How to fix
File System Error (-2018374635)
on Windows

Hi, every time I try to click on certain Windows components, I receive a -2018374635 error. For example, I can't open Settings at all, and program icons won't show up in the taskbar. Please help me solve this. Thank you.

Windows is a complex operating system with thousands of files inside of it. With new programs being installed, registries changed, and other external actions performed, not all things go as planned in some cases. File System Error 2018374635 is among the more critical issues that users had to face, as it corrupts the operation of vital system components, such as taskbar, File Explorer, or Settings panel.

In other cases, people reported that they experienced the same issue when dealing with simple files that were previously imported (and worked fine) - pictures, videos, or music. Regardless of which instance you are facing, dealing with the File System Error 2018374635 is something that is mandatory for proper PC usage experience.

The message that users receive might vary, although it rarely provides any insights into the actual problem, and neither does it explain where to begin trying to fix it. The main reason why the error occurs is due to the missing or corrupted system files or files of third-party software, which can be related to apps like Dropbox.

Luckily, there are several ways to troubleshoot and, ultimately, fix the File System Error (-2018374635) in Windows for good. If the issue is related to third-party software, you can use Clean Boot to identify the misbehaving app and remove it to resolve the issue. When it comes to system files, you can run several commands to repair them or instead rely on powerful PC repair software [d1].

The app might not only help you fix the system file error but also heal you deal with problems related to post-malware[ref en-1] infection, clean your system from bugged caches,[ref en-3] prevent BSODs,[ref en-2] and take care of your privacy by removing caches from your browsers automatically. Alternatively, proceed with the solutions we provide below.

Fix 1. Restart Windows Explorer

In some cases, the solution for the problem is a simple restart of Windows Explorer, so let's start from there:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
• Click More details if required
• In the Processes tab, locate Windows Explorer
• Right-click on it and select Restart.

  

Fix 2. Run SFC and DISM

If the problem is related to corrupt system files, you can run commands via elevated Command Prompt to repair them.

• Type cmd in Windows search
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
• When the User Account Control window pops up, click Yes
• Use the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow
• Reboot your system
• If SFC returned an error or nothing was found, use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

  

Fix 3. Try Clean Boot

Clean Boot could help you identify the misbehaving app.

• Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter
• Go to the Services tab and tick the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox
• Select Disable all
• Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager
• Here, right-click on each of the non-Windows entries and select Disable
• Close down the Task Manager
• Go to the Boot tab and tick the Safe boot option

  

• Click Apply, OK, and restart your PC.

If the problem is no longer present in the Clean Boot environment, it is indeed the third-party software that is causing the issue. Open the System Configuration window once again by using msconfig command go to Services tab, click Hide all Microsoft Services again - enable app processes one by one (or in small batches) to determine which one is causing the problem.

Fix 4. Reset Microsoft Store cache

• In Windows search, type in wsreset.exe and hit Enter
• A pop-up window will show up - do not close it

  

• Once it disappears, your Microsoft Store cache will be reset.

Fix 5. Reset your apps

Resetting your apps might help you solve the issue:

• Right-click on Start and pick PowerShell (admin)
• If UAC shows up, click Yes
• In the new window, copy and paste the following commands and press Enter:
  

  Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name windows.immersivecontrolpanel | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose}

  Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml"}

• 

• Restart your system.

Fix 6. Use System restore

• Type in Create a Restore Point in Windows search and hit Enter
• Click System Restore
• Pick Choose a different restore point (if available) and click Next
• Mark the Show more restore points checkbox

  

• Choose a time before the File System Error (-2018374635) was troubling you
• Click Next and reboot the system as required.

Fix 7. Reset Windows

Before you proceed with this step, we recommend you backup your personal files and disconnect all the peripherals apart from the keyboard and mouse.

• Right-click on Start and pick Settings 
• Go to the Update & Security section and select Recovery (type in Reset in Windows search box if settings are not working for you)
• Under Reset this PC, pick Get Started
• Select Keep my files and Cloud download

  

• Proceed with on-screen instructions.

Similar errors we covered previously:

• -2147163893
• -2147163890
• -2144927436
• -2147219196.