werfault.exe

What is werfault.exe?

werfault.exe is the Windows Error Reporting fault handler. It launches when applications crash or hang, coordinating data collection and user feedback to help with diagnostics and, if configured, dump creation.

It participates in the Windows Error Reporting framework, coordinating with WerSvc to collect crash data and optionally generate memory dumps, logs, and prompts for feedback during failures.

Types of WerFault Roles

• Crash Reporter: Collects crash data for applications
• Dump Generator: Creates crash dumps when enabled
• Notification Handler: Presents user feedback prompts
• Telemetry Liaison: Sends anonymized data to Microsoft telemetry
• System Integrator: Coordinates with WerSvc and OS services

Is werfault.exe Safe?

Yes, werfault.exe is safe when located in the legitimate system path and signed by Microsoft.

Is werfault.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real werfault.exe is not a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names, so verify signer and location.

How to Tell if werfault.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Windows\System32\WerFault.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click the file -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a "Microsoft Corporation" signature.
3. Resource Usage: Normal operation uses minimal CPU; spikes during reports are expected but persistent high usage warrants inspection.
4. Behavior: Should only run during error reporting or when a crash occurs; constant background activity without crashes is suspicious.

Why Is werfault.exe Running on My PC?

werfault.exe runs in response to application crashes or when Windows Error Reporting is gathering diagnostic data, and can operate in the background during error handling.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Crash Occurrence: An application has crashed or hung, triggering error reporting to collect data.
• Background Error Reporting: Windows may report failures in the background for telemetry and diagnostics.
• Crash Dump Generation: If configured, WerFault coordinates creation of crash dumps in C:\Windows\Minidump or similar.
• Telemetry Synchronization: WerSvc interacts with WerFault to transmit anonymized crash data to Microsoft.
• OS Component Failures: System components or drivers failing can trigger error reporting through WerFault.

Can I Disable or Remove werfault.exe?

Yes, you can disable crash reporting temporarily or permanently. It may affect diagnostics; consider managed disabling via policies rather than removing the executable.

How to Stop werfault.exe

• End Crash Reports: When an error is shown, you can close the prompt; this stops current report generation.
• Disable Service: Open Services.msc, locate "Windows Error Reporting Service" (WerSvc), set Startup type to Disabled and stop the service.
• Group Policy: Use Group Policy: Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Error Reporting > Turn off Windows Error Reporting.
• Registry (Advanced): Set HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Error Reporting\Disabled to 1.
• Disable via System Settings: In Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback, turn off feedback and optional diagnostics.

How to Uninstall/Disable Further

• ✔ Disable the Windows Error Reporting service (WerSvc) via Services.msc
• ✔ Apply group policy to turn off Windows Error Reporting
• ✔ Note: Do not delete werfault.exe; Windows relies on the component for diagnostics

Common Problems: High CPU or Disk Activity During Error Reporting

If werfault.exe causes spikes during crash reporting or alerts, use these checks and fixes.

Common Causes & Solutions

• Frequent application crashes: Update or patch faulty apps; capture more accurate dumps by enabling symbols and minidumps.
• Background error reporting: Adjust settings to limit telemetry; disable verbose reporting via Group Policy.
• Large crash dumps: Ensure sufficient disk space; configure dump type to small memory dump if needed.
• Corrupted system files: Run sfc /scannow and DISM to repair Windows system files.
• Driver conflicts: Update hardware drivers (GPU, chipset); rollback problematic versions.
• Antivirus interference: Whitelist WerFault and WerSvc in your antivirus to prevent scanning delays.

Related Processes