Fix: Error 1079, The account specified for this service is different

In this post, fix error 1079, 'The account specified for this service is different' error in Windows 11/10.

Kapil Arya
11x Microsoft MVP · Admin
2 min read
Add as a preferred
source on Google
CONTAINS VIDEO GUIDE

There might be different reasons why you can’t start a particular service in Windows. This article talks about one of those common issue which occurs when the service is failed to start because of incorrect account.

Actually, recently we faced this problem on our Windows 11 Enterprise running system. We tried to start to Diagnostics Policy Service and it failed to start with following message:

FIX Error 1079 The Account Specified For This Service Is Different
Windows could not start the Diagnostics Policy Service service on Local Computer. Error 1079: The account specified for this service is different from the account specified for other services running in the same process.

Microsoft says, this issue is expected to occur when the service is started with local system account instead of Local Service account. Because the local system account do not carry the required permissions to run such services. Due to lack of permissions, Windows can’t start the service and throws the error message 1079 immediately.

So in case if you’re also facing this issue, here’s how you can fix it.

FYI: This fix is applicable to all services, with which you’re getting error 1079.

FIX: Error 1079 The Account Specified For This Service Is Different From The Account Specified For Other Services Running In The Same Process

Manual fix

1. Press W8K + R and type services.msc in the Run dialog box, hit Enter key to open Services snap-in.

Services Windows 10

2. In Services snap-in window, right click on the service with which you’re facing this issue, select Properties.

FIX Error 1079 The Account Specified For This Service Is Different

3. On the property sheet, switch to Log On tab. Select This account and then click Browse.

FIX Error 1079 The Account Specified For This Service Is Different

4. Moving on, in Select User window, click Advanced.

FIX Error 1079 The Account Specified For This Service Is Different

5. In next window, click on Find Now. From Search results, select LOCAL SERVICE and click OK.

FIX Error 1079 The Account Specified For This Service Is Different

6. Then again in Select User window, click OK.

FIX Error 1079 The Account Specified For This Service Is Different

7. Back to service property sheet, as Local Service is added now, make sure you keep Password and Confirm password fields blank. Click Apply, OK.

FIX Error 1079 The Account Specified For This Service Is Different

Now try to start the service and it should be started without any issue.

Video fix

Checkout following video to illustrate this fix:

Hope this helps!

Share this article
https://www.kapilarya.com/fix-error-1079-the-account-specified-for-this-service-is-different

Shareable URL

Article by

Kapil Arya
11x Microsoft MVP · Admin

Kapil holds Microsoft MVP title in Windows IT Pro expertise, 11-times in a row (2014-2025). He is 8-times Windows Insider MVP as well, and author of 'Windows Group Policy Troubleshooting' book. In 2015, Microsoft India accomplished him as 'Windows 10 Champion'. Being passionate Windows blogger, he loves to help others on fixing their system issues. Kapil has worked with official Microsoft Community Engagement Team (CET) on several community projects. You can subscribe him for news/updates and fixes for Windows.

5 Comments
Allan Alden

I have windows 8.1 pro I try all for make the laptop receive updates, is not working If you please can help contact me at *Email removed for privacy*
Thank you in advance

Kapil Arya Author
Nelo Amaka

Hello Kapil Arya. I just tried the steps you outlined in “https://www.kapilarya.com/fix-error-1079-the-account-specified-for-this-service-is-different” but my audio is still not working. My laptop is running Windows 8.1. Please what else can I do? I’ve tried so many tips got from the Microsoft support community and even hp support (I’m using HP 15 Pavilion) but nothing has worked for me. About a week before this sound problem started, a friend of mine, who is into computer repairs, had reformatted the system drive and reinstalled the original operating system (Windows 8.1 Enterprise) along with the original hardware drivers and software, so I’m not even sure doing another System Recovery would work. I’m so fed up with this problem, I don’t know what next to do. Please help!

Kapil Arya Author

^^ Try creating new admin account and check if issue still persists.

Jeff

Hello Kapil Arya!

Thank You!!! I have been pulling out what’s left of my hair trying to undo the sudden death of sound on my HP 6600Z Windows 7 Pc. Website after website just dealt with drivers which was not the problem. My drivers for Realtek Audio were up to date but the audio device just could not be found no matter what I did. You instructions solved the problem and my blood pressure is coming back down.
Please don’t mind my e-mail address. I am old school security conscious and it helps with annonymity.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *