Network · high

How to fix WLAN AutoConfig Error 1068 (service failed to start)

Error code: WIFI_AUTOPREP_FAIL

What this error means

Wi-Fi disappears from Windows, and trying to start the WLAN AutoConfig service shows "Error 1068: The dependency service or group failed to start". WLAN AutoConfig (WlanSvc) is the service that finds and connects to wireless networks. Error 1068 means it could not start because a service or driver it depends on did not start. Typical reasons are a disabled dependency, often after a privacy, debloat or optimization tool, a damaged Wi-Fi driver or damaged system files.

Updated

Applies to
Windows 11 and Windows 10
Difficulty
Intermediate
Before changes
Low; set services back only to their defaults

Reviewed by Matyáš Rada · Documentation checked: 2026-10-31 · Checked against Microsoft's system error code reference and the WlanSvc service configuration on Windows; not tested on every configuration.

Before you begin

You need an administrator account. If you used a tool to disable services, keep it at hand; it may have an option to undo its changes. If Windows cannot start, see the startup guide.

Work through these checks

0 of 7 complete
01Restart and check the Wi-Fi adapter

A quick check rules out a disabled adapter or hardware switch before changing services.

  1. Restart the PC and check that Airplane mode is off and any Wi-Fi key or switch on the laptop is on.
  2. Open Device Manager > Network adapters and check that the Wi-Fi adapter is listed and not disabled (right-click > Enable device if it is).
What to expect

The adapter is listed and enabled.

If it does not help

If the adapter is missing entirely, go to step 5.

Browse related errors
02Set WLAN AutoConfig to Automatic

WLAN AutoConfig normally starts automatically with Windows.

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc and press Enter.
  2. Double-click WLAN AutoConfig, set Startup type to Automatic, click Apply and then Start.
  3. Or in Terminal (Admin) run sc.exe config wlansvc start= auto and then net start wlansvc.

In PowerShell, type sc.exe, not sc.

What to expect

The service starts and Wi-Fi networks appear.

If it does not help

If you get Error 1068, find the failed dependency in step 3.

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03Find and enable the failed dependency

Error 1068 means a service or driver that WLAN AutoConfig depends on did not start.

  1. In services.msc, open WLAN AutoConfig > Dependencies tab, or run sc.exe qc wlansvc in Terminal (Admin) and look at DEPENDENCIES.
  2. On Windows 10 the list includes Remote Procedure Call (RPC), Windows Connection Manager, and the drivers NDIS Usermode I/O Protocol (Ndisuio) and NativeWiFi Filter.
  3. In services.msc, check that Windows Connection Manager and Remote Procedure Call (RPC) are not Disabled; set them to Automatic and start them, then start WLAN AutoConfig again.

Do not change services you are not sure about; only restore disabled dependencies to Automatic or Manual.

What to expect

All dependencies start and WLAN AutoConfig runs.

If it does not help

If a dependency is a driver (Ndisuio or NativeWiFi Filter) and will not start, reinstall the Wi-Fi driver in step 5 and repair system files in step 6.

Browse related errors
04Undo changes made by tweaking tools

Privacy, debloat and optimization tools often disable network-related services, and some re-apply their settings at every startup.

  1. Open the tool you used and choose its option to restore default services or undo its changes, then uninstall it.
  2. Restart and check WLAN AutoConfig again.
What to expect

The service starts normally after the restart.

If it does not help

If you used a script, check whether it created a restore point you can use in step 7.

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05Reinstall the Wi-Fi driver

WLAN AutoConfig depends on Wi-Fi driver components; a damaged driver stops it from starting.

  1. Download the Wi-Fi driver for your exact model from your PC or laptop maker (use another device or an Ethernet cable).
  2. In Device Manager, uninstall the Wi-Fi adapter with Attempt to remove the driver for this device ticked, restart, and install the downloaded driver.
What to expect

The adapter and WLAN AutoConfig work.

If it does not help

Then run Windows Update for any remaining driver updates.

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06Repair system files

Damaged service or driver files prevent the dependency chain from starting.

  1. Open Terminal (Admin).
  2. Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, then sfc /scannow, and restart.
What to expect

SFC reports no remaining problems and the service starts.

If it does not help

If DISM cannot download files without Wi-Fi, connect with an Ethernet cable or USB tethering from a phone.

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07Use network reset or System Restore

Network reset reinstalls network adapters, and System Restore returns service settings to an earlier state.

  1. On Windows 11, open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset > Reset now.
  2. If that does not help, use System Restore (search "Create a restore point" > System Restore) and pick a point from before Wi-Fi stopped working.

Network reset removes saved Wi-Fi networks. System Restore removes apps installed after the restore point.

What to expect

Wi-Fi works again.

If it does not help

Scan for malware with Microsoft Defender (offline scan) if services were disabled without your knowledge.

Browse related errors

Possible causes

  • A service WLAN AutoConfig depends on is disabled
  • Privacy, debloat or optimization tools that disabled services
  • A damaged or missing Wi-Fi adapter driver
  • Damaged Windows system files
  • Malware that disabled network services

Useful Windows tools

These commands open Windows tools. Review changes before applying them.

services.msc

Sources & further reading