How to Fix Wermgr.exe Not Working Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

If you are seeing the wermgr.exe not working error on your Windows 11 PC, it can be frustrating. This error usually appears when the Windows Error Reporting Manager encounters a problem. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to fix it.

This guide will walk you through simple steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. We will start with basic checks and move to more advanced solutions if needed. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow along.

By the end of this article, you should be able to fix the error and get your system running smoothly again. Let’s get started.

Remember to follow each step carefully and check if the problem is fixed before moving on to the next one.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Sometimes, updates fix bugs related to system errors.
Restart your computer before troubleshooting. A simple reboot can clear temporary glitches.
Close all running programs to avoid conflicts during troubleshooting.
Create a system restore point. This is a safety measure to revert changes if anything goes wrong.

Step 1: Run the Windows Troubleshooter

Windows has built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix common errors.

Click on the Start menu and select Settings.
Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Find the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter or Windows Store Apps troubleshooter and click Run.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

This tool checks for compatibility issues or errors that might cause wermgr.exe to malfunction.

Step 2: Scan for System File Corruption

Corrupted system files can cause errors like wermgr.exe not working. You can use the System File Checker (SFC) to repair these files.

Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
In the command window, type the following and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

This command will scan all protected system files and repair corrupted ones automatically. It may take several minutes to complete.

After the scan finishes, restart your computer and check if the error persists.

Step 3: Check Windows Error Reporting Service Status

The wermgr.exe is part of the Windows Error Reporting service. If this service is disabled or not running correctly, the error can occur.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type services.msc and press Enter.
In the Services window, scroll down and find Windows Error Reporting Service.
Right-click on it and select Properties.
Make sure the Startup type is set to Manual or Automatic.
If the service is not running, click Start to enable it.
Click OK to save changes.

Starting or enabling this service ensures Windows can report errors properly without crashing the wermgr.exe process.

Step 4: Perform a Clean Boot

Sometimes, third-party programs or startup items interfere with system processes. A clean boot allows Windows to start with only essential services.

Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
Check the box for Hide all Microsoft services.
Click Disable all to turn off third-party services.
Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
In Task Manager, disable all startup items by right-clicking each and selecting Disable.
Close Task Manager and click OK in System Configuration.
Restart your computer.

If the error disappears during clean boot, it means a third-party app was causing the problem. You can re-enable services and startup items one by one to find the culprit.

Step 5: Update or Reinstall Problematic Software

If the error appears when running a specific program, that software might be causing conflicts with wermgr.exe.

Check if there is an update available for that program and install it.
If updating doesn’t help, uninstall the program and reinstall it from a trusted source.
This can fix any corrupted files or compatibility issues related to that software.

Alternative Method: Use System Restore

If the error started recently, using System Restore to go back to a previous working state can help.

Press Windows + S, type restore, and select Create a restore point.
Click the System Restore button.
Follow the wizard to choose a restore point dated before the error began.
Complete the process and restart your computer.

This method reverses recent system changes that might have triggered the error.

FAQs

What is wermgr.exe?

wermgr.exe stands for Windows Error Reporting Manager. It helps Windows collect and send error reports to Microsoft to improve system stability.

Is wermgr.exe a virus?

No, the genuine wermgr.exe is a legitimate Windows system file. However, malware can disguise itself with this name. Always scan your PC with antivirus software if you suspect infection.

Can I disable wermgr.exe to fix the error?

Disabling Windows Error Reporting service can stop the error but is not recommended because you lose the ability to report and diagnose system problems.

Why does the error happen after installing new software?

New software might conflict with existing system files or services, causing wermgr.exe to malfunction.

Will updating Windows fix this issue?

Sometimes, yes. Microsoft regularly releases updates that fix bugs and improve system stability, which can resolve wermgr.exe errors.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and the error still persists, consider the following options:

Run a full antivirus and malware scan to rule out infections.
Create a new user profile to check if the issue is user-specific.
Use the Windows 11 Repair Install feature, which reinstalls Windows without deleting your files.
Visit the official Microsoft Support website for detailed help: https://support.microsoft.com.
Consult a professional technician if you are uncomfortable performing advanced repairs.

Conclusion

The wermgr.exe not working error on Windows 11 can be caused by various reasons such as corrupted system files, service issues, or software conflicts. Starting with simple fixes like running the troubleshooter and scanning system files often resolves the problem.

If those do not help, checking service status, performing a clean boot, or using System Restore can further isolate and fix the issue. Always keep your system updated and maintain regular backups to prevent future problems.

By following this step-by-step guide, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix the wermgr.exe error efficiently and safely.