Many Windows 10 users have been reporting that a problematic process called “Windows Problem Reporting” has been causing significant performance drops. This happens because the process is using up an unusually high amount of CPU, slowing your computer down.
The process is also referred to as Werfault.exe, which may sound alarming to some people. Sudden processes eating up your memory are no good — in this article, you can find out what this process exactly is, and how you can get rid of the issues caused by it.
Jump to:
- What is the Windows Problem Reporting (Werfault.exe) process?
- Common Windows Problem Reporting (Werfault.exe) errors
- Guide to fix Windows Problem Reporting (Werfault.exe) errors
- Method 1: Run the System File Checker
- Method 2: Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool
- Method 3: Perform a Disk Cleanup
- Method 4: Scan your computer for possible viruses and malware
- Method 5: Turn Windows Problem Reporting off
What is the Windows Problem Reporting (Werfault.exe) process?
Windows Error Reporting, also referred to as Werfault.exe, is a process that handles your error reports. Whenever one of your apps crashes or runs into an issue, you can report this to Microsoft and enhance their ability to fix the issue in a future update.
Under normal circumstances, this process is not a virus or malware. However, some advanced threats can disguise themselves as the Werfault.exe process, which requires attention. Below, you can find a guide on how to scan your PC for malware, eliminating the possibility of a fake Werfault.exe existing on your device.
Common Windows Problem Reporting (Werfault.exe) errors
Even if you have a completely legitimate Windows Problem Reporting (Werfault.exe) process running on your computer, it may still be causing issues for you. We were able to collect the most common problems related to the process, making it easier to trace its source.
- Unusually high CPU usage. Perhaps the most evident issue related to this process is its high CPU usage. When your CPU is under a lot of pressure, your computer will naturally start to function slower. This can get to a level where it’s hard to perform even the most basic tasks without waiting around for everything to load.
- Corrupted or missing system files or Registry keys. If your system files or Registry keys were damaged or deleted, you may start to experience issues with Windows Problem Reporting (Werfault.exe).
- Werfault.exe Application Error. There’s always the possibility of other errors occurring concerning Werfault.exe. These issues can make using certain apps and Windows features impossible.
- Werfault.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience. This generic Windows 10 error message can pop up and signal that you can no longer use the Windows Problem Reporting tool.
Guide to fix Windows Problem Reporting (Werfault.exe) errors
Now that we’ve taken a closer look at what the Windows Problem Reporting (Werfault.exe) process exactly is, it’s time to look for solutions. Below are several methods you can use to restore order on your computer.
Note: For some of these methods, you’re required to log in to an administrator account on your device. This is because we’ll be making changes to your system in an attempt to restore damage or change settings.
Don’t have access to an administrator account? Watch GlobalIT Resolution’s video titled “How to Create a New Administrator User Account in Windows 10.”
Let’s get started!
Method 1: Run the System File Checker
The System File Checker is a tool available in Windows 10 by default. It’s also called an “SFC scan,” and it’s your quickest way to automatically fix corrupted system files and other issues.
Here’s how to run it.
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Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to launch the Run utility. Type in “cmd” and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter. This is going to open the Command Prompt with administrative permissions.
- If prompted, make sure to allow the Command Prompt to make changes on your device. This means that you might need an administrator account.
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Type in the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow.
- Wait for the System File Checker to finish scanning your computer. If it finds any errors, you’ll be able to fix them automatically through the SFC command itself, which may also fix related errors.
Method 2: Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool
You can attempt running the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to solve issues related to the Windows Problem Reporting (Werfault.exe) process.
This isn’t the most reliable method, but some Windows 10 users have reported that the scan was able to identify the correct cause and offer the needed solution.
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Use the search function (available from your taskbar or by pressing the Windows + S keys on your keyboard,) to search for Windows Memory Diagnostic.
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Open the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool from the search results.
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Click on Restart now and check for problems (recommended). This will restart your computer right away, then scan it for memory issues. Make sure you save your files and don’t have anything important open before clicking on this.
- 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.
- Use your computer to determine if you still experience issues with the Windows Problem Reporting (Werfault.exe) process.
Method 3: Perform 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:
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Use the search function (available from your taskbar or by pressing the Windows + S keys on your keyboard,) to search for Disk Clean-up.
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Open the Disk Clean-up utility from the matching search results.
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If prompted, select the drive you want to clear and press OK. This should be the drive where Windows 10 is installed.
- 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.
- Select the type of files you want to delete under the “Files to delete” section. Here is a list of things we recommend cleaning 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
- 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.
Method 4: Scan your computer for possible viruses and malware
We recommend checking for malware on your computer at least once every week. There is always a possibility that you clicked on a shady link or downloaded something containing malicious files. This might not be immediately obvious, and in the long run, may cause serious damage to your device and files.
If some type of malware got on your computer and tampered with Werfault.exe, it's the reason why your errors happen.
You can use the integrated Windows Defender to combat this. It’s Windows 10’s default security solution that doesn’t cause issues and provides basic protection against most threats.
There’s also a great number of third-party antivirus software available for download, which often offers a lot more than Defender does. These applications often offer both free and paid services.
Method 5: Turn Windows Problem Reporting off
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.
- Press and hold the Windows key on your keyboard, then hit R. This shortcut launches the Run utility.
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Write “services.msc” in the input field, then click the OK button. Doing this will bring up a new window called Services.
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Scroll down and locate the “Windows Error Reporting Service.”
- Right-click on “Windows Error Reporting Service” and choose “Properties”.
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Change the Startup type to “Disabled”.
- Press the Apply button, then the OK button.
- Restart your computer. Your device will boot up without the Windows Problem Reporting service active.
We hope this article was able to help you understand what the Windows Problem Reporting (Werfault.exe) process is and how you can get rid of its issues. If you ever notice that the process is starting to eat up your CPU again, feel free to return to this article and try our methods again!
Are you interested in learning more about Windows 10? Do you need help fixing any other Windows 10 errors and issues? You can browse our dedicated blog section and find articles about everything related to Microsoft’s groundbreaking operating system. Check our guide about werfault.exe here.
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