform an in-place upgrade, which reinstalls Windows while keeping your files and apps intact. You'll need Windows installation media (a USB drive or DVD) to carry out the repair install.
The Isass.exe error can be frustrating, but the steps above should be able to return your device to normal and help you avoid other problems. However, if none of the solutions work for you, it's best to contact Microsoft's official support team and report the problem to them.
