This guide lists the most common Windows errors, what they mean, and how to fix them. It also includes methods to retrieve hidden or missing error codes when Windows does not display them. These steps apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11.
How to Find Hidden Windows Error Codes
If Windows crashes, freezes, or restarts without showing an error message, use these methods to reveal the error code.
1. Disable Automatic Restart After Crash
- Right-click This PC → Properties
- Select Advanced system settings
- Under Startup and Recovery, click Settings
- Uncheck Automatically restart
- Click OK
The next time Windows crashes, the blue screen will stay visible so you can read the error code.
2. Use Event Viewer
- Press Win + X → select Event Viewer
- Go to Windows Logs → System
- Look for entries marked Error or Critical
- Select an entry to view the error code and details
3. Use Reliability Monitor
- Search for Reliability Monitor in the Start menu
- Open View reliability history
- Click any red “X” to view the error code and description
4. Check Minidump Files (BSOD Only)
- Open File Explorer
- Go to C:\Windows\Minidump
- Use tools like BlueScreenView to read crash details
5. Check Windows Update History
- Open Settings → Windows Update
- Select Update history
- Click failed updates to view error codes
Windows Update Errors
0x80070005 – Access Denied
Usually caused by permission issues or corrupted update files.
- Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
- Restart the PC
- Run
sfc /scannow - Run
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
0x8024a105 – Update Failed
Often caused by network issues or damaged update components.
- Restart the PC
- Check your internet connection
- Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
0x800f081f – Missing System Files
Windows cannot find required update files.
- Run
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth - Run
sfc /scannow
0x80070002 – Corrupted Update Data
- Delete contents of C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
- Restart and try again
Startup and Boot Errors
“Automatic Repair couldn’t repair your PC”
- Boot into Safe Mode
- Run
sfc /scannow - Run
chkdsk C: /f /r
“Inaccessible Boot Device”
- Check SATA/NVMe drivers
- Undo recent Windows updates
- Run Startup Repair
“Boot Device Not Found”
- Check BIOS boot order
- Ensure drive is detected in BIOS
- Drive may be failing
Program and File Errors
“Windows cannot find…”
- Program shortcut is broken
- Reinstall the program
- Check antivirus quarantine
0xc0000005 – Application Error
- Run
sfc /scannow - Update drivers
- Reinstall the affected program
Missing DLL Errors
- Never download DLLs from random websites
- Reinstall the program that needs the DLL
- Run
sfc /scannow
“The application was unable to start correctly”
- Reinstall the program
- Update .NET Framework and Visual C++ Redistributables
System Errors
“Critical Process Died”
- Run
sfc /scannow - Run
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth - Check for failing drives
“Service Host: High CPU”
- Restart Windows Update service
- Run malware scan
Disk Usage Stuck at 100%
- Disable Windows Search temporarily
- Disable Superfetch (SysMain)
- Check drive health
“The parameter is incorrect”
- Run
chkdsk C: /f /r - Check external drives for corruption
Quick Fixes for Many Errors
- Restart the PC
- Run
sfc /scannow - Run DISM repair commands
- Update Windows
- Update drivers
- Run a full malware scan
When to Seek Professional Help
- Errors continue after all troubleshooting steps
- Multiple different error codes appear
- Drive shows signs of failure
- RAM tests show errors
- System crashes during startup every time
