Seeing the WerFault.exe Application Error pop up on your screen can be frustrating—especially when it interrupts your workflow or appears repeatedly at startup. WerFault.exe is a legitimate Windows process tied to the Windows Error Reporting service, but like many system components, it can malfunction due to corrupted files, malware, or conflicting software. Understanding what causes the issue is the first step toward resolving it effectively.

TL;DR: WerFault.exe is part of Windows Error Reporting, and its application errors are usually caused by corrupted system files, malware, driver conflicts, or memory issues. You can fix the problem by scanning for malware, running System File Checker (SFC) and CHKDSK, updating drivers, or disabling Windows Error Reporting if needed. In persistent cases, performing a system restore or resetting Windows may be required. Always back up your data before making major system changes.

What Is WerFault.exe?

WerFault.exe stands for Windows Error Reporting Fault. It is a built-in Windows utility located in the System32 folder. Its primary purpose is to collect error data when applications crash and send that information to Microsoft for analysis and possible fixes.

Under normal circumstances, WerFault.exe runs quietly in the background. However, if you encounter messages like:

  • WerFault.exe – Application Error
  • The instruction at 0x referenced memory at 0x. The memory could not be read.
  • WerFault.exe has stopped working

—then something is interfering with the process.

What Causes WerFault.exe Application Errors?

Several underlying issues can trigger this error. The most common include:

  • Corrupted system files
  • Malware or virus infection
  • Outdated or incompatible drivers
  • Faulty RAM or hardware problems
  • Software conflicts after updates

Because WerFault.exe activates when something else goes wrong, the root cause is often external to the process itself.

How to Fix WerFault.exe Application Error

Below are proven troubleshooting methods you can follow. Work through them systematically for best results.

1. Scan Your Computer for Malware

Although WerFault.exe is legitimate, malware can disguise itself using similar names. A virus might create a fake WerFault.exe file running from a different directory.

Steps:

  1. Open Windows Security.
  2. Click Virus & Threat Protection.
  3. Select Scan Options.
  4. Choose Full Scan and start the process.

If threats are detected, remove them and restart your PC.

Tip: Ensure the original WerFault.exe file is located in C:\Windows\System32. Any version running elsewhere should be investigated.

2. Run System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted or missing system files are among the most common triggers of application errors.

To run SFC:

  1. Press Win + S and type cmd.
  2. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
  3. Type the command:

    sfc /scannow

  4. Press Enter and wait for the scan to finish.

If corrupted files are found, Windows will attempt to repair them automatically.

3. Use DISM to Repair the Windows Image

If SFC doesn’t resolve the issue, use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool.

In Command Prompt (admin), run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This scans and repairs the Windows image itself, which could fix deeper system corruption causing WerFault errors.

4. Check Your Disk for Errors

A failing hard drive or corrupted sectors may cause application crashes.

To check your disk:

  1. Open Command Prompt (admin).
  2. Type:

    chkdsk C: /f /r

  3. Press Enter and confirm if prompted.
  4. Restart your PC to allow the scan to complete.

This process may take some time but can resolve underlying disk issues.

5. Update Device Drivers

Outdated or faulty drivers—especially graphics and chipset drivers—can trigger system-level errors.

To update drivers:

  • Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
  • Expand categories and look for warning icons.
  • Right-click devices and select Update driver.
  • Choose Search automatically for drivers.

Alternatively, download drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website for better compatibility.

6. Disable Windows Error Reporting (Temporary Fix)

If WerFault.exe itself keeps causing system slowdown, you can temporarily disable it.

Method:

  1. Press Win + R.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. Find Windows Error Reporting Service.
  4. Double-click it and set Startup type to Disabled.
  5. Click Stop, then Apply.

Note: This only prevents error reporting—it does not fix the underlying issue. Use it as a temporary solution.

7. Perform Memory Diagnostics

Faulty RAM can trigger the “memory could not be read” error message associated with WerFault.exe.

To check RAM:

  1. Press Win + R.
  2. Type mdsched.exe and press Enter.
  3. Select Restart now and check for problems.

Your system will reboot and run a memory test. If errors are detected, replacing RAM may be necessary.

8. Uninstall Recently Installed Software

If the error began after installing a new program or Windows update, there could be a conflict.

Try this:

  • Open Settings > Apps.
  • Sort by Install date.
  • Uninstall recently added applications.
  • Restart your computer.

If the issue disappears, you’ve likely identified the culprit.

9. Use System Restore

System Restore allows you to return Windows to a previous working state without deleting personal files.

To perform System Restore:

  1. Search for Create a restore point.
  2. Click System Restore.
  3. Choose a restore point before the error started.
  4. Follow the instructions and restart.

This is often one of the quickest ways to eliminate persistent errors.

10. Reset or Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)

If none of the above solutions work, your Windows installation may be severely corrupted.

Reset your PC:

  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
  • Select Reset this PC.
  • Choose whether to keep personal files.

Always back up important files before performing a reset.

Preventing Future WerFault.exe Errors

Once the issue is fixed, you’ll want to avoid dealing with it again. Follow these preventative tips:

  • Keep Windows updated
  • Regularly scan for malware
  • Update drivers frequently
  • Monitor system performance
  • Avoid installing unverified software
  • Create restore points before major updates

Routine maintenance significantly reduces the likelihood of application errors.

When Should You Be Concerned?

While occasional WerFault.exe activity is normal, you should investigate further if:

  • The file runs constantly at high CPU usage
  • It appears outside the System32 directory
  • You experience frequent system crashes
  • It prevents you from launching programs

Persistent issues could point to deeper system instability or hardware failure.

Final Thoughts

The WerFault.exe Application Error may look intimidating, but in most cases, it’s a symptom rather than the real problem. By methodically scanning for malware, repairing system files, checking hardware, and updating drivers, you can usually resolve the issue without professional help.

Remember, Windows Error Reporting is designed to help diagnose problems—not cause them. When it starts misbehaving, it’s often your operating system’s way of signaling that something else needs attention. Address the root cause, and WerFault.exe should return to doing its job quietly in the background.

With the right troubleshooting steps and preventive care, your system can remain stable, responsive, and error-free.