How to Repair Base Filtering Engine Service Startup Problems?

Base Filtering Engine Service (BFE) is a Windows service that controls the operation of the Windows Filtering Platform (WFP). This platform allows the software to perform functions like traffic filtering, account, firewall, etc.

The service also supports vital operations for firewall products like Windows firewall, Norton Internet Security, and others.

How Malware Infections Take Control of the System

As discussed, the Base Filtering Engine (BFE) is part of the Windows Filtering Platform (WFP). It helps filter out threats and supports security software. However, if the Base Filtering Engine is missing or corrupt, the chances of being attacked or infected by malware increases. Moreover, an infected system also tries to disable the Base Filtering Engine (BFE) to spread the infection more.

Hence it is necessary to fix it. The major reason for the Base Filtering Engine (BFE) issue is outdated versions of Adobe Flash and fake files.

How To Repair Base Filtering Engine Service

To fix Base Filtering Engine (BFE) on Windows 10, 7 follow the steps explained below:

1. Perform System Restore to restore the Base Filtering Engine (BFE)

The easiest and quickest way to resolve the problem is to perform System Restore. Generally, when a significant change is made to the system like Windows Update is installed, the system restore point is created. This can be used to revert the system to the state it was working fine. However, if you don’t know how to perform a system restore, click here to read more about performing and creating System Restore.

2. Run Base Filtering Engine (BFE) service

To repair the Base Filtering Engine (BFE), make sure the service is running. To ensure that follow the steps below:

IMPORTANT: Before following the steps explained below, make sure you are logged in as administrator, or the user has administrator permissions.

1. Press Windows + R

2. In Run window type service.msc > Ok

3. Now, under the Services window, look for Base Filtering Engine service.

4. Right-click and select Start from the context menu. However, the option is greyed out. Click Properties

5. Restart the system after this; Base Filtering Engine (BFE) service should now be repaired.

If this does not work, try repairing the service .dll file.

3. Repair The Service .dll File & Restore The BFE

If you cannot find SharedAccess under local services, it seems the bfe.dll file saved under (Windows\System32\bfe.dll) might be corrupt. To repair it, follow the steps below:

1. Type Command Prompt in the Window search bar

2. Right-click the search result > Run as Administrator.

3. Now, in the command promptwindow, type sfc /scanfile=c:\windows\system32\bfe.dll > press Enter

4. Reboot the system.

Once this is done, the Base Filtering Engine (BFE) service should be repaired. To verify that BEF service is in the Local Service database, follow the steps below:

1. Press Windows Key + R
2. Type msc> Ok
3. Look for Base Filtering Engine (BFE) check the status; it should be running.
4. Now, try to update the antivirusprogram and scan the system.

Additional Tip:

How to take ownership of & access the BFE Registry key

If you are unable to open the BFE service registry key or cannot alter the Permissions take ownership of the following registry keys:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\BFE

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\BFE\Parameters\Policy

1. Press Windows + R

2. Type exe > Ok

3. Navigate to BFE Registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\BFE

4. Right-click and select Permissions

5. Click the Advanced Button

6. In the consecutive window, if you see Unable to display current owner, or if the user you are logged in is not listed in the owner, click Change

7. Type the user account name > OK.

8. You will now see the entered user account as the owner. To save changes, click Apply.

Close the window. You now have ownership of the BFE key.

Afterward, to repair Base Filtering Engine, start Regedit.exe and head to

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\BFE\Parameters\Policy.

Right-click Policy and click Permissions. Change the permissions, as explained above. Apply changes, close the window. 

This is it; using the steps explained above, you can easily repair the Base Filtering Engine service on Windows 10. In addition to this, to keep your system optimize and clean, we suggest using Advanced System Optimizer. A one-click optimization app that takes care of infections, invalid registry entries, and other issues that might slow down your windows.

FAQ

Q1. What is a Base Filtering Engine?

Base Filtering Engine is a Microsoft service that helps security software to protect the system from infections. Using it, you antivirus apps can run Firewall and control the filtering process.

Q2. How do I enable the Base Filtering Engine in Windows 10?

To enable the Base Filtering Engine in Windows 10, follow the steps below:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type services.msc > Ok
3. Search for Base Filtering Engine service > right-click > enable Base Filtering Engine service.

Q3. What is the Base Filtering Engine (BFE) service not running error?

Base Filtering Engine service is not running means your system is not protected, and none of the antivirus applications can run properly.