Windows OS

5 Fixes for Windows Host Process Rundll32.Exe Errors

Rundll.32 is a system’s component that makes sure that programs running in Windows are functioning properly. This component is also responsible for loading 32-bit dynamic link library files. “Windows host process (Rundll32) has stopped working” is an error that occurs when a user tries to open a program, especially a third-party program. This error usually occurs due to corrupt, conflicting, or missing system files. If you are experiencing the same error and don’t know what to do. Then this blog post will help you in fixing the specified problem.

This write-up aims to fix the Windows host process Rundll32.exe error.

How to Fix Windows Host Process Rundll32.Exe Errors?

Here we have listed various methods that you can use to fix the stated problem:

Let’s explore each of the methods one by one.

Fix 1: Run Windows Startup Repair

Windows startup repair is a go-to utility that deals with system errors. This helps in resolving critical Windows errors. Windows startup repair can help to fix the stated error. For that reason, we need to run the Windows startup repair.

Step 1: Open Settings

Launch “Settings” via the Windows Start menu:

Step 2: Navigate to Update & Security

Click on “Update & Security” to launch it:

Step 3: Boot into Recovery Mode

Move to the “Recovery” section and click the “Restart now” button to reboot Windows:

After restarting the system, Windows will boot into recovery mode.

Step 4: Select Troubleshoot

Choose “Troubleshoot” from the given options:

Step 5: Select “Advanced options”:

Choose “Advanced options” from the “Troubleshoot” window:

Step 6: Choose “Start-up Repair”:

Select “Start-up Repair” to fix problems that keep Windows from loading:

Step 7: Select Windows User Account

Select your Windows user account to continue:

Step 8: Enter Password

Enter the password of the user account and click the “Continue” button:

As you can see, Windows has started to repair:

Restart Windows when the Startup repair is completed.

Fix 2: Enable Clean Boot Mode

Enabling clean boot mode lets Windows start with minimal services and programs. A clean boot mode helps Windows start faster and more securely. Enabling a clean boot will surely help to resolve the stated problem. For that reason, the steps are provided below:

Step 1: Open System Configuration

Launch “System Configuration” from the Start menu:

Step 2: Disable Non-Microsoft Services

Navigate to the “Services” tab. Tick the “Hide all Microsoft services” box. Click on the “Disable all” option:

Finally, hit the “OK” button to save the settings.

Fix 3: Run SFC Scan

SFC is the abbreviation of system file checker scan. It is a command-line utility tool used to patch missing and corrupt Windows files. Running an SFC scan will help the users in resolving the stated error.

Step 1: Launch CMD

Open “Command prompt” from the Windows Start menu:

Step 2: Run SFC Scan

Execute the below command in the CMD console to run the SFC scan:

>sfc /scannow

The system file checker scan has been completed successfully. Reboot the PC and verify if the issue is fixed or not.

Fix 4: Disable Data Execution

A data execution policy is used to keep the system secure. It prevents the system from executing malicious programs. The data execution policy might have considered the program as a malicious program. As a result, it has blocked it from running. So, disabling the data execution policy might fix the stated error.

To do so, first, launch the CMD with administrator privileges and execute the below code to disable the data execution policy:

>bcdedit.exe /set {current} nx AlwaysOff

After disabling the data execution policy, restart the system and check if the problem is resolved or not.

Fix 5: Run Full System Scan

Running a full system scan may resolve the stated error. To perform a full system scan, you need to follow the steps below:

Step 1: Launch Virus & Threat Protection

Open “Virus & threat protection” via the Windows Start panel:

Step 2: Navigate to Scan Options

Click on “Scan options” to open options for full system scan:

Step 3: Run Full System Scan

Select “Full scan” and hit the “Scan now” button:

The scan has started to detect malware:

When the scan is completed, restart Windows and verify if the issue is fixed or not.

Conclusion

The “Windows host process rundll32.exe” error can be fixed using multiple methods. These methods include running Windows startup repair, enabling safe boot mode, running an SFC scan, disabling data execution, or running a full system scan. This blog has demonstrated several methods to resolve the stated problem.

About the author

Muhammad Farhan

I am a Computer Science graduate and now a technical writer who loves to provide the easiest solutions to the most difficult problems related to Windows, Linux, and Web designing. My love for Computer Science emerges every day because of its ease in our everyday life.