Many people have reported this error: Windows host process (Rundll32) has stopped working. And this error occurs every time the system starts. It’s annoying, but don’t worry. We’ll help you fix your error and get your computer back on track.
Why does the error happen?
Rundll32 is a Windows component that is responsible for 32-bit Dynamic Link Library (DLL) files. This program should be working properly in your computer to maintain other programs function correctly. So if the Rundll32 is missing or corrupted, it stops working and you’ll have the “Windows host process (Rundll32) has stopped working” error.
Try these solutions:
- Change Folder Options settings
- Restore to the previous state
- Update the graphics card driver
- Check for virus and malware
Solution 1: Change Folder Options settings
With Folder Options (or File Explorer Options) in your computer, you can manage the settings for your files and folders, for example, you can change how your files and folders display in File Explorer. This is an effective way to resolve your problem.
To do so:
- Open Control Panel on your computer, and make sure to view Control Panel item by small icons or large icons.
- Click Folder Options. If you can find Folder Options, click File Explorer Options.
- In the new popup pane, click the View tab, and check the box next to Always show icons, never thumbnails.
- Click Apply and OK to save it.
Restart your computer and see if it fixes the error.
If the problem still persists, don’t worry. There are other solutions to try.
Solution 2: Restore to the previous state
It’s likely that you’ve updated your driver, or you’ve installed some programs, and that may cause “Windows host process (Rundll32) has stopped working”. Many people reported that installing software like QuickSet, Realtek audio driver, or Sound Blaster will result in this issue. So you should roll back to the previous state to fix the problem.
If you’ve installed programs, try uninstalling:
- On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key
and R at the same time to invoke the Run box.
- Type appwiz.cpl and click OK.
- In the program list, select the program that you recently installed, and uninstall it from your computer.
- Restart your computer.
If you’ve updated device drivers, try restoring:
- On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key and R at the same time to invoke the Run box.
- Type devmgmt.msc and click OK.
- Double click on the device that you just updated its driver.
- Click the Driver tab, and click Roll Back Driver.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process.
Restart your computer and see if it works.
Solution 3: Update the graphics card driver
A missing or outdated graphics card driver can also result in the “Windows host process (Rundll32) has stopped working” error. So you can update the driver for your computer.
There are two ways to update the graphics driver: manually and automatically.
Manually update driver – You can go to the manufacturer’s website for your video card, find the latest correct driver for it, then download and install into your computer. Be sure to download the one that is compatible with Windows OS in your computer.
Automatically update driver – If you don’t have time or patience, you can do it automatically with Driver Easy.
Driver Easy will automatically recognize your system and find the correct drivers for it. You don’t need to know exactly what system your computer is running, you don’t need to risk downloading and installing the wrong driver, and you don’t need to worry about making a mistake when installing.
You can update your drivers automatically with either the FREE or the Pro version of Driver Easy. But with the Pro version it takes just 2 clicks (and you get full support and a 30-day money back guarantee):
- Download and install Driver Easy.
- Run Driver Easy and click Scan Now. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.
- Click the Update button next to the flagged graphics card to automatically download the correct version of their driver (you can do this with the FREE version), then install it in your computer.
Or click Update All to automatically download and install the correct version of all the drivers that are missing or out of date on your system (this requires the Pro version – you’ll be prompted to upgrade when you click Update All).
- Restart your computer to take effect.
Check if the error has been removed.
Solution 4: Check for virus and malware
The “Windows host process (Rundll32) has stopped working” error message may appear if a virus on your computer is preventing the host process from being detected. The virus may even be generating the error itself.
So run a virus scan across your entire Windows system. Yes, it will take some time to complete, but it’s worth it. Unfortunately, Windows Defender may not detect it, so it’s worth trying another antivirus application such as Avira and Panda.
If any malware has been detected, follow the instructions provided by the antivirus program to fix it.
Then restart your computer and try to launch your program again to see if it works.
So there you have it – four easy and effective methods to fix “Windows host process (Rundll32) has stopped working” error in your Windows computer.
Free free to leave a comment and let us know which method helps. If you have any questions, feel free to list it out and we’ll see what more we can do.