Fix the “Shell Infrastructure Host Has Stopped Working” Error in Windows 10
The “Shell Infrastructure Host Has Stopped Working” error is a common issue in Windows 10, 11, Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, etc. This error may occur due to various reasons such as corrupt system files, incompatible software, or outdated drivers. Sometimes this error may occur due to misconfigured audit policies.
This error may also create other problems as well. For example, the login screen may get stuck on the preparing Windows screen for a long time. Besides that, you may also see profile issues like temporary profiles or inaccessible user folders after login. Sometimes, the Start and Search also stop working. But all these issues are usually fixed after resolving the “shell infrastructure host has stopped working” issue in Windows.
Solve the “Shell Infrastructure Host has stopped working” error in Windows 10, 11, Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, etc.
So, we are sharing the steps to fix the issue on both domain-joined systems and standalone (workgroup) systems. These steps work on both client and server operating systems. Since the issue may occur due to various reasons, so, we will start with the basics.
1. Disable Startup Programs
Some software installed on your PC may conflict with the Shell Infrastructure Host, causing the error. So, it might be a good idea to disable them and check if the error is fixed or not. To disable startup programs follow these steps:
- Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc shortcut key combination to open Task Manager.
- Click on the Startup tab.
- Select the program and click Disable button to disable it.
- Restart your computer and see if the issue is fixed or not.
SEE ALSO: How to Check System Uptime in Windows 10, 11?
2. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM to Fix the “Shell Infrastructure Host has stopped working” Error
Sometimes corrupt system files may also cause the Shell Infrastructure host to malfunction. So, now we will run the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools to check for and repair any corrupted system files.
To run SFC:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the
sfc /scannowcommand and hit Enter. - Wait for the scan to complete and restart your PC.
To run DISM:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type the
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthcommand and press Enter. - Wait for the scan to complete and restart your system after that.
SEE ALSO: Check the Best Command Prompt Tricks Here.
3. Check for Misconfigured Advanced Audit Policy Configuration
Sometimes, the “Shell infrastructure host has stopped working” issue is caused by misconfigured advanced audit policy configurations.
The first thing you should look for is event ID 1000 in Event Viewer. Open the Event Viewer, go to Windows Logs > Application, and look for Application Error with Event ID 1000. If this shows the “Faulting module name: auditcse.dll” in the description, the issue is related to a misconfigured audit policy.
Now, let’s check the audit policy configuration to be sure. Launch the RUN utility on your system by pressing “Windows + R”, type rsop.msc and press Enter to launch the RSOP console. Here, you can see the configured policies.
In the RSOP console, go to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Advanced Audit Policy Configuration > System Audit Policies > Global Object Access Auditing.
Here, check if the File system and/or Registry policies are configured. If configured, make sure to check their settings by clicking the Configure button. If no accounts are configured, it means the policy is incorrectly configured and it is causing the “shell infrastructure host has stopped working” error in Windows (be it Windows 10, 11, or Server 2016, 2019, 2022, etc.).
Fixing the Misconfigured Audit Policy to solve the Shell Infrastructure Host error
Now, to fix the Shell Infrastructure host issue in your Windows 10, 11, Windows Server 2016, 2019, or 2022 systems, follow these steps.
- If the system is joined into the domain, you need to identify the policy and use Group Policy Management Editor (gpmc.msc) to edit the correct policy (usually domain administrators do this; you may need to get in touch with them). However, if the system is not domain-joined (workgroup), you can use the Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc).
- Now, in the Policy Editor, go to the following path: Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Advanced Audit Policies > System Audit Policies > Global Object Access Auditing.
- Here, double-click on the File System and Registry one by one and set them both to “Not configured“.
- Finally, restart your computer/server and see if the “shell infrastructure host has stopped working” issue has been fixed or not.
SEE ASLO: Check more Group Policy Related Tutorials Here.
4. Update Drivers to the Latest Versions
Outdated or incompatible drivers can also cause the “Shell Infrastructure Host Has Stopped Working” error in Windows 10 or Server 2016, 2019, 2022, etc. OSes. So, it’s a good idea to keep your system updated with the latest drivers. You can update your drivers using the following steps:
- Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
- Find the device with a yellow exclamation mark indicating a driver issue.
- Right-click on the device and select Update Driver.
- Now, follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.
5. Reset your Windows 10, 11, or Server 2016, 2019, 2022, etc. to Fix the issue
If none of the above solutions work, you may need to reset your PC. This will remove all of your installed software, but your personal files will remain intact. This will also solve most of your problems including the shell infrastructure host stopped working issue.
To reset Windows 10, Server 2016, 2019, 2022:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Click Get Started under Reset this PC.
- Choose whether to keep your personal files or remove everything.
- Follow the instructions to complete the reset.
To reset Windows 11:
- Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
- Click on Reset PC.
- Choose whether to keep your personal files or remove everything.
- Follow the instructions to complete the reset.
Fix the “Shell Infrastructure Host has stopped working” issue in Windows
The Shell infrastructure host issue also causes other issues as well like the Start menu and search stops working. This kind of issue might also occur in case of user profile corruption, but the shell infrastructure host also plays a vital role in this.
We hope you found the solution for the “shell infrastructure host” issue. In case you have trouble solving the issue or having difficulties following the steps shared above, feel free to comment down below. You may also like to subscribe to our newsletter using your email ID and get the latest tutorials directly to your inbox.
