How to Fix Windows Script Host Error

Errors that seem to come out of nowhere are nothing new in Windows. For example, Windows Script Host errors fall into this category and can affect users on Windows 11 or 10 as well as earlier versions. Let's take a look at the possible causes behind these issues and how you can fix them.

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What causes the Windows Script Host error?

Windows Script Host (WSH) is a built-in automation tool in Windows that allows administrators to execute various scripts such as VBScript and JScript. Although WSH tasks are fairly common and run in the background, you may occasionally encounter errors such as: “Access to Windows Script Host has been disabled on this machine.”

Errors like these can usually be traced back to registry errors, malware infections, VBS script file issues, or other corrupted files. To fix the Windows Script Host error you're experiencing, you can try the fixes below in sequence.

1. Check Windows Script Host in the registry

For a number of reasons, Windows Script Host may simply be disabled on your system. It could be a program you installed or some system settings you don't remember changing. To check if this is indeed the case, you can use the Registry Editor as follows:

1. Click on Win + R To open the dialog box “Run”.
2. Type regedit And press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Open “HKEY_CURRENT_USER -> Software -> Microsoft -> Windows Script Host -> Settings.”

4. In the right pane, double-click the value. "Maybe" Check the field Value statementsMake sure it is set to . "1" and click "OK".

5. If there is no value "Empowered" , you can create it. Right-click in the empty space in the right pane and select “New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value”. Set the name of this newly created value to "Maybe". Click "OK" and set Value statements own on "1" to complete the process.

6. Restart your computer For the changes to take effect.

2. Use Microsoft Safety Scanner

Windows Script Host errors are often caused by malware. You can use a free tool called Microsoft Safety Scanner to scan your system for and remove malware to fix your WSH error. You can also use a third-party antivirus program to perform a system scan. Here's how to use Microsoft Safety Scanner.

1. Download the Microsoft Safety Scanner From the Microsoft website.
2. Run the downloaded executable file, select “full examination” To perform a comprehensive malware scan on your system.

3. Click "the following" To start the scan, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Good to know: Windows Defender is sufficient For all the antivirus protection you need on your system.

3. Check the value of the VBS file in the registry.

A default script (VBS) is a Windows file that contains information required by the Windows Script Host to run various scripts. Sometimes, it can be misconfigured, causing one or more WSH errors. You can check the VBS file using the Registry Editor to try to fix the errors.

1. Open Registry Editor from the dialog box "employment".
2. Open “HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT -> .vbs” Double-click the value. "(hypothetical)" in the right pane.

3. Make sure to adjust Value statements on “VBSFile” and click "OK".

4. Don't forget to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

4. Delete entries after Userinit in the registry

Users may also encounter Windows Script Host errors during system startup. To fix these types of issues, you can delete some registry entries in the Registry Editor and see if it helps. Follow the steps below to do so:

1. Open Registry Editor from the dialog box "employment".
2. Open “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> SOFTWARE -> Microsoft -> Windows NT -> CurrentVersion -> Winlogon.”

3. Delete all entries that follow. “Userinit”. In this example, they are: VMApplet و “WinStationsDisabled”.

4. Double-click on “Userinit” Make sure the “Value Data” is set to “C:\Windows\system32\userinit.exe”.

5. Click "OK" and restart the computer.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Can Windows Script Host be misused by malware?
Windows scripts are useful tools that your system uses to perform important tasks. However, they can also be misused by hackers to infect your system. These malicious scripts can be delivered to your system via email, documents, and other programs that pretend to be legitimate. Once these scripts are on your system, the Windows Script Host can end up executing them, infecting your system with the intended malware.

Q2: What should I do if Windows script errors keep appearing?
If you've tried all the fixes we've detailed in this article and these errors still occur, you may need to repair your Windows installation. If that doesn't work, you can opt for a reinstallation of Windows as a last resort. Here's a simple guide. To reset Windows without losing your files.

Q3: Can I remove a virus from my computer without antivirus software?
Because of its ease of use, antivirus software is usually the easiest way to find and remove viruses from your system. However, you can also remove a virus from your computer without using any antivirus software. You can use the Command Prompt and some useful commands to scan and remove viruses from your computer.