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How to Fix “lsass.exe Unable to Locate Component” Error in Windows: The Active Directory database on your computer is taken care of by the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (lsass.exe). There is a weakness in this service that makes it easy for viruses to get into your system. If a virus changes this service, you will get the lsass.exe application error when you try to start up Windows. Because of this, you can’t get past the Windows boot loading page.
The Active Directory database on your computer is taken care of by the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (lsass.exe). Though this service is safe, there are some viruses that could try to get into your system. If a virus damages this service, you’ll see the lsass.exe error when you try to start up Windows. Whether it’s a system file or a DLL file, the file that’s missing or broken is possible. These files are needed for the lsass.exe process to work right. How to Fix “lsass.exe Unable to Locate Component” Error in Windows is what this guide is all about.
Common Causes of the “lsass.exe Unable to Locate Component” Error
- Corrupted or Missing System Files: This error can occur if essential system files related to the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (lsass.exe) are damaged, missing, or replaced with incorrect versions.
- Malware or Virus Infections: Malware or viruses can infect the lsass.exe process and cause it to malfunction or display error messages.
- Incorrect System Configuration: Misconfigurations in the Windows registry or system settings can lead to errors like this. For example, if the registry entries related to lsass.exe are corrupted or incorrect, it can trigger the error.
- Software Installation or Uninstallation: Problems may arise if a software installation or uninstallation process affects the lsass.exe system component or its associated files.
- Hardware Issues: In rare cases, hardware problems like faulty RAM or hard drive issues can lead to this error, as they may cause data corruption that affects system files.
- Software Updates or Patches: Sometimes, applying Windows updates or patches can introduce compatibility issues that trigger this error.
- Third-Party Security Software: Conflicts with third-party security software, such as antivirus or firewall programs, can interfere with the lsass.exe process and lead to errors.
How to Fix “lsass.exe Unable to Locate Component” Error in Windows
Replace the oleaut32.dll File

- Make an installation CD or USB drive that can boot up with the same version of Windows as your device.
- Put in the installation CD or USB drive that can start your computer up again.
- During boot, go to your computer’s manual or the manufacturer’s website to find out how to change the boot order to put the CD or USB drive first in the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings.
- To get to the Windows Recovery Control options, follow the on-screen instructions and press R when your computer starts up from the bootable installation CD or USB drive.
- Pick the installation you want.
- To change the directory where the oleaut32.dll file is stored, open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type the following command:
- move to c:\windows\system32
- Use this command to change the name of the existing file to oleaut32.old: ren oleaut32.dll oleaut32.old
- This command will copy files from the installation media to your device. Change the drive letter d: to match the letter on your installation media.
- Copy oleaut32.dll from d:\windows\system32 to c:\windows\system32.
- Open the Command Prompt and type “exit.” This will close the utility.
- Take out the bootable CD or USB and Restart your computer.
- After restarting, see if the issue is fixed.
Repair Corrupted System Files
- Start the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the following and press “Enter”:
- run sfc /scannow
- Restart your computer.
- If SFC gave you an error message, type the following commands and press Enter after each one:
- CheckHealth (DISM) or Cleanup-Image (Online)
- Online DISM Cleanup Image ScanHealth
- Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in DISM Online
Use System Restore
- Press the Windows key plus R to make the Run box appear.
- Type SystemPropertiesProtection and press Enter.
- On the System Protection tab, click on it.
- Locate the button that says “System Restore.” To start System Restore, click on it.
- Follow what it says until you can pick a restore point.
- Select the one you want (if possible, from before the problem started) and then follow the steps.
Install Windows Updates
- Go to Start and click on Settings.
- You can find Windows Update there.
- Hold on while you click “Check for updates.”
- Install any updates that you want by going to the “Advanced” menu.
- Turn your system back on.
Conclusion
When you get the “lsass.exe – Unable to Locate Component” error, Windows can’t find or load a file that it needs to run the lsass.exe process. You need to follow these steps to keep your device’s security policies and user authentication up to date. It’s possible that the system file or DLL file that is missing or damaged is one of these. These files are needed for the lsass.exe process to work right. We will show you how to fix the lsass.exe unable to locate component error in Windows for good in this guide. If you want to know more information about this issue so you can visit Microsoft Official Website.
Questions and Answers
The directory%WINDIR%\System32 is where the lsass.exe file used by Windows is located. The file is called a “Local Security Authority Process.” We think that lsass.exe is a virus, spyware, trojan, or worm if it is running from somewhere else.
LSASS stands for “Local Security Authority Subsystem Service.” It stores domain names, local usernames, and passwords in a process’s memory. This article takes a close look at LSASS dumps as an attack vector, something that isn’t usually looked at on its own but as part of a bigger attack chain.
The Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS) is often abused by attackers to dump credentials that can be used to gain more privileges, steal data, or move laterally. Because it stores so much sensitive data in memory, the process is a good target for attackers.
The process ID of LSASS is in event ID 4608, which is also known as “Windows is starting up.” The Windows Event Log API can be used to get it. Of course, there are other things to think about: such as Logon events. 4608 is the same from Vista to Windows 11/Server 2022, which is a coincidence.