What is Werfault.exe and how to fix it on Windows 10?

The werfault.exe enables Microsoft to track and handle errors relating to the OS and Windows features. Here's how to fix the Werfault.exe Application Error.
What is Werfault.exe

Are you having issues on Windows 10 that point to a file called Werfault.exe? You’ve come to the right place to learn how to fix it. Read our article to get informed on what Werfault.exe is, if it’s safe and how you can fix errors related to it.

What is Werfault.exe?

What is Werfault.exe?

Werfault.exe is the Windows Error Reporting process of Windows 10. This tool is used by many applications to report errors. For example, if something on your computer crashes, Werfault.exe makes it possible to forward the crash report to Microsoft.

If available, you can even gain information and possible solutions to solve the error you’ve encountered. This is helpful for both you and Microsoft, as they can use the data for further developing Windows.

You can always turn Windows Error Reporting (Werfault.exe) off, or personalize its settings. This might be good if the process is causing issues on your computer.

Even the tool used to report errors can experience errors itself.

High CPU Usage

The most common issue associated with Werfault.exe is related to your computer's processor (CPU). If the process is faulty, it can increase your computer's CPU usage drastically. Sometimes, it even maxes out to 100% and stays around that range consistently.

 High CPU usage

This is dangerous for your processor’s health. Having it run on high performance for extended periods of time will cause damage. We recommend immediately trying to fix this Werfault.exe error to prevent any damage.

Corrupted or Missing Files

Corrupt or missing files make it impossible to properly locate Werfault.exe, which leads to errors.

There is also a possibility that your files or your registry keys got corrupted. This can happen while updating Windows, making changes to your system, or due to malware infection.

Other Werfault.exe errors

Some other errors might occur with Werfault.exe that make using certain apps impossible. Here are some common error messages Windows 10 users reported getting:

  • 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.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, we recommend taking a look at the next section of our article.

How to Fix Werfault.exe Application Errors

After you’ve identified that you have an issue with Werfault.exe, it’s time to start troubleshooting. We compiled five useful methods for you to get rid of any errors caused by Werfault.exe to restore the health of your computer.

Note: For some of these methods you will be required to use an administrator account. You can learn how to make one by watching this video from StrowmWind Studios. This is important because administrative permissions are needed to perform specific tasks in Windows 10.

The methods below are all easy to follow even if you’ve never done troubleshooting on your computer before. Make sure to follow our steps closely to ensure there’s no damage done to your files.

Run the System File Checker

The integrated System File Checker (SFC scan) can help you identify and fix a number of Windows 10 problems. If your issues are related to corrupt or missing files, it’s a good idea to start troubleshooting with an SFC scan.

Here are the steps to running the Windows 10 System File Checker:

  • Use the search bar in your taskbar and type in Command Prompt.

      Windows 10 System File Checker

  • Right-click on Command Prompt from the results and choose Run as administrator. If prompted, enter your password.

       Windows command prompt

  • Type in the sfc /scannow command and hit enter on your keyboard.

       How to scan your computer through command prompt

  • Wait for the scan to complete. This might require a long time since it’s fully scanning your computer. Once it’s finished, you’ll see whether or not any issues were found and corrected.
  • Restart your computer.

Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

You can attempt running the integrated Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to solve issues related to Werfault.exe. This isn’t the most reliable method, but some Windows 10 users have reported that the scan was able to identify and solve their errors.

  1. Use the search bar in your taskbar to search for Windows Memory Diagnostic

        How to use Windows Memory Diagnostic tool

    2. Open the tool from the results.

      Windows memory diagnostic tool

    3. Click on Restart now and check for problems (recommended). This will immediately restart your computer. Make sure you save your files and don’t have anything important open.

 How to check for problems

   4. Wait for your computer to restart. During startup, you’ll see the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool scanning your PC. If any issue is found, the tool will automatically apply a fix.

Do a Disk Cleanup

There is a possibility that piled-up junk on your computer might cause issues with Werfault.exe. This is because the program associated with it responds slowly due to the temporary junk files, resulting in Werfault.exe timing out.

Tip: Not everything will be caught by the Disk Cleanup tool, but it can help remove most temporary files on your computer. For more thorough cleaning, we recommend using an application such as CCleaner after Disk Cleanup.

You can clear temporary files and junk from your computer with the Disk Cleanup utility. Follow the steps below to perform a cleaning:

  1. Using the search bar in your taskbar, search for Disk Clean-up.
    disk clean up
  2. Open the Disk Cleanup utility from the results
    disk clean up utility
  3. If prompted, select the drive you want to clear and press OK.
    windows drive
  4. Wait for the scan to complete. This might take a long time depending on the specs of your computer and the number of files you have.
  5. Select the type of files you want to delete under the “Files to delete” section. Here is a list of things we recommend cleaning in order to free up space:
  • Windows Update Clean-up
  • Temporary Internet Files
  • Windows error reports and feedback diagnostics
  • Delivery Optimization Files
  • Device driver packages
  • Recycle bin
  • Temporary files
  • Thumbnails

    6. Press OK and wait for the Disk Cleanup to finish. Once again, this might take a long time. Don’t turn your computer off during the process.

Scan your PC for Malware

How to Scan your PC for malware

We recommend checking for malware on your computer at least every few weeks. There is always a possibility that you clicked on something shady or downloaded something containing malicious files. These things can cause serious harm to your PC.

If some type of malware got on your computer and tampered with Werfault.exe, it's the reason why your errors happen.

There's a great number of antivirus software available online. Some of them aren't too good though, which is why we compiled a list of the most trusted and effective solutions:

  • Malwarebytes
  • Emsisoft
  • Norton AntiVirus
  • Avast
  • Bitdefender
  • AVG

These applications all offer both free and paid services. You can download and install any of them by clicking on the provided links and following the on-screen instructions.

How to Disable Windows Error Reposting Service

If none of the methods above seemed to fix your Werfault.exe issues, you can try disabling the Windows Error Reporting Service altogether.

While this isn’t ideal, it’s most definitely going to fix your errors. Here are the steps to turn off error reporting in Windows 10:

  1. Press and hold the Windows key on your keyboard, then hit R. This shortcut launches the Run utility.
  2. Write services.msc in the input field, then click the OK button. Doing this will bring up a new window called Services. (You might have to wait a few seconds for it to load.)

      Windows Error Reporting Service in Windows 10

    3. Scroll down and locate the Windows Error Reporting Service. The list is in alphabetical order, making it easier to navigate.

       Windows Error Reporting Service

    4. Right-click on Windows Error Reporting Service and choose Properties.

    5. Change the Startup type to Disabled.

      Windows Error Reporting Service

    6. Press the Apply button, then the OK button.

    7. Restart your computer.