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What Is an Unknown Hard Error & How to Quickly Fix It

Check your system drive for errors and repair them

6 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

The unknown hard error is a generic term for any hard error that occurs when the operating system cannot complete an operation in a timely manner.

Your PC cannot execute commands or processes, so it cannot complete the requests without causing errors and slowing down the computer. If you’ve encountered any of these errors, we have compiled a handful of solutions that have worked for other users.

What is a hard error?

The unknown hard error is the most common message you’ll see while working with your computer. It’s usually accompanied by a process ranging from applications to services.

For most users, closing the prompt made things go back to normal, but for the unlucky ones, they were plagued by a black screen, the disappearance of desktop icons and their PCs were generally unusable.

Some of the common triggers for this error include:

How do I fix an unknown hard error?

Before jumping to the slightly technical steps, try these basic ones:

1. Run the DISM and SFC scans

2. Run the CHKDSK command

3. Run a virus scan

4. Uninstall recent Windows updates

5. Check for Windows updates

6. Uninstall recently downloaded programs

Don’t forget toremove any software leftoversafter uninstalling the programs. If leftovers are found, they can cause errors and slow down your computer. A program such asIObit Uninstallerwill help you identify any leftover files from recently installed software.

If you still have problems after uninstalling programs and removing software leftovers, try running your antivirus software again and restarting your computer.

7. Run the Windows update troubleshooter

8. Check for errors on the system drive

In caseWindows was unable to repair the hard drive, do not despair, as there are still some steps you can take to resolve the issue. Alternatively, you can opt forbad sector repair toolsthat will do the job automatically.

9. Perform a Clean boot

If you’re still experiencing the unknown hard error after going through all these steps, consider resetting your PC. Your OS may be corrupted, so try this method as a last resort. Remember toback up all your filesfirst.

That’s it for this article, but keep the conversation going in the comment section below by letting us know any other method that worked for you but is not mentioned here.

What Is an Unknown Hard Error & How to Quickly Fix It#

What is a hard error?#

How do I fix an unknown hard error?#

1. Run the DISM and SFC scans#

2. Run the CHKDSK command#

3. Run a virus scan#

4. Uninstall recent Windows updates#

5. Check for Windows updates#

6. Uninstall recently downloaded programs#

7. Run the Windows update troubleshooter#

8. Check for errors on the system drive#

9. Perform a Clean boot#