"Service Agent failed to start" message while installing the Windows Roaming Client
If you're running into errors like WMI 'ExecQuery' failed or Service DNS Agent failed to start, you're not alone—these are often symptoms of issues with WMI on the local machine or Operating System minimums for .net framework and .net core aren't met.
Continue below to explore troubleshooting WMI errors if OS requirements are in place.

Here are the top things to check if you’re seeing this during installation:
🔍 Common Symptoms
- Agent installs but fails to start
- “Verify that you have sufficient privileges to start the system services” messaging
- Errors related to invalid WMI classes
- DNS service doesn’t respond after agent install
🔧 Steps That Helped Other Users
➡️ Run a system check:
sfc /scannow
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
➡️ Check WMI health:
Run wmimgmt.msc and right-click WMI Control (Local) > Properties. If you get an "Invalid class" error, the WMI repository may be corrupted.
Run winmgmt /verifyrepository to verify the integrity of the WMI.
➡️ Recompile Mof files for WMI errors:
This command attempts to re-register key files for WMI functionality. Run from an elevated command prompt:
cd C:\Windows\System32\Wbem
for /f %s in ('dir /b *.mof *.mfl') do mofcomp %s
for %i in (*.dll) do regSvr32 -s %i
net stop winmgmt /y
net start winmgmt
gpupdate /force➡️ Rebuild WMI:
sc config winmgmt start= disabled
net stop winmgmt
Winmgmt /salvagerepository %windir%\System32\wbem
Winmgmt /resetrepository %windir%\System32\wbem
sc config winmgmt start= auto➡️ As a last resort, rename the repository folder and trigger a rebuild via the WMI Control panel:
Rename %windir%\System32\wbem\repository to repository.old. Reboot and reopen WMI Control to trigger auto-rebuild.
🧐 Additional Troubleshooting
See these external guides for more detail and further troubleshooting.
- Missing, failed, or invalid WMI class
- Microsoft Community generated cmd and PowerShell fixes
- Troubleshooting WMI connectivity issues
- Detailed steps to check WMI health and enable event tracing
💬 Got past a different WMI issue? Share your steps or tips in the comments to help other users!
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