Encountering a Windows system error can be frustrating—especially when it interrupts your workflow and you’re not sure what it means or how to fix it. One such troublemaker is Error Code ERROR_244. If you’ve come across this error, don’t worry. We’ve created an easy-to-follow, detailed guide to help you resolve it quickly and get your PC back to running smoothly.
What is Windows System Error Code ERROR_244?
Before diving into the fix, it’s helpful to understand what ERROR_244 means. This error typically relates to [insert brief explanation related to ERROR_244 – e.g., device driver communication problems, registry corruption, or specific software failures]. It can appear during system startup, upon launching certain apps, or during specific Windows operations.
Why Does ERROR_244 Occur?
Common causes include:
- Outdated or corrupt device drivers
- Conflicting software or recent updates
- Corrupted system files or registry errors
- Malware infections
- Hardware issues or connection errors
Understanding the root cause will help you avoid the error in the future. Now, let’s jump to fixing it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Windows ERROR_244
Step 1: Restart Your PC
It might seem cliché, but many Windows errors resolve after a simple restart. This clears temporary glitches and refreshes system processes.
- Click Start > Power > Restart
- After reboot, check if the error persists
If the issue continues, proceed to the next steps.
Step 2: Run Windows Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that automatically detects and fixes many system-related errors.
- Press Win + I to open Settings
- Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot
- Click Additional troubleshooters
- Select the relevant troubleshooter depending on your scenario (e.g., Hardware and Devices, Windows Update)
- Click Run the troubleshooter and follow on-screen instructions
This simple step can often repair underlying causes for ERROR_244.
Step 3: Update Device Drivers
Outdated or faulty drivers are frequent culprits behind error codes:
- Press Win + X and select Device Manager
- Identify devices with a yellow warning triangle
- Right-click each device and choose Update driver
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software
Alternatively, visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers manually.
Step 4: Check for Windows Updates
Keeping Windows up to date ensures bugs are fixed and security patches applied.
- Open Settings via Win + I
- Go to Update & Security > Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
- Install any available updates and restart your PC
Step 5: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tools
Corrupted Windows system files might cause ERROR_244. Use these powerful tools to scan and repair:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Press Win + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, select Run as administrator
-
Type and run:
sfc /scannow
-
Wait for the scan and repairs to complete. Then run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Restart your computer and check if the error is fixed.
Step 6: Scan for Malware
Malware can tamper with system files and cause errors.
- Use Windows Defender or your preferred antivirus program to run a full system scan
- Remove any detected threats
- Restart your PC and monitor for ERROR_244
Step 7: Check Hardware Connections
If you recently added new hardware (like external drives or USB devices), disconnect them and see if the error continues. Faulty or loose hardware can trigger system errors.
- Unplug external devices
- Restart Windows
- If error disappears, reconnect devices one at a time to identify the faulty one
Step 8: Restore System to a Previous Point
If the error started recently, restoring Windows to a previous state before the problem began can help.
- Press Win + S, type Create a restore point, and open it
- Click System Restore
- Choose a restore point dated before ERROR_244 appeared
- Follow prompts to complete the restoration
Note: This won’t affect your personal files but will uninstall recent apps and updates.
Step 9: Perform a Clean Boot
To identify if third-party apps are causing conflicts:
- Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter
- In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab
- Check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all
- Go to Startup tab and click Open Task Manager
- Disable all startup items
- Close Task Manager, click OK in System Configuration
- Restart your PC and see if ERROR_244 persists
If the error is gone, gradually re-enable services and startup programs to find the culprit.
Step 10: Seek Professional Help or Reinstall Windows
If nothing works, it might be time to:
- Contact Microsoft Support or a trusted technician
- Back up your personal files
- Perform a clean installation of Windows
Reinstalling Windows will fix deep system issues but should be your last resort.
Final Thoughts
Windows System Error Code ERROR_244 can disrupt your daily tasks, but with this step-by-step guide, you have a clear roadmap to troubleshoot and fix it. Remember to stay patient, follow each step carefully, and always keep your data backed up before making significant system changes.
If this guide helped you, share it with others facing the same issue to make their day easier too!
FAQs About ERROR_244
Q1: Can ERROR_244 cause data loss?
A: Typically, ERROR_244 doesn’t cause data loss but backing up data is a good precaution whenever troubleshooting system errors.
Q2: Is ERROR_244 related to hardware failure?
A: It can be related if faulty hardware or connections are involved, so hardware checks are important.
Q3: How often should I update drivers to avoid errors?
A: Regularly check for driver updates—especially after installing new hardware or Windows updates.
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