How to fix
“MSI.CentralServer.exe is abnormal” error
on Windows

Hello. Recently, I often started receiving the "MSI.CentralServer.exe is abnormal" error in Windows. Is there any way to fix this?

The MSI.CentralServer.exe file is an executable that runs the MSI Center platform. All exclusive features offered by MSI are available through this app, including different Gaming Modes and Smart Priority, fan speed control, easy image tagging with Smart Image Finder, and much more. However, in recent months many users have reported encountering an error message reading "MSI.CentralServer.exe is abnormal" in Windows systems.

It is unknown why exactly this error appears. Most likely, it occurs because of corrupted files. Application files usually get corrupted during the installation process. In this guide, you will find 5 steps that should help you fix "MSI.CentralServer.exe is abnormal" error in Windows. Some of the possible solutions include restarting the MSI Center Service and using the application repair function in Windows.

Keep in mind that the manual troubleshooting process can be lengthy. To avoid it, you can use a maintenance tool like [d1]. It can automatically fix most system errors, BSODs,[ref en-1] corrupted files, and registry[ref en-2] issues. Additionally, it can clear cookies and cache[ref en-3] which should increase the performance of your device. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions provided below.

Method 1. Restart MSI Center Service

Windows Services are core components of the Microsoft Windows operating system and enable the creation and management of long-running processes. If the service responsible for the MSI Center is malfunctioning, you may experience unwanted symptoms. Try restarting it to see if it helps:

• Click on Start, search for Services, and open it
• Scroll down to find the MSI Center Service
• Right-click on the service and select Restart

• Check if the issue is resolved

Method 2. Repair MSI Center

In Windows, you can repair some apps and programs if they are not running correctly:

• Press the Windows key + I to open Settings
• Navigate to Apps, then go to Installed Apps and find MSI Center
• Scroll down and click on Repair

Method 3. Run MSI Center as an Admin

• Right-click on the MSI.CentralServer.exe shortcut file on your device
• Click on Properties
• Navigate to the Compatibility tab
• Check the option Run this program as an administrator

• Click on OK to save changes

Method 4. Troubleshoot in Clean Boot Mode

A Clean Boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs so that you can determine whether a background program is interfering with your program

• Click on the Start menu, search for System Configuration and open it
• Navigate to the General tab and check the Selective Startup option and the Load System Services Option under it
• Navigate to the Services tab and check the option Hide all Microsoft services
• Click on Disable all at the bottom right corner and hit Apply then Ok to save changes
• If MSI Center runs smoothly in Clean Boot State, manually enable one process after the other and see which culprit creates problems for you

• Once you have identified it, you need to disable or uninstall the software that causes the problem

Method 5. Reinstall MSI Center

If none of the above methods helped in solving the issue, you should try reinstalling MSI Center and see if it gets rid of the "MSI.CentralServer.exe is abnormal" error.

• Click on the Start menu and open Settings
• Open Apps, and locate Dragon Center or MSI Center
• Click on it, and select Uninstall
• Next, you have to find the MSI SDK tool and Uninstall it
• Now, go to the official MSI website to download MSI Center

• Click on the Download button and proceed with the on-screen instructions