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Fix: eight fixes to ERROR_IMAGE_SUBSYSTEM_NOT_PRESENT
7 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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System errors can occur on almost any PC, and some users reportedERROR_IMAGE_SUBSYSTEM_NOT_PRESENTerror on their PC. Thiserrorusually comes withThe subsystem needed to support the image type is not presentmessage, and today we’re going to show you how to fix it.
How do I fix the ERROR_IMAGE_SUBSYSTEM_NOT_PRESENT error?
How to fix ERROR_IMAGE_SUBSYSTEM_NOT_PRESENT
- Copy 32-bit version of Imagex
According to users, thiserroroccurs when using Imagex. To fix the problem, you need to copy 32-bit version of Imagex from Windows AIK to the ISO folder instead of AMD64 version. After doing that, the problem should be completely resolved.
- Install the latest updates
Windows 10is a solid operating system, but it has few bugs and glitches. To ensure your PC is bug-free and up to date, it’s recommended to install the latestWindows updates.
By default,Windows 10downloads these updates automatically, but sometimes you can skip an important update due to certainerrors. After installing the updates, check if the problem still persists.
- Check yourantivirus
Windows 10comes withWindows Defenderthat works as a defaultantivirus, but most users tend to install third-party tools because they offer more features.
Even though these tools offer more features, sometimes they can interfere with your system and cause this and othererrorsto occur. To fix this problem, it’s advised that you check your antivirus configuration and disable the problematic features.
If you can’t find the problematic feature, you might want to try disabling your antivirus tool completely. As previously mentioned,Windows 10comes with Windows Defender so your PC will remain safe even after you disable yourantivirus.
If disabling theantivirussolves the issue, you might want to try finding the problematic feature and disabling it. In addition, you can also try switching to a differentantivirus software.
Lastly, you can also try to remove yourantivirus softwareand check if that fixes the problem. Keep in mind that many antivirus tools tend to leave certain files and registry entries behind even after you remove them.
To make sure that all related files are removed, we recommend to use a dedicated removal tool. Most antivirus companies offer these tools for their software, so be sure to download one for yourantivirus.
After you remove yourantivirus software, check if the issue still persists. If not, you might want to consider switching to a differentantivirus softwareor updating yourantivirusto the latest version.
- Check your PC for malware
Several users reported that thiserrorwas caused by malware infection. Malware infections can be sometimes hard to deal with so you might want to try using several different tools to remove the malware. Alternatively, you can also fix the problem by using a specialantivirus softwaresuch asBitdefender.
- Perform an SFC scan
Sometimes these types oferrorscan occur due to corrupted Windows files. However, you might be able to fix this problem by running an SFC scan.
This scan can take a while, so try not to interrupt it. After the scan is finished, check if the problem still appears.
- Run DISM scan
If you can’t run SFC scan or if the SFC scan can’t fix the problem, you might want to try usingDISMscan instead. To do that, follow these steps:
If you’re using Server Core and you’re getting thiserror, you might be able to fix it by runningDISM.EXE /online /enable-feature /featurename:ServerCore-WOW64command in Command Prompt.
- UseSystem Restore
If thiserror messagestarted appearing recently, you might be able to fix it by restoring your system. This is rather simple and you can do it by usingSystem Restore.
Thanks to this feature, you can easily restore Windows to the previous state and fix any recent problems. Keep in mind that this feature can cause you to lose recently saved files, so be sure to back up your important data.
After restoring your PC, check if theerror messagestill appears.
- ResetWindows 10
Several users reported that they managed to fix thiserrorby resettingWindows 10. We have to warn you that this solution will remove all files and apps from your system drive, so use it only if other solutions can’t fix the problem.
Before you start the reset process it’s highly recommended to back up your important files. In addition, you might need aWindows 10 installation media, so be sure to create it.
After resetting your PC the problem won’t appear anymore. Once again, this solution will remove all your files and apps, so use it as a last resort.
How to fixThe subsystem needed to support the image type is not presentBIOS update
According to users, thiserror messagecan start appearing after updatingBIOS. It seems that the cause of this problem was a certain setting inBIOS, and in order to fix it you need to make few changes.
Users reported that settingSATA OPERATIONStoAHCIcan cause this problem, but after changing the value to ATA theerror messageshould be resolved.
- Enable / disable SecureBoot
SecureBoot is a useful feature that will prevent malware from infecting your PC. However, this feature can also cause certain problems when trying to run 32-bit program in 64-bit WinPE environment.
If you’re getting thiserrorwhile trying to run a 32-bit application, be sure to turn offSecureBootinBIOS. Alternatively, you can choose to useLegacy Bootinstead. To see how to do that, be sure to check your motherboard manual.
On the other hand, if you’re trying to run 64-bit app, be sure to turn onSecureBootoption. Alternatively, you can also rename 32-bitboot.wimfile and copyBoot_x64.wimto its directory. To complete the process, rename theBoot_x64.wimtoBoot.wim.
Keep in mind that this is an advanced solution, so be extra cautious while performing it. If you’re not familiar with WinPE and .wim files, you might want to skip this solution.
The subsystem needed to support the image type is not presentmessage can cause certain problems on your PC, but we hope you managed to solve it by using one of our solutions.
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More about the topics:System Errors,windows server
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
