How to fix
File System Error (-1073741521)
on Windows

Hello. When I try to open a Word document on my Windows PC I receive the "File System Error (-1073741521)" message. How do I fix this?

The File System Error (-1073741521) is a common problem that Windows users face. This error typically occurs when users attempt to open or access specific files, such as documents, videos, and other media. The error message indicates that a problem with the file system has occurred, and the system is unable to read or access the file.

A corrupted hard drive is the primary cause of the File System Error (-1073741521). Other factors, such as corrupted system files, malware infection, and Windows update errors, can also cause this error. When this error occurs, users may encounter a number of issues, including:

• The most obvious impact of this error is that users will be unable to open or access certain files on their system.
• In some cases, the File System Error can cause system crashes and freezes, making it difficult for users to perform any tasks on their system.
• If the error is caused by a corrupted hard drive, users may risk losing their data permanently.

Users can try several solutions to resolve the File System Error (-1073741521). These include running a malware scan on the system, performing a disk check to detect and repair any hard drive errors, and restoring the system to a previous restore point. To repair any corrupted system files, users can also try updating their system drivers or performing a clean install of the operating system. Continue reading for step-by-step instructions.

Method 1. Repair Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Use the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow

• Reboot your system
• If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Method 2. Uninstall the last Windows Update

• Open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I
• Go to Windows Update
• Select Update history and press Uninstall updates
• Locate the latest update
• Click on Uninstall

• Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

Method 3. Use a Repair Utility

In case you do not manage to fix File System Error (-1073741521) manually, you can do that automatically. It goes without saying that for this purpose, you have to download a utility that would be capable of doing it. For this purpose, we highly recommend using [d1]. This software is capable of detecting system errors like corrupted files, BSODs,[ref en-1] startup issues, registry[ref en-2] malfunctions, hardware problems, outdated software/drivers,[ref en-3] etc. Therefore, try this program without a delay, especially having in mind that its trial is free.

Method 4. Scan your System for Malware

It is possible that a malware infection may be the cause of WerFault.exe using high amounts of CPU. It is important to run a comprehensive security scan to rule out this possibility and ensure that the computer is not infected. This can help to prevent further issues with the Windows operating system and ensure that it is functioning properly.

If you have access to a security scanner, or if your organization pays for one, you can use it to scan your entire system to check for a virus infection. Otherwise, you can use Windows Defender to scan your system:

• Click on the Windows Start menu or press the Windows key on your keyboard
• Type Microsoft Defender in the search bar and click on Microsoft Defender Antivirus to open the application
• Click on the Virus & threat protection option in the left-hand menu
• Click on the Quick scan or Full scan option, depending on your preference

• If you choose Quick scan, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will scan the most vulnerable and commonly infected areas of your computer
• If you choose Full scan, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will scan your entire computer, including all files, folders, and programs
• Click on the Scan now button to start the selected scan type and wait for the scan to complete
• The time it takes will depend on the size of your hard drive and the number of files being scanned
• Once the scan is complete, you will be informed of any detected threats, and you can choose to quarantine or remove them
• If no threats are found, Microsoft Defender Antivirus will inform you that your device is secure

Method 5. Use System Restore

System Restore is a feature in Microsoft Windows that allows users to revert their computer's state to a previous point in time. This can be helpful if you have made changes to your system that are causing problems.

• Go to the Start menu, type restore, and click on Create a restore point
• Click System Restore, then follow the prompts until you can select a restore point
• Select the one you want (ideally before the issue started occurring) and go ahead with the process

Method 6. Clean Install Windows

Performing a clean install wipes out data from the PC, so please create backups before you proceed.

• Download the ISO file
• Select Create installation media for another PC and click Next
• Select ISO file and click Next
• Click Finish
• Open the Windows ISO file you downloaded

• Open Setup and click Next
• Click Accept (Be prepared to wait; this next part may take a while)
• Click Install
• Wait for your system to restart and install Windows