10 Fixes For Werfault.exe Error in Windows

Are you seeing the WerFault.exe error dialog box on your screen? We’re not surprised. We noticed that many Windows users like you had experienced this dialog box and sought help in many forums.

This is very simple to fix, and you do not have to worry about it. Not reassured yet? You will feel better when you read the article below. By the time you’re done, you’ll learn about what the WerFault.exe is, what it does, why it causes this issue, and how to fix it.

What Is The WerFault.exe Application?

WerFault.exe is a Windows service with the Operating System (OS). This service reports errors when applications and system services are being run on your computer. When a service or application crashes on your system, reports are generated and sent to Microsoft for analysis and solutions.

If the issue is new, the reports will be taken to the developers and engineers for them to find a solution. If the error has been faced before by users, the solutions used for fixing the issue will be shown for you to use as a reference. This application might seem like every other application tester.

The WerFault.exe is connected to the OS itself. This means that the reports sent from your PC will be used to avoid issues by implementing the solutions in the following or upcoming updates.

Through this application, you not only get the solution to the issues you are facing but also broadcast information about the issue and the solutions to use, if the users need them, in the form of new features or bug fixes in Windows updates.

Why Do You Need The WerFault.exe?

The only purpose of the WerFault.exe or the Windows Error Reporting service is to scour Windows OS-based computers for errors and take them to the notice of the developers at Microsoft.

When you notice an application has crashed, it is usually when they hang or because of a small dialog box stating the error. This dialog box could give you two options – wait for the program to respond or end the program immediately.

Irrespective of your choice, the crash report is sent to the OS developers. The WerFault error reporting service is responsible for this.

Is WerFault.exe Safe To Run? Can It Be Some Form Of Malware?

In most circumstances, the WerFault.exe is a legitimate windows process that plays an important role in the system’s functioning. However, like every other Windows service or process, this can also become corrupted through viruses or malware.

You might be dealing with a virus file if you notice any unusual symptoms related to the application or OS crashes.

You will not see anything suspicious if you check the Windows Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc). Only the process will be displayed to you if it is running. This is because the malware takes the form of the actual process and can cause high CPU usage.

There is only one way to find out if you are hosting a virus instead of the WerFault.exe.

1. Open the Windows Task Manager with the help of the keyboard hotkeys or the task termination window (Ctrl + Alt + Del).
2. Go into the Details tab and locate the WerFault.exe. This process can be easily found if you simply press W on your keyboard to go to the part of the list of processes that starts with the letter W.

1. Right-click on the WerFault.exe process and choose the Open File Location option from the context menu.

When you do this, you should be taken to the C:\Windows\System32 directory. If you see a different directory, the service is a virus and has to be removed instantly. A full system scan with an antivirus can help fix this.

You might wonder why the regular scans performed by the antivirus software do not get rid of this virus file. The system services and the built-in applications are exempted from regular scans. Only a prompted full system scan checks every directory on your system.

Why Does The WerFault.exe System Process Need Access To A Network?

Most system processes do not ask for a network connection with access to the internet to function and finish completing their tasks. But the WerFault.exe application is an exception.

The WerFault error detection & reporting tool requires an internet connection. This is because, as the name of the service suggests, it reports to the Microsoft devs through a server.

This server can only be connected when there is a proper network connection. You can also check if the process is using too much internet to run this application for quite a long time.

Issues Related To The WerFault.exe Bad Image Error

There is more than one variant of the WerFault.exe error on Windows. All of them are caused by the same factor but in different situations.

• Werfault.exe Application Error.
• Can’t find Werfault.exe.
• Error starting program: Werfault.exe.
• Werfault.exe is not running.
• Werfault.exe failed.
• Werfault.exe not found.
• Faulting application path: Werfault.exe.
• Werfault.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

Symptoms of the WerFault.exe issue

Apart from the obvious error message in the dialog box, these are some hidden symptoms you can experience when the WerFault.exe application has been displaying errors.

Spike In The CPU Usage

We previously mentioned that you might be able to see a spike in CPU usage because of this application. It is normal when the WerFault.exe or any other application utilizes a large portion of your RAM.

But when this usage extends over some time longer than the duration of the process, it can be bad. This could be because of a virus. If this issue is not addressed immediately, you could be looking at hardware overheating and, eventually, failure.

Damaged Or Missing System Files

Damaged or Missing system files can be caused by viruses that now control the WerFault.exe. When the computer crashes, it may not be able to generate a crash report.

Instead, you could be shown a random dialog box stating an error. This can also prevent applications when being opened.

When the files damaged by this error are necessary for some applications, services, or processes to run without any issues, they have to be returned.

These unknown indications are also why it has to be fixed on your computer – for better productivity, performance, and extension of the hardware component(s) life.

Solutions For The WerFault.exe Bad Image Error On Your Windows 10 PC

These solutions can be used to fix the WerFault.exe bad image application errors on Windows 10. With these fixes, we are looking to eliminate the responsible factors or replace the corrupt files with new ones.

