How can I fix the WerFault.exe application error on Windows?

If your computer suddenly freezes or shows a pop-up saying: “WerFault.exe – Application Error”you are dealing with a common Windows problem. This error can interrupt your work, prevent apps from opening, or cause your PC to run slower than normal. It is annoying because it keeps appearing even after the system restarts.

In this guide, you will learn what the WerFault.exe error means, what causes it, and how to prevent it from happening again. The solutions section (below) will provide you with simple steps to resolve the issue once you are ready to take action.

What is a WerFault.exe application error?

WerFault.exe is a built-in Windows process that is part of it Windows Error Reporting (WER). Its job is to detect when an app or system process crashes and send a report to Microsoft. This helps Windows find problems and improve stability.

The “WerFault.exe application error” A message will appear if this process is not performed correctly. You may see this when starting up your PC, opening an app, or right after a crash. The message usually says something like “The application could not be started correctly (0xc0000142)” or “Path to application with error: C:\Windows\System32\WerFault.exe.”

Common causes of WerFault.exe application error

This error often occurs because something has gone wrong in the system or a background process has stopped working. These are the main causes:

• Damaged system files: Missing or damaged Windows files cause WerFault.exe to stop running.
• Broken Windows updates: Incomplete or buggy updates may break the bug reporting service.
• Outdated drivers: Old graphics, sound or network drivers often cause this crash.
• Malware infection: A fake or infected WerFault.exe file in your System32 folder causes repeated pop-ups.
• Third party app conflict: Some programs block or interfere with Windows Error Reporting.
• Low memory or storage space: When your PC runs out of resources, WerFault.exe may fail to start.
• Corrupted registry entries: Invalid or missing paths in the Windows registry will prevent the process from loading correctly.

These causes can overlap. Therefore, the solutions below focus on controls at both the software and system levels.

How can I fix a WerFault.exe application error?

The Application error WerFault.exe happens when Windows cannot start the error reporting process properly. Fixing it usually means repairing system files, checking for malware, and resetting a few key Windows components. Each solution is explained below why it works, what it changesand how to apply it safely.

Solution #1: Run System File Checker (SFC).

Damaged or missing system files often cause the WerFault.exe error. The System File Checker scans your Windows installation and replaces damaged files automatically. Running it may restore WerFault.exe and related system components.

Here are the steps you can follow to perform SFC:

1. Click on the Start button and type cmd.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
3. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
4. Wait for the scan to complete.
5. Restart your PC when done.

Once restarted, the system will rebuild essential files, often causing WerFault.exe to fail to boot.

Solution #2: Use DISM tool to repair Windows Image

If SFC does not solve the problem, there may be deeper corruption in your Windows image. The Implementation Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool fixes these core files that SFC cannot reach.

These are the steps you can follow:

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin) again.
2. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. When the process is complete, restart your computer.

This repairs damaged Windows components that could be causing WerFault.exe to crash.

Solution #3: Update Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can trigger WerFault.exe when certain hardware is not responding properly. Updating drivers ensures that all components communicate properly with Windows.

You can update them manually or via Windows Update:

• Press Windows+X → select Device management.
• Right-click on devices such as Display adapters or Sound, video and game controllers → select Update driver.
• To elect Automatically search for drivers.
  You can also use tools like NVIDIA GeForce experience, AMD adrenalineor Intel driver and support assistant.

Once the drivers are updated, restart your PC and test if the error appears again.

Solution 4: Scan for malware or fake WerFault.exe files

Sometimes malware disguises itself as WerFault.exe and causes system instability. An in-depth malware scan helps remove infected files and restore safe operation.

Here’s what you can do:

• Open Windows security → Protection against viruses and threats.
• Click Quick scan or Full scan for deeper control.
• If malware is found, follow the onscreen actions to remove it.

If you find a suspicious WerFault.exe file outside the C:\Windows\System32 folder, it’s probably fake; delete it after the scan.

Fix #5: Temporarily disable Windows Error Reporting

If the WerFault.exe pop-up keeps appearing, you can remove the Windows Error Reporting Service temporary. This will stop the process until you fix the root cause.

These are the steps you can follow:

1. Press Windows + Rtype services.mscand press Enter.
2. Search the list Windows Error Reporting Service.
3. Right click on it → select Properties.
4. Below Startup typeto elect Disabled.
5. Click StopThan ApplyAnd OK.

After you disable it, restart your computer. The pop-ups will stop while you continue testing other solutions.

Fix #6: Perform a clean boot

Some third-party apps or background services conflict with Windows Error Reporting. A clean boot allows you to start Windows with only the essential programs running, thus pinpointing the cause.

These are the steps you can follow:

1. Press Windows + Rtype msconfigand press Enter.
2. In the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft servicesand then click Turn everything off.
3. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
4. Disable all startup items.
5. Restart your PC.

If the error disappears, one of the disabled services or apps caused the error. Re-enable items one by one until you find the culprit.

Fix #7: Reinstall or Reset Windows (Last Resort)

If none of the above solutions help, the WerFault.exe problem may be deeply entrenched in your system. Reinstalling or resetting Windows will replace all damaged files and services.

These are the steps you can follow:

1. Open Settings → System → Recovery.
2. Below Reset this PCclick Get started.
3. To elect Save my files (if you want to save your data).
4. Follow the prompts to complete the reset.

This should remove any underlying corruption causing WerFault.exe errors and restore normal operation.

Prevention tips to avoid WerFault.exe application errors

After you resolve the problem with WerFault.exe, you can take simple steps to prevent the problem from returning.

• Keep Windows updated: Always install security and system updates to replace broken files.
• Update drivers regularly: Outdated GPU or audio drivers are a common cause of WerFault.exe errors.
• Avoid sketchy programs: Do not install unknown software that may damage system files.
• Scan for malware weekly: Usage Windows Defender or trusted antivirus programs.
• Do not permanently disable WerFault: It is a core process of Windows that helps detect real problems.
• Use Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense: These delete temporary and cached files that can cause crashes.
• Restart your PC weekly: Regular reboots refresh system memory and resolve temporary conflicts.

Following these habits will keep your system healthy and prevent random Windows errors from appearing again.

Conclusion

WerFault.exe is not a virus; it is a system process designed to help Windows detect and fix crashes. When there is one Application errorthis means something deeper in your system has gone wrong, often with files, updates, or background services.

Most WerFault.exe problems can be resolved with simple system repairs or driver updates. If the problem keeps coming back, a deeper system scan or assistance may be needed Microsoft support. Keep your system up to date, clean and protected to avoid seeing this error again.

With more than 7 years of experience in SEO and blogging, I optimize renowned websites for better rankings. I am passionate about creating detailed guides, especially in the field of gaming and IT.

Latest posts by rizwanrkiff (see all)