How to Fix Rundll32 Has Stopped Working Error

A classic problem that plagues users today

Do you keep receiving a “Windows host process (Rundll32) has stopped working” error while using Windows 10? This error mostly shows up when you attempt to open or interact with specific programs—native or third-party—on your computer. But it can also pester you randomly for no obvious reason. Why does this happen?

Windows 10 uses the Rundll32 process to execute 32-bit DLL (dynamic-link library) files. These files contain functions that are shared across multiple applications. However, conflicting software, improperly configured settings, or corrupted system files can cause Rundll32 to break down, hence the reason for the error.

The “Rundll32 has stopped working” error has been plaguing Windows users for years, but there are several fixes that can help you get rid of it. We recommend working through the troubleshooting methods below in the order that they appear. Feel free to skip those that don’t apply.

Disable Thumbnail Previews

Do you keep running into the “Rundll32 has stopped working” error while using File Explorer? Turning off thumbnail previews can help.

  1. Open File Explorer.

  2. Select theViewtab. Then, pickOptionsto bring up the Folder Options dialog box.

  3. Switch to theViewtab.

  4. Check the box next toAlways show icons, never thumbnails.

  5. SelectApply, thenOK, to save the changes.

Run File and Folder Troubleshooter

If File Explorer still keeps throwing out the “Rundll32 has stopped working” error message despite disabling thumbnail previews, try running the File and Folder Troubleshooter.

  1. Download theFile and Folder Troubleshooterfrom Microsoft.

  2. Open the File and Folder Troubleshooter—you don’t have to install it.

  3. SelectAdvanced, check the box next toApply repairs automatically(if it isn’t already checked), and selectNext.

  4. Select all options within theWhat kind of problems are you experiencingscreen and selectNext.

  5. Follow the onscreen prompts to fix any issues detected by the File and Folder Troubleshooter.

Update, Reinstall, or Uninstall Programs

Did the issue occur after installing a particular application on your computer? For example, programs such as Nero and the K-Lite Codec Pack have a history of causing the “Rundll32 has stopped working” error.

If so, try updating or reinstalling the program. In case that doesn’t work, you may want to considerremoving it from your computerentirely.

Disable Services and Startup Programs

Third-party background services and startup programs can also result in the Rundll32 error. Check if disabling these helps. You can then go through a process of elimination to figure out the exact item causing the issue.

  1. PressWindows+Rto open the Run box. Then, typemsconfigand selectOK.

  2. Switch to theServicestab. Then, check the box next toHide all Microsoft services(which then reveals only third-party services) and selectDisable all.

  3. SelectApply, thenOK,to save the changes. SelectExit without restartwhen prompted.

  4. Right-click the taskbar and selectTask Manager.

  5. SelectMore Details.

  6. Switch to theStartuptab.

  7. Pick each third-party startup program and selectDisable.

  8. Close the Task Manager.

Restart your computer. If the Rundll32 error doesn’t show up anymore, start re-enabling a few services and startup programs at a time. That should help you pinpoint the problematic item. You can then update the relevant program or remove it from your computer.

Roll Back Audio/Video Drivers

The “Rundll32 has stopped working” error can crop up after updating audio or video drivers. For example, drivers by Realtek, Sound Blaster, and NVIDIA can cause that in rare instances. Use the Device Manager in Windows 10 to roll them back.

  1. Right-click theStartbutton and selectDevice Manager.

  2. ExpandSound, video and game controllers.

  3. Right-click the sound driver and selectProperties.

  4. Switch to theDrivertab and selectRoll Back Driver. Repeat for any other drivers within the list.

  5. Expand theDisplay Adapterssection within the Device Manager and repeat steps3and4.

Update Audio/Video Drivers

If rolling back the audio and video drivers didn’t help (or if you couldn’t roll them back earlier), try updating them instead.

  1. Open the Device Manager.

  2. ExpandSound, video and game controllers.

  3. Right-click the sound driver and selectUpdate Driver.

  4. SelectSearch automatically for driversto scan for and apply the latest drivers automatically. Repeat for any other drivers within the list.

  5. Expand theDisplay Adapterssection and repeat steps3and4.

Alternatively, you can download the latest audio or video drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website and update them manually.

Update Windows 10

An outdated version of Windows 10 can result in all sorts of issues. If you haven’t updated your computer in a while, try doing that now.

  1. Open theStartmenu, typewindows update,and selectOpen.

  2. SelectCheck for updates.

  3. Install any updates, if available.

Disable Data Execution Prevention

Data Execution Prevention(DEP) is a Windows 10 feature that monitors and protects the system memory from malicious attacks. However, it can stop the Rundll32 process from working properly. Check if disabling DEP helps.

  1. Open theStartmenu, typecommand prompt, and selectRun as administrator.

  2. Copy and paste the following command into the elevated Command Prompt console:

bcdedit.exe /set {current} nx AlwaysOff

  1. PressEnterto disable DEP.

Did that fix the “Rundll32 has stopped working” error? If yes, you may still want to continue with the rest of the fixes since keeping DEP disabled is a security risk.

Note:To enable Data Execution Prevention at a later time, run the following command in an elevated Command Prompt console:

bcdedit.exe /set {current} nx AlwaysOn

Scan for Malware

Malicious programs can masquerade as DLL files and end up causing “Rundll32 has stopped working” errors. Try usingWindows Securityto scan your computer for malware.

  1. Open theStartmenu, typewindows security, and selectOpen.

  2. SelectVirus & threat protection.

  3. SelectScan options.

  4. SelectFull scan. Then, selectScan now.

If Windows Security failed to dig up anything, we recommend using a dedicated malware remover such asMalwarebytesfor a thorough computer cleanup.

Run an SFC Scan

An SFC (System File Checker) scan allows you to detect and repair corrupted system files that prevent the Rundll32 process from running properly.

  1. Open theStartmenu, typecommand prompt, and selectRun as administrator.

  2. Enter the following command:

sfc /scannow

  1. PressEnter.

The SFC scan may take several minutes to complete.

Run a DISM Scan

If the SFC scan failed to find and fix any issues, run a DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scan instead.

  1. Open theStartmenu, typecommand prompt, and then selectRun as administrator.

  2. Run the following command:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

  1. If DISM ended up detecting issues on your computer, run the following commands one after the other.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

What Else Can You Do?

If none of the fixes above resolved the “Windows host process (Rundll32) has stopped working” error, you may want to perform aWindows 10 factory resetby heading over toStart>Settings>Update & Security>Recovery. You can choose between keeping or removing your files and programs during the reset procedure.

You can also tryre-installing Windows 10. There could be a deep underlying issue that only a complete reinstallation of the operating system can fix. Just remember to create acomplete backup of your databeforehand.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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