If you’ve encountered the dreaded Windows ERROR_92, you know how frustrating it can be to have your system suddenly halt or display an error message that disrupts your workflow. But don’t worry — in this article, we’ll walk you through a detailed