MISMATCHED_HAL Error - 6 Simple Fixes

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by Selma Citakovic 

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MISMATCHED_HAL

Encountering the 0x00000079 MISMATCHED_HAL error can be pretty disruptive. Usually, it occurs due to inconsistencies between your hardware and the system’s Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) following hardware upgrades, driver issues, or system updates. The error may prevent Windows from booting correctly or cause unexpected crashes. 

Fortunately, I’ll show you the fixes to restore your system’s stability. But before we begin, try unplugging external hardware and confirm if the error is fixed. If that doesn’t work, proceed to more detailed solutions.

6 Ways To Fix MISMATCHED_HAL Error

Here are the solutions:

Check for Windows Updates

Keeping your system updated makes sure that all drivers and system files are compatible with your hardware. Installing the latest updates can often resolve conflicts that cause the error. Follow the steps below:

  1. Press the Windows Icon + I to open the system Settings. Tap Update & Security.
Update & Security
  1. Click Check for updates and install any available ones.
Check for updates

Restart your computer and confirm if the error is resolved.

Scan Device Performance and Health

This error can lead to hardware issues, such as failing components or compatibility problems. A device performance and health scan can identify and address these problems. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Click the Windows icon, then tap Settings. Select Update & Security.
Update & Security
  1.  Select Windows Security from the left menu, then click on Device Performance & Health.
Device Performance & Health
  1. Review the health report. It includes storage capacity, battery life, apps and software, and Windows Time service.
Health report

If any issue has been detected, follow the recommended actions to address it.

Disable Fast Startup

Fast startup is a feature designed to speed up boot times, but it can sometimes cause conflicts with system hardware, leading to the MISMATCHED_HAL error. Disabling it can help avoid these conflicts. Follow the below steps:

  1. Type Control Panel on the search bar beside the Start menu and hit Open.
Control Panel
  1. Click Power Options.
Power Options
  1. Click on Choose what the power buttons do.
Choose what the power buttons do
  1. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  1. Uncheck the Turn on fast startup box, then click Save changes.
Turn on fast startup

Restart your computer, and the issue should be solved.

Run Windows Defender

Some malware may slip under the radar during regular scans. Windows Defender can find and remove hidden threats that could cause the error. Here are the steps:

  1. Press the Windows Icon + I to open Settings, then select Update & Security.
Update & Security
  1. Tap Windows Security, then Click on Virus & Threat Protection.
Virus & Threat Protection
  1. Under Current threats, select Scan options.
scan options
  1. Choose Microsoft Defender Offline scan and click Scan now.
Microsoft Defender Offline scan

Your computer will restart and perform the scan, which should take about 15 minutes.

Run System Restore

System Restore allows you to revert your computer to a previous state, undoing recent changes that may have caused the MISMATCHED_HAL error. It helps if the problem started after a recent update or software installation. Here are the steps:

  1. Press the Windows icon + I to open Settings, then select System.
System
  1. Scroll and tap About, then click System Protection.
System Protection
  1. Tap System Restore.
System Restore
  1. Hit Next.
Hit Next
  1. Choose a restore point from the list, then tap Next.
Pick a restore point
  1. Click Finish to start the process.
Click Finish

Once done, your Windows will return to the previous state you picked. Check if the error has disappeared. 

Uninstall Recently Installed Software

Newly installed software might conflict with existing hardware or system files, leading to errors. Uninstalling it can eliminate these conflicts and help resolve the MISMATCHED_HAL error. Below are the steps:

  1. Tap the Start menu and select Settings to open the System settings.
System settings
  1. Click Apps.
Applications
  1. Scroll through the list under Apps & features to find any recently installed programs.
  2. Click on the program and select Uninstall.
Uninstall

Restart your computer after uninstalling the software.

The above solutions will help you diagnose and resolve the MISMATCHED_HAL error. If one method doesn’t work, try the next, as the problem may stem from a combination of factors.

Additionally, you can learn to fix the FTDISK_INTERNAL_ERROR and INSUFFICIENT_SYSTEM_MAP_REGS.

More about the topics: Blue Screen of Death, Windows

Selma Citakovic

Selma Citakovic Shield

Content Editor

Selma is a tech fan and content editor at Windows Report. She is also an experienced writer with a focus on cybersecurity, troubleshooting hardware and operating systems, gaming, and all things Windows. She is certified by IBM in cybersecurity and hardware and operating systems.