- In most cases, scanning your disk drive and system files for errors should help fix the “Unknown Hard Error” on Windows.
- You can also try booting your PC in a clean boot state to check if a third-party app or program triggers this error.
- If the error started appearing recently, performing a system restore can help.
Try Basic Fixes
- Install Windows updates: Microsoft regularly releases updates for both Windows 10 and 11 to introduce new features, fix bugs, and enhance security. Install any pending updates to see if that resolves this error.
- Reinstall the faulty app or program: If the “Unknown Hard Error” only appears when you launch a specific app or game on your Windows PC, there may be an issue with the installation of that app or program. Try uninstalling and reinstalling it to resolve the problem.
Fix 1: Scan Your Drive for Errors
It’s a good idea to scan the system drive (where Windows is installed) for corrupted data or bad sectors to see if that fixes the error. To do that, you can use the Check Disk utility on Windows .
Step 1: Right-click the Start icon > select Terminal (Admin) from the list.
Step 2: In the console, paste the following command and press Enter .
chkdsk c: /r /scan /perf
Wait for the command to scan and fix any issues with your drive. Then, check if the error still occurs.
Fix 2: Run SFC and DISM Scans
If the Check Disk tool fails to detect problems, scan your PC’s system files using the SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tools.
Step 1: Right-click the Start icon > select Terminal (Admin) from the list.
Step 2: In the console, type the following command and press Enter .
SFC /scannow
Step 3: Run the following commands one by one and press Enter after each to run the DISM scan:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your PC after the scan is complete and see if you get the “Unknown Hard Error” at startup or while using your PC.
Fix 3: Try a Clean Boot
Another thing you can do is boot your PC in a clean boot state, where Windows will only run essential services and programs. This will allow you to determine whether the error occurs due to a malfunctioning third-party app or service.
Step 1: Press the Windows + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run dialog box > type msconfig in the Open field > press Enter .
Step 2: Navigate to the Services tab > tick the box for Hide all Microsoft services box > click the Disable all button.
Step 3: Switch to the Startup tab > click on Open Task Manager .
Step 4: Select a third-party app or program > click the Disable button. Repeat this step to disable all third-party apps and programs.
After completing the above steps, restart your PC and try using it again. If you don’t encounter the “Unknown Hard Error” during a clean boot, one of your third-party apps or programs may be causing the error. To fix it, remove any recently installed apps and programs one by one.
Fix 4: Perform a System Restore
The “Unknown Hard Error” may appear due to recent system changes. If you can’t identify the exact cause, performing a system restore will help. It will restore your PC to an earlier state where it worked fine.
Step 1: Click the search icon on the taskbar > type create a restore point > press Enter .
Step 2: Go to the System Protection tab > click System Restore .
Step 3: Select Recommended restore > click Next .
Step 4: Review all the details one more time and click Finish .
