How to Fix SiHost.Exe Unknown Hard Error

In 2018, after the introduction of Windows 10 Update 1803, many end users started to report a Sihost.exe – Unknown Hard Error, every time they attempted to gain access to their operating system.

Many end users have reported Unknown Hard Errors, especially when running resource hungry applications, or during the Windows Update process. When this error occurs, it’s typically accompanied by a number of symptoms, these are:

The entire screen may freeze to black, or you may see what is known as a Blue Screen of Death error message. In other situations you may encounter…

• Windows Taskbar freezing, and/or total system crash.
• Random Windows shortcut icons disappearing, such as the Recycle Bin, Networks, and My Computer.
• In certain situations, depending on the Windows platform (8/10), the end user make encounter a process name attached to the error message. The most common process is the sihost.exe file (which I’ve already pointed out, and which this tutorial is primarily aimed at). But it’s not uncommon for the explorer.exe, ctfmon.exe, etc. processes to accompany this error.

Sihost.exe is an integral Windows file. It’s a critical part of the Shell Infrastructure Host, which means it should not be altered or removed from your system.

As with any error you may encounter while using your system, before attempting any solutions, it’s important you first try to find out the reason why the error has occurred. In the vast majority of cases, this makes the repair process more effective, greatly increasing your chances of success.

What Causes Sihost.exe Unknown Hard Errors?

When it comes to the possible cause of this error, it is found that there are a number of potential scenarios known to cause this issue. Below is a list of the most common and thus, most likely causes in your particular case:

• Integral system files have been corrupted.
• Your Windows 10 build requires updating.
• Two or more files are conflicting with one another.
• The Windows operating system has been corrupted.
• Your hard disc drive has bad sectors.
• The Windows registry has been corrupted due to the recent installation of an OS update.
• A malicious file has infiltrated and corrupted your OS build.
• One or more device driver(s) is faulty or corrupted.

It’s a pretty expansive list, but it should give you a general idea of the typical causes of sihost.exe errors.

Below you will find a number of viable solutions for this error.

How to Fix It

For Windows 8 or 10 users, it’s recommended that you go into Safe Mode before attempting most of the solutions in this post.

There are many solutions that you can attempt. If you have no idea how the sihost.exe unknown hard error may have occurred, then I recommend you try all the solutions below. Preferably in the order they appear, as they have been arranged in order of difficulty.

Update Device Drivers to Fix SiHost.exe Errors

If you are unaware, damaged, missing or outdated device drivers are capable of causing a number of Windows issues, including sihost.exe unknown hard errors. Thus, as a first solution, you may want to consider updating your device drivers, as it’s possible one of more of them is either faulty or conflicting with another driver or problem on your system.

To update your drivers, you have two options. For the first option, you will need to know the name and brand of all the different components connected to your system, either internally or externally. Then visit the manufacturer’s website and download the drivers from there.

The second option, which is the much simpler and more reliable option is to use a driver automation tool. There are many of these tools around, but I personally recommend DriverFinder. This tool, when installed and running, will scan your system, and locate and download all the latest drivers for your system; within a number of mouse clicks.

If the automation tool interests you, I suggest you visit the link below, for more information:

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT DRIVERFINDER

The solution(s) below are for ADVANCED level computer users. If you are a beginner to intermediate computer user, I highly recommend you use the automated tool(s) above!

Run DISM and SFC Scans

One of the more common causes of sihost.exe unknown hard errors is the corruption of system file(s). If the above solution failed to fix this issue, then you should consider running two built-in Windows tools that are capable of fixing file corruption related errors.

There are a number of end users that have reported success by running both the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) and SFC (System File Checker) tools.

In reality, both of these tools have many similarities, each with its own pros and cons. It’s for this reason why it’s recommended you run both of them, one after the other. This will increase the chances that it will identify, locate and fix/replace the culprit file(s).

When running these scans, it’s recommended you start with SFC. System File Checker will use locally stored cache files to replace any missing and/or corrupted Windows files. So no internet connection or Windows CD is required to use it.

Note: When you start the SFC scan, it’s very important that you do not close the CMD Window, as this could cause data corruption.

For step-by-step instructions on how to run system file checker, I recommend you check out my post on how to run SFC /Scannow.

Once you have successfully run the SFC tool, it’s recommended that you restart your system before you begin the DISM scan.

Note: Unlike with the SFC tool, DISM requires an active internet connection. This is because the DISM scan replaces missing and/or corrupt files with those on Microsoft’s server.

For instructions on how to run the DISM tool, you can find it on my post on fixing logonui.exe errors.

Run Chkdsk

Research has shown that in many instances, corruption of the hard drive itself has been the cause of the sihost.exe error. Fortunately, Windows has a built-in tool designed specifically for fixing hard drive related issues. This tool is called Check Disc or CHKDSK. To run this tool, simply follow the instructions below:

1. First, ensure you’ve booted into your system as a full administrator.

2. Then press + X, then click on Windows PowerShell (Admin).

3. When the Administrative: Windows PowerShell loads up, type the following command and press Enter.

Chkdsk /f /r

4. The operating system will run a scan on your hard drive and fix errors were applicable.

Once the scan has finished, restart your system.

Run Automatic Repair

If you’re still encountering a sihost.exe unknown hard error, up to this point. Then you may want to try using another Windows tool, called Automatic Repair. This tool will scan your operating system for errors, primarily linked to boot up issues. So this solution is best suited for end users who encounter the sihost.exe error during Windows login.

For step-by-step instructions on how to run this tool, my post on fixing bootmgr is missing, will help you.

Reset Windows to Repair Sihost.exe Error

If after attempting all the solutions above, the sihost.exe error still continues to persist, then it’s likely the Windows file corruption is irreparable.

In this case, you’re only viable option would be to reset your Windows operating system. This means, a fresh installation, completely eliminating any and all issues with your current install.

If you choose to take this option, there are two ways that you can approach it:

• Clean Install: This is the simplest solution. This method will erase the entire contents of your hard drive, but in return you’ll have a fresh Windows installation without any issues. The most obvious drawback is that you will lose all your personal data. Which is why it’s important you back things up first.
• Repair Install: This option will reinstall your operating system, but will attempt to keep all your personal files during the process. The main drawback is that the issue(s) may continue to persist after the install. The main advantage is that you won’t lose any data adopting this method.

With that said, you can find instructions on how to reset your system from my post on fixing error 0x80240034.

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