If you’ve encountered Windows ERROR_374, you’re not alone. This error can disrupt your workflow, causing frustration and uncertainty about what went wrong. But don’t worry — in this comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide, we’ll walk you through the causes of ERROR_374 and how to fix it step-by-step. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this guide will help you get your Windows system back on track quickly.
What is Windows ERROR_374?
Before diving into the fix, it’s important to understand what Windows ERROR_374 means. Typically, this error indicates a "Segment Notification" issue within the Windows operating system, often triggered by software conflicts, corrupted system files, or driver mishaps. It may manifest during system startup, when launching specific programs, or even during an update.
Common Causes of ERROR_374
- Corrupted or missing system files
- Outdated or incompatible device drivers
- Conflicts with recently installed software or updates
- Malware or virus infection
- Hardware issues or faulty device connections
How to Fix Windows ERROR_374: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Restart Your Computer
Sometimes, a simple restart can clear temporary glitches causing the error. Save your work and reboot your system to see if the error persists.
Step 2: Run Windows Update
Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix bugs and system errors, including ERROR_374. Update your system by:
- Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
- Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
- Restart your PC if prompted.
Keeping Windows updated can resolve compatibility issues and improve system stability.
Step 3: Scan for Malware
Malware infections can corrupt system files and trigger errors like ERROR_374.
- Use Windows Defender or a trusted third-party antivirus tool.
- Perform a full system scan.
- Quarantine or remove any threats detected.
- Restart your PC after the cleanup.
Step 4: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
Corrupted system files can cause segment notification errors. To repair them:
- Press Windows Key + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
-
Type:
sfc /scannow
and press Enter.
This process may take some time as it scans and repairs protected system files. - After completion, run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Press Enter and wait for the process to complete. - Restart your PC.
Step 5: Update or Reinstall Device Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers often lead to errors.
- Press Windows Key + X and open Device Manager.
- Expand all hardware categories and look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark (indicating issues).
- Right-click any problematic device and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
- If updating doesn’t help, you can uninstall the driver and restart your PC. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.
Step 6: Uninstall Recently Installed Programs or Updates
If ERROR_374 started after installing certain software or Windows updates:
- Open Settings > Apps or Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history.
- Uninstall the suspected updates or programs.
- Restart the computer and check if the error persists.
Step 7: Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot helps identify if a third-party service is causing the error.
- Press Windows Key + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
- In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
- Check Hide all Microsoft services and then click Disable all.
- Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
- Disable all startup items.
- Close Task Manager and click OK in the System Configuration window.
- Restart your PC to start in a clean boot environment.
- If the error disappears, enable services one-by-one to isolate the problematic software.
Step 8: Restore Your System to a Previous Point
If nothing worked, try restoring your system to a point before the error began:
- Press Windows Key + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point before the error appeared.
- Complete the restoration and restart your device.
Step 9: Seek Professional Help
If the error continues despite all your troubleshooting, your system might be facing hardware issues or deep system corruption. At this stage, consulting a professional technician or Microsoft support is recommended.
Final Thoughts
Encountering Windows ERROR_374 can be frustrating, but with patience and the right approach, it’s often fixable without needing a full system reinstall. Start with the simpler steps like restarting and updating your system, then move on to more advanced solutions like driver updates and system scans. Remember to back up your data regularly to protect against unexpected issues.
If this guide helped you, share it with others facing the same problem! And feel free to leave your questions below — we’re here to help.
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By following this guide closely, you should be able to fix ERROR_374 and get back to a smooth Windows experience in no time! Happy troubleshooting!
