How to Fix “Unknown Hard Error” on Windows 11/10

If you are experiencing Ctfmon.exe Unknown Hard Error in Windows 10/11 and are unsure how to Fix “Unknown Hard Error” on Windows 11/10, you have come to the right place. You may have previously experienced a black screen, disappearing desktop icons, or the taskbar not functioning. However, this problem is very annoying because even when you do nothing, the message keeps appearing on the screen. The majority of these issues are brought on by excessive memory use, particularly when playing games.

It might also occur as a result of the system’s slow processing speed or faulty, outdated, or incompatible drivers that are installed on the computer. The “ctfmon” is a background process that works to recognize handwriting, language speech, and other user input services like pen, tablet, and onscreen keyboard inputs for Asian languages. It suggests that your operating system may contain corrupt or missing software that is causing bugs to slow down the process. We will discuss the causes and most likely fixes for the Ctfmon.exe Unknown Hard Error in this context. Let’s proceed.

What is an Unknown Hard Error?

When using your computer, the unknown hard error message will appear the most frequently. It typically comes with a process, which can include anything from applications to services. The majority of users were able to return to normal after closing the prompt, but the unfortunate ones had to deal with a black screen, vanished desktop icons, and generally unusable computers.

Windows error messages like “Unknown Hard Error” can appear when there’s a problem with your computer’s hard drive. The “Unknown Hard Error” text is typically displayed on the blue screen of death (BSOD) when an error occurs. Many Windows users have posted on forums that they are having issues with the Unknown Hard error, including their screens going black, their taskbars freezing up, their desktop icons dissipating, etc. In the end, it prevents you from using the system at all. It’s crucial to comprehend the precise cause of this error before attempting any fixes.

What Causes Unknown Hard Errors?

1. Hardware Issues: Problems with the computer’s hardware components, such as a failing hard drive, faulty RAM, overheating CPU, or other malfunctioning hardware can lead to unknown hard errors.
2. Corrupted System Files: Critical system files that are necessary for the proper functioning of the operating system may become corrupted due to various reasons, resulting in errors that cannot be precisely identified.
3. Device Driver Problems: Outdated, incompatible, or improperly installed device drivers can cause conflicts and result in unknown hard errors.
4. Malware or Virus Infections: Malicious software can corrupt system files, disrupt system processes, and trigger unknown hard errors.
5. Operating System Bugs: Undiscovered bugs or glitches in the operating system can lead to unpredictable errors, including unknown hard errors.
6. Software Conflicts: Certain software applications may conflict with each other or the operating system, causing unknown hard errors.

How to Fix “Unknown Hard Error” on Windows 11/10

Run SFC /scannow

Unknown hard errors and other blue screens of death errors can be brought on by an unallocated or damaged hard drive. To fix this error, use the SFC and then the CHKDSK commands. Windows comes with a tool called System File Checker (SFC) that can repair damaged system files.

1. To open the Run window, press the Windows + R button.
2. Click OK after entering cmd in the run prompt.
3. Input sfc/scannow, then press Enter.
4. You can view a list of the programs found and their status after the scan is finished.

Do a clean boot of the system

1. To open the Run window, press the Windows+R keyboard shortcut.
2. Now enter msconfig in the search box for the Run application.
3. Go to Services in the System Configuration window and check the box next to Hide all Microsoft services before choosing Disable all. Select OK.
4. Now select Open Task Manager from Startup.
5. Disable can be chosen by clicking on each startup item.
6. Click OK in the System Configuration window after quitting Task Manager.
7. Restart the computer.

Uninstall the Faulty Windows Update

Run the DISM and SFC commands, and if the problem still exists, uninstall the problematic update. Maybe you installed a specific Windows 10 update before running into this error. Try removing the update by following the instructions below:

1. Select Windows by clicking it.
2. Choosing Update & Security under Settings.
3. Open it by selecting View update history.
4. On the View Update history page, select Uninstall Updates.
5. Select the most recent update, then select Yes to uninstall.
6. System restart, then verify that the error has been resolved.

Run DISM Command

You have to run DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) command to fix corrupt, damaged, or lost files, which can result in Windows PC malfunction or even crash. These can also lead to PC data loss. Thus, try fixing the ‘Unknown Hard Error’ by following the given steps:

1. Press Windows + R button to open the Run window.
2. Type cmd in the run prompt and click OK.
3. In the open Command Prompt window, type the following command, and hit Enter.
   • DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth && DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Perform System Restore

You can perform a System Restore, which automatically creates checkpoints whenever it discovers a system change. If the Unknown Hard Error arises as a result of a system change or problem, you can resolve it by taking the steps listed below:

1. Open a restore point by typing “create” into the Windows search box.
2. Select System Restore > Ok after clicking on System Protection.
3. Check to see if the error has been fixed after a PC reboot.

Using the CHKDSK command

1. Press Windows + R button to open the Run window.
2. Type cmd in the run prompt and click OK.
3. Type CHKDSK H: /F /R and hit Enter. You can replace “H” with your hard drive letter.

Conclusion

Unpleasant circumstances can arise when Windows 11/10 displays an Unknown Hard Error. If it happens, Desktop icons will suddenly vanish, the taskbar will freeze, and the screen will turn black. Every time you try to start Windows, the system flashes a message informing you that there is a critical error and that Cortana and Start won’t function. This article may be helpful if you experience Windows 11/10’s System Error: c000021a Unknown Hard Error while using sihost.exe, explorer.exe, or ctfmom.exe.

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