1. Reboot Your System
2. Perform An Antivirus Scan
3. Run A System File Check Scan
4. Run The Windows Memory Diagnostic Test
5. Turn The Error Reporting Service Off
6. Remove And Reinstall The Display Drivers
7. Update Windows To The Latest Version
8. Upgrade the Windows OS
9. Reset The Windows OS
10. Perform A Clean Installation Of The OS

Procedures For Fixing The WerFault.exe Error For Windows 10

Solution 1: Reboot Your System

Our first solution is to reboot the computer. This workaround will help reset unsaved, wrongly set configurations on your computer. If there are any software bugs at work on your system, then a reboot is most likely to get rid of them. A more relatable reason for us to suggest this fix is that a simple restart is known to fix most minor issues on any device.

Since it is not possible for us to easily confirm that the WerFault issue is caused by a bug or a different major factor, we will have to take our chances. While restarting has been known to fix simple bugs, we need to have a definite reason for this issue before deciding or proceeding with the other issues.

Solution 2: Perform An Antivirus Scan

It is now quite obvious that a virus or a form of malware can be the responsible agent for the WerFault.exe application not responding normally. A complete scan of the computer’s drives should be able to help you detect these viruses.

You will need good third-party antivirus software to do this. The Windows Defender’s Virus & Threat Protection feature will suffice if you haven’t got an active subscription.

Every popular third-party antivirus software performs system scans at regular 24-hour intervals, by default. If desired, the subscriber can also prompt it to scan every aspect of the computer.

There can be no specified procedures to guide you toward a full-system scan, as every antivirus program has a unique interface. This option should be named Scan Now or Run a Scan on the main menu or in a sub-menu.

You can always opt to scan the system with the Virus & Threat Protection page in the Windows Defender Antivirus settings. Here’s how you can.

1. Open the Windows Security settings. This can be accessed by searching Windows Security on the search bar (Windows key + S). If you go to this page through the Windows Settings (Windows key + I), open it and take this path: Update & Security > Windows Security > Open Windows Security.
2. Here, you may have the Quick Scan option without activating it.
3. However, if you had to make this option available for access, click on the Microsoft Defender Antivirus options section and expand it.
4. Toggle the Periodic Scanning option on and you’ll be able to see more security options appear on this page.
5. Click on the Quick Scan option. You can also choose from various scans to be performed on your computer.

They are available in the Scan options link. We have your back if you do not know what the different types of scans your Windows computer has.

a. Full System Scan

This type of scan will search your system completely and report if any suspicious files are found. No exceptions are made in the system directories.

There are higher chances of the security system detecting threats and excluding them. It can take a long time that can vary depending on the size and contents of your hard disk.

b. Quick Scan

The Quick scan looks for threats in directories that have experienced the presence of a threat or places generally targetted by malware. This does not take much time. If you are experiencing symptoms of the system hosting a virus, you should be able to see some threats in this scan report.

c. Custom Scan

A custom scan is very useful for checking out suspicious files on chosen locations on your computer. If you have a suspicion about a file or folder, you can initiate a scan for it. These scans are pretty quick, and the size of the file/folder and the duration of the scan is directly proportional.

d. Microsoft Defender Antivirus Offline Scan

Microsoft Defender Offline is Windows antimalware scanning utility that allows you to boot from a secured environment and launch a scan. The scan generally occurs outside the standard Windows kernel to catch viruses and malicious programs that try to override the Windows shell, such as viruses and types of malware that infect or recompile the Master Boot Record (MBR).

If you have an older Windows version, you might have to install the Microsoft Defender Antivirus Offline scan feature separately to a bootable media and run it after some complications.

Solution 3: Run A System File Check Scan

A System File Checker scan (SFC) is a scanning utility that looks for file corruption and replaces it with a completely new and compatible copy of the same file so that the system continues to function seamlessly.

This can be accessed with a command executed through the Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin) tools.

Launch the Windows PowerShell (WindowsPowerShell) or Command Prompt (cmd.exe) window with administrator privileges. The easiest way to do this is to search for either of these utilities and select the Run as administrator option from the search results.

You can also use the Run tool (Windows key + R) to open these applications. Optionally, you can also open the PowerShell window through the Quick Link/Power User menu (Windows + X).

Another unique way to open these tools is by opening their respective executable files from their directory (C:\Windows\System32).

Once one of these windows is open, type in sfc /scannow and hit the Enter key for the tool to execute it. It can take a few moments to check your system.

We recommend running the scan two or three times so the computer is scanned completely. You can also try the Deployment Image Servicing and Management command for this issue.

Solution 4: Run The Windows Memory Diagnostic Test

The RAM is examined and tested with the help of the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. It’s been started to check RAM for any errors, even when working on your computer.

It assists you in identifying if a certain problem is a direct consequence of hardware failures, such as RAM, motherboard, or other components.

This is done by performing a series of experiments. Any hardware memory component failure is indicated by the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool.

We will be using this tool to check for damage to the RAM with the help of the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool.

1. Search for Memory Diagnostic Test in the search field on the taskbar.
2. Choose the appropriate option for this and see the Windows Memory Diagnostic dialog box appear.

3. Click on the Restart now and check for problems (recommended) option. You can also choose the Check for problems the next time I start my computer option if you wish to postpone the RAM verification.

