How to fix Unhandled Exception error in Windows 10
6 solutions to fix Unhandled Exception Errors
- Perform clean boot
- Perform SFC scan
- Run the Hardware Troubleshooter
- Perform virus scan
- Un-install and re-installing .NET Framework
- Run .NET Framework cleanup tool
Exceptions can be considered to be a known form of error that the operating system is programmed to deal with. In other words, the OS – in this case Windows – is aware of the issue and has prior knowledge of ways to deal with the same.
Unfortunately, there might also be some exception that is beyond the scope of Windows to deal with. It is these scenarios that has come to be known as unhandled exception errors. That’s because Windows does not know how to handle the exception. However, those errors too can be fixed easily though the only catch here is that it might take some time before you are back on track again.
Steps to fix Windows 10 unhandled exception errors
Solution 1: Perform clean boot
This will enable the PC to start with only a minimal set of drivers and programs. This way, you will know which third party program, if any, is leading to the error. Here is how it is done.
- Launch msconfig. You can do this simply by typing msconfig in the Cortana search box and select System Configuration from the search results shown. Alternately, press Windows key + R to launch the Run Type msconfig and press OK.
- In the System Configuration dialog box and under the Services tab, select the Hide all Microsoft services check box.
- Click on Disable all.
- Next, select the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
- In Task Manager, you will get to see a list of startup items relevant to your PC. Select each and click Disable.
- Close Task Manager after you are done with each startup item.
- Click on OK to close the System Configuration dialog box.
- Re-start your PC.
Your PC will now boot in what is termed as the clean boot environment where all third party programs are disabled. This is the reason the PC might not have all the functionality yet though fret not, those will be restored in the next stage.
Meanwhile, here is how to find out which program might be playing naughty.
- Start msconfig again using steps mentioned above.
- In the System Configuration dialog box, select Services
- Next, select the Hide all Microsoft services check box.
- Select to enable one half of the startup programs in the Services
- Click on OK and then Restart.
- If the problem does not occur, all the programs you have selected has passed the test.
- Repeat the process with the next half.
- If the problem occurs, launch msconfig > Services.
- Select half of the programs that you had selected during the initial run and Restart
- Repeat this process with one half of the programs each time until you have found the problematic program.
Once you have found the program causing the error, see if there is an updated version available for the same. Or uninstall the reinstall the same to see if the problem is resolved. You can also get in touch with the manufacturer to see if they can help resolve the issue.
Solution 2: Perform SFC scan
This operation performs a scan of all the system files and will make necessary amendments as deemed fit. That makes it extremely fit to deal with unhandled exception errors. Here is how to perform sfc scan.
- Launch command prompt by typing cmd in the Cortana search box. From the search result shown, right click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. Alternately, you can also open the Run window by holding Windows key + R, type cmd and hit enter.
- In the Command prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
- It might take a few second for the scan to complete. Wait patiently till its shows 100% scan is complete.
Solution 3: Run the Hardware Troubleshooter
Any issues with a hardware can also be the reason for the error to appear. That makes it quite imperative to perform a hardware and devices scan to rule out chances of a hardware or a device somewhere playing the trick.
- To identify such hardware, enter the following command in the Run windows and press Enter or click on the OK button: %systemroot%\system32\msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
- Follow on-screen instructions to find if any hardware is at fault.
- Open Run dialog box using steps mentioned in the previous section.
You can also run the Hardware troubleshooter from the Settings page, as shown in the screenshot below.
Solution 4: Perform virus scan
There also are chances of a virus attack being the culprit behind such errors. As such, it is highly recommended to perform a full and thorough scan of your system to ensure there are no virus in your PC, or to deal with the situation of there being a virus attack on your PC.
Also make sure your virus definition files are up to date and that your PC is constantly being protected. Open Windows Defender Security Centre to perform a security audit of your PC. Click on the small arrow icon in the bottom left of the taskbar to open Windows Defender Security Centre. Or you can also type the same in Cortana search box as well.
Also, its best to let Microsoft defender to do the job rather than any third party anti virus software.
Solution 5: Un-install and re-installing .NET Framework
This also is another way to deal with unhandled exception error. Here are the steps:
- Launch Control Panel by clicking on Start > Windows System > Control Panel. Alternately, you can simply type Control Panel in the Cortana search box and select from the search results shown.
- Select Programs > Programs and features. Locate Microsoft .NET Framework.
- Right click on it and select Uninstall.
- After uninstallation is complete, install Windows update.
- For that, go to Start > Settings > Update & security.
The .NET Framework will get installed automatically. Alternately, you can also download it manually from the official Microsoft site – dotnet.microsoft.com.
Solution 6: Run .NET Framework cleanup tool
This is also recommended to ensure you have no issues with the .NET Framework installed in your PC. You will have all the information and procedure listed here for running the tool.
Meanwhile, here are a few other resources that you might find interesting: