{"slug":"troubleshoot-windows-installation-error","title":"Troubleshoot Windows installation error","tags":["tailscale","setup"],"agent_summary":"Last validated: Feb 18, 2026","trigger_phrases":[],"runnable":false,"markdown":"\r\n# Troubleshoot Windows installation error\r\n\r\nLast validated: Feb 18, 2026\r\n\r\nThe Tailscale client installer requires the following Windows system services to be running:\r\n\r\n- `Dnscache`\r\n- `iphlpsvc`\r\n- `netprofm`\r\n- `WinHttpAutoProxySvc`\r\n\r\nIf the installer does not detect that these services are running, it will automatically fail. For official Microsoft guidance on disabling system services, refer to [Guidance on disabling system services on Windows Server 2016 with Desktop Experience](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/security/windows-services/security-guidelines-for-disabling-system-services-in-windows-server).\r\n\r\n![Project Logo](https://cdn.brandfetch.io/tailscale.com/fallback/lettermark/theme/dark/h/256/w/256/icon?c=1bfwsmEH20zzEfSNTed)\r\n\r\nAsk AI\r\n\r\nreCAPTCHA\r\n\r\nRecaptcha requires verification.\r\n\r\nprotected by **reCAPTCHA**\r\n","html":"<h1>Troubleshoot Windows installation error</h1>\n<p>Last validated: Feb 18, 2026</p>\n<p>The Tailscale client installer requires the following Windows system services to be running:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><code>Dnscache</code></li>\n<li><code>iphlpsvc</code></li>\n<li><code>netprofm</code></li>\n<li><code>WinHttpAutoProxySvc</code></li>\n</ul>\n<p>If the installer does not detect that these services are running, it will automatically fail. For official Microsoft guidance on disabling system services, refer to <a href=\"https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/security/windows-services/security-guidelines-for-disabling-system-services-in-windows-server\">Guidance on disabling system services on Windows Server 2016 with Desktop Experience</a>.</p>\n<p><img src=\"https://cdn.brandfetch.io/tailscale.com/fallback/lettermark/theme/dark/h/256/w/256/icon?c=1bfwsmEH20zzEfSNTed\" alt=\"Project Logo\"></p>\n<p>Ask AI</p>\n<p>reCAPTCHA</p>\n<p>Recaptcha requires verification.</p>\n<p>protected by <strong>reCAPTCHA</strong></p>\n"}