Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-05-29

How to Fix: Windows 11: Error Reporting (werfault.exe) and Fault Reporting (werfaultsec

Windows 11 Error Reporting and Fault Reporting services detected as suspicious by Microsoft Defender Antivirus, leading to explorer.exe process crash.

Quick Answer: Try disabling the Windows Error Reporting service or updating WerFault.exe and WerFaultSecure.exe to the latest version from Microsoft's website.

Windows 11 users have encountered an issue with the Error Reporting and Fault Reporting services, which are detected as suspicious by Microsoft Defender Antivirus. This occurs when attempting to run the werfault.exe or werfaultsecure.exe executables directly from the System32 directory.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • Outdated or corrupted system files may cause the Error Reporting and Fault Reporting services to malfunction.
  • A virus or malware infection could be responsible for triggering this issue.
  • Conflicting software or drivers might interfere with the Error Reporting and Fault Reporting services.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes

Method 1: Update Windows and Antivirus Software

  1. Step 1: Ensure that your operating system and antivirus software are updated to the latest versions.
  2. Step 2: Run a full scan with your antivirus software to detect and remove any malware or viruses.
  3. Step 3: Restart your computer after completing the update and scan process.

Method 2: Disable Error Reporting and Fault Reporting

  1. Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Step 2: Type 'services.msc' and press Enter to open the Services window.
  3. Step 3: Find the Error Reporting and Fault Reporting services in the list, right-click on them, and select 'Stop'.

Method 3: System File Checker

  1. Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Step 2: Type 'sfc /scannow' and press Enter to run the System File Checker tool.
  3. Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete, then restart your computer.

💡 Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue with Windows 11's Error Reporting and Fault Reporting services. Remember to regularly update your operating system and antivirus software to prevent similar issues in the future.

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