System crashes are annoying. Especially when they come with strange names like WerFault.exe Application Error. It pops up out of nowhere. Your screen freezes. Programs stop responding. And you’re left wondering what just happened.
Good news. This error looks scary, but it’s usually easy to fix. You don’t need to be a tech genius. You just need a few simple steps. Let’s break it down in plain English.
TL;DR: WerFault.exe is part of Windows Error Reporting. When it crashes, it usually means a corrupt file, bad driver, or memory issue. Most cases are fixed by scanning system files, updating drivers, checking RAM, or disabling Windows Error Reporting. Follow the 8 fixes below. One of them will likely solve your problem.
First, What Is WerFault.exe?
WerFault.exe stands for Windows Error Reporting Fault. It’s a built-in Windows process. Its job is simple. When a program crashes, it collects error data and sends it to Microsoft.
In short, it reports problems.
But sometimes, the reporting tool itself crashes. That’s when you see the WerFault.exe Application Error.
This usually happens because of:
- Corrupted system files
- Faulty RAM
- Outdated drivers
- Malware infection
- Disk errors
Now let’s fix it.
Fix #1: Restart Your PC (Yes, Really)
It sounds too simple. But it works more often than you think.
A restart clears temporary files. It resets memory. It stops stuck processes.
Steps:
- Click the Start button.
- Select Power.
- Click Restart.
If the error doesn’t come back, great. If it does, move on.
Fix #2: Run System File Checker (SFC Scan)
Corrupted system files are a common cause. Windows has a built-in repair tool for that.
Here’s how to use it:
- Press Windows + S.
- Type cmd.
- Right-click Command Prompt.
- Select Run as administrator.
- Type: sfc /scannow
- Press Enter.
Now wait. It may take 10–15 minutes.
If corrupted files are found, Windows will fix them automatically.
Restart your computer after the scan. Check if the error is gone.
Fix #3: Use DISM Tool (If SFC Didn’t Work)
If SFC fails, try DISM. It repairs the Windows image itself.
Open Command Prompt as administrator again. Then type:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Press Enter.
This may take longer than SFC. Be patient.
Once it finishes, restart your PC.
This combo (SFC + DISM) fixes a huge percentage of WerFault errors.
Fix #4: Check Your RAM for Problems
Bad memory causes random crashes. Including WerFault.exe errors.
Windows includes a memory diagnostic tool.
Here’s how to use it:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type mdsched.exe.
- Press Enter.
- Select Restart now and check for problems.
Your PC will reboot and test the RAM.
If errors appear, your RAM may need replacement.
No errors? Good. Let’s continue.
Fix #5: Update Your Drivers
Old drivers are troublemakers. Especially graphics and chipset drivers.
To update drivers:
- Right-click Start.
- Click Device Manager.
- Expand categories one by one.
- Right-click a device.
- Choose Update driver.
Focus on:
- Display adapters
- Network adapters
- Storage controllers
You can also visit your laptop or motherboard manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers.
A driver update often stops repeated system crashes.
Fix #6: Scan for Malware
Some viruses disguise themselves as legit Windows files.
WerFault.exe should be located in:
C:\Windows\System32
If you find it elsewhere, that’s suspicious.
Run a full system scan:
- Open Windows Security.
- Go to Virus & Threat Protection.
- Click Scan options.
- Select Full scan.
This process may take a while. Let it finish.
Remove any threats found.
Malware removal solves more crash issues than most people expect.
Fix #7: Disable Windows Error Reporting Service
This won’t fix the root cause. But it can stop the annoying popups.
Here’s how:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type services.msc.
- Press Enter.
- Find Windows Error Reporting Service.
- Double-click it.
- Set Startup type to Disabled.
- Click Stop.
- Click Apply.
This prevents WerFault.exe from launching automatically.
Again, this is more of a workaround. But it works if crashes are constant.
Fix #8: Check Your Hard Drive for Errors
Disk problems can corrupt system files. Corrupted files trigger WerFault.exe.
To scan your disk:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Type: chkdsk C: /f /r
- Press Enter.
You may be asked to schedule the scan at restart. Type Y and reboot.
This scan checks for:
- Bad sectors
- File system errors
- Corruption
If your drive is failing, consider backing up data immediately.
Bonus Fix: Perform a Clean Boot
Third-party software can cause conflicts.
A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs.
Steps:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type msconfig.
- Press Enter.
- Go to the Services tab.
- Check Hide all Microsoft services.
- Click Disable all.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Click Open Task Manager.
- Disable startup items.
- Restart your PC.
If the error disappears, one of your programs is the cause.
Enable services one by one to find the culprit.
When Should You Worry?
Most WerFault.exe errors are harmless.
But pay attention if you see:
- Frequent blue screens
- Loud clicking sounds from your drive
- Random restarts
- Heavy overheating
These may indicate hardware failure.
In that case, consider professional diagnostics.
Why These 8 Fixes Work 90% of the Time
Because most system crashes come from predictable causes.
Usually one of these:
- Broken system files
- Driver issues
- Memory faults
- Disk corruption
- Software conflicts
The fixes above directly target those problems.
No guesswork. Just structured troubleshooting.
Final Thoughts
The WerFault.exe Application Error looks technical. But it’s rarely catastrophic.
Stay calm.
Start with simple steps. Restart. Scan files. Update drivers.
Work through the list one fix at a time.
In most cases, your system will be stable again within an hour.
And the next time WerFault.exe shows up? You’ll know exactly what to do.
Fast fixes. Clear steps. No panic needed.