This will restart your OS instantly. Make sure you don’t have any running applications or unsaved changes on your system.

Solution 5: Turn The Error Reporting Service Off

Disabling the WerFault.exe tool can be considered a solution, but you will turn the reports off. Your system will no longer be able to send reports to Microsoft even after crashes.

However, if your main concern is to just not see the error, you can disable this feature. If you do not know how we have given the steps below.

1. Open the Services (services.msc) window on your system. You can use the Run utility (Windows key + R) or search for it through the search box (Windows key + S).
2. From the list of system services, navigate to the Windows Error Reporting Service.

3. Now, open this service’s properties by double-clicking on it or by right-clicking on it and choosing Properties, from the context menu.
4. Unfold the Startup type drop-down menu and choose the Disabled option.

5. Then, save these changes by clicking on the Apply and OK buttons in the Properties window.
6. Once these steps are done, reboot the PC to save these changes.

Solution 6: Remove And Reinstall The Display Drivers

The WerFault.exe error can be traced back to a troublesome display driver; therefore, you can try updating it. We recommend that you seek the help of an interface tool like the NVIDIA GeForce Experience or the AMD Radeon adrenaline.

If the update does not work or you’re on the latest version of the driver software, your only option is to remove and reinstall the Display drivers on your computer. This is because we could be looking at driver software corruption, which requires immediate attention and maybe, replacement.

1. Launch the Device Manager window (devmgmt.msc) and expand the Display Adapters section.
2. Right-click on the Display Adapters section to expand it into a list of devices. You will mostly see the integrated and dedicated graphics cards if they are present.
3. Right-click on any one of the devices and choose the Uninstall Device.

4. In the prompt window, click on Uninstall. You will no longer be able to see this device. Without the driver, some aspects of your computer will not be able to function properly.
5. Now, right-click on the Display Adapters section and click on the Scan for hardware changes option.

This will give you a cleaner version of the display drivers.

Solution 7: Update Windows To The Latest Version

Windows Updates come out very frequently. The WerFault.exe service and Windows Updates go hand-in-hand. Only when a report is sent to Microsoft will they be able to give you a solution through the next update.

Updating the Windows version may not solve this issue, but having the latest version on your computer is always good. This is how you can update the Windows OS.

1. The Start menu or the keyboard shortcut (Windows key + I) can be used to access the Windows Settings.
2. Go to the Update & Security tile on the Settings main page.
3. Move to the Windows Update tab on the left panel and click the Check for Updates button.
4. Click on the Download and Install option, if there are any pending updates, available for download.

Solution 8: Upgrade the Windows OS

Upgrading the Windows OS to Windows 11 is becoming a common solution for many OS-related issues today. This is an alternative to updating the Windows version on your system. If you have a genuine Windows OS, you will receive a free upgrade to the latest OS.

You can go to the Windows Update Page in Settings, download the OS and allow the system to upgrade itself. There is no need to worry about Windows 11 having an appearance or interface different from Windows 10.

They are quite similar. The upgrading process can take nearly an hour to complete. Once the upgrade is complete, check if the WerFault.error persists. If it does, let us try resetting the system.

Solution 9: Reset The Windows OS

Resetting the Windows Operating System (OS) can give the computer a new configurational make-over. Every setting is changed to its default, and all missing files will be returned.

There are chances that the Windows version will be rolled back to the version it was on during the device purchase. However, it can also eliminate the factors that cause the WerFault.exe issue on your computer.

1. Open the Windows Settings (Windows key + I) menu. You can use the gear icon in the Start menu or the keyboard hotkey shortcut to launch this window.
2. Go into the Updates & Security tile in the main menu.
3. You will be taken to the Windows Update tab and from the left pane, click on the Recovery tab.
4. Now, Click on the Get started button under the Reset this PC section.

5. You will be asked to choose between reinstalling the OS and keeping it.

Once this choice is made, the reset process will initiate. This can take anywhere around two hours or even more.

You will lose all the data on your computer. So you will have to make backups of the data before you proceed with this process. An external hard disk or online cloud storage are optimal options for this issue.

Solution 10: Perform A Clean Installation Of The OS

A clean install involves reinstalling the operating system on the computer from scratch. This will reset all the settings and resolve the WerFault.exe errors on your Windows 10 PC.

This may or may not be a part of the Windows reset process. If you do not know how to perform a clean installation of your Windows 10 OS.

1. Connect your computer to a USB storage device with more than 8 GB capacity.
2. Convert the USB disc into a bootable device using the Windows Media Creation program.
3. Restart the computer if necessary. If the installation boot device is located at the beginning of the boot sequence, you will be directed directly to the installation window.
4. You’ll have to rearrange the boot sequence with the USB drive on top if the boot sequence isn’t in the correct order for installation.
5. Click Next and then the Install Now button in the installation procedure.
6. Enter the product key code if you have one. If you don’t have a product key, click the I don’t have one link.
7. Accept the terms and proceed by pressing the Next button.

These are the different solutions that have worked when trying to fix the WerFault.exe error dialog boxes. If you still cannot solve it, try contacting Microsoft support.