How to Fix MSI Afterburner Failed to Start Scanning Error on Windows 11

MSI Afterburner is a popular tool used for monitoring and overclocking your graphics card. However, some users encounter the “Failed to Start Scanning” error when launching the application on Windows 11. This issue can prevent you from accessing crucial features like temperature monitoring and fan control.

Fixing this error usually involves simple troubleshooting steps that anyone can follow. Understanding why the error occurs helps in applying the correct solution. This article will guide you through easy and detailed fixes for resolving the problem.

By following these instructions, you can quickly get MSI Afterburner working smoothly again. Each step is explained clearly, so even beginners can understand and apply them.

Let’s start by checking a few quick points before diving into the main solutions.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

Ensure MSI Afterburner is updated: Using the latest version can fix bugs and compatibility issues with Windows 11.
Check your graphics drivers: Outdated or corrupted GPU drivers may cause scanning errors.
Run MSI Afterburner as Administrator: Sometimes, permission issues prevent the program from initializing properly.
Close conflicting software: Other monitoring tools or overclocking apps can interfere with MSI Afterburner’s scanning process.

Step 1: Run MSI Afterburner as Administrator

Running MSI Afterburner with administrative rights allows it to access necessary system resources. Without these permissions, the app might fail to start scanning your hardware.

Locate the MSI Afterburner shortcut or executable file.
Right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow.
Check if the scanning error still appears.

This simple step often resolves permission-related issues quickly.

Step 2: Update Your Graphics Card Drivers

MSI Afterburner relies on your GPU drivers to scan hardware details correctly. Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause scanning failures.

Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
Expand the Display adapters section.
Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.
Restart your PC after updating.

If Windows doesn’t find newer drivers, visit the GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to download and install the latest version manually.

Step 3: Disable Conflicting Software

Other system monitoring or overclocking tools can interfere with MSI Afterburner’s scanning process. Closing or uninstalling these tools may help.

Check for apps like EVGA Precision, RivaTuner, HWMonitor, or GPU-Z running in the background.
Close these apps completely by right-clicking their icons in the system tray and selecting Exit or Close.
Try launching MSI Afterburner again.

Sometimes, even built-in Windows tools like Xbox Game Bar can cause conflicts. Consider disabling them temporarily if problems persist.

Step 4: Reinstall MSI Afterburner

If none of the above fixes work, reinstalling MSI Afterburner can resolve corrupted files or incorrect settings.

Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
Go to Apps > Installed apps and find MSI Afterburner.
Click on it and choose Uninstall.
Download the latest MSI Afterburner installer from the official MSI website.
Run the installer and follow the prompts to complete the installation.
Restart your PC and open MSI Afterburner again.

This ensures you have a fresh, clean version of the software without any corrupted components.

Alternative Method: Disable Hardware Monitoring and Re-enable

Sometimes toggling the hardware monitoring settings inside MSI Afterburner can fix scanning errors.

Open MSI Afterburner.
Click on the Settings (gear icon).
Go to the Monitoring tab.
Uncheck all the active monitoring options.
Click OK and close the app.
Reopen MSI Afterburner and re-enable the monitoring options you need.

This can reset the scanning process and fix temporary glitches.

FAQs

Why does MSI Afterburner fail to start scanning on Windows 11?

This error often occurs due to permission issues, outdated GPU drivers, conflicting software, or corrupted MSI Afterburner files.

Is MSI Afterburner compatible with Windows 11?

Yes, MSI Afterburner is compatible with Windows 11, but running the latest version and updating drivers is important for smooth operation.

Can antivirus software cause this error?

Yes, some antivirus programs might block MSI Afterburner from accessing hardware. Temporarily disabling antivirus or adding MSI Afterburner to exceptions can help.

Do I need to update Windows to fix this error?

While not always necessary, keeping Windows up to date ensures better compatibility and can prevent related issues.

Will reinstalling MSI Afterburner delete my overclocking profiles?

Uninstalling MSI Afterburner may remove saved profiles unless you back them up manually from the installation folder.

When Nothing Works

If you continue to experience the scanning error after trying all the steps, consider the following options:

Visit the official MSI Afterburner forum for help from the community and developers.
Contact MSI support directly for personalized assistance.
Check if your hardware is supported by MSI Afterburner; some older or uncommon GPUs may have limited compatibility.
Try using alternative GPU monitoring tools temporarily while resolving the issue.

Conclusion

The “Failed to Start Scanning” error in MSI Afterburner on Windows 11 is usually fixable with simple troubleshooting. Start by running the program as administrator and updating your graphics drivers. Closing conflicting apps and reinstalling MSI Afterburner can also resolve the issue.

Understanding why these steps work helps you maintain your system and avoid similar problems in the future. With patience and careful application of these instructions, you can restore MSI Afterburner’s full functionality and continue monitoring and optimizing your GPU performance with ease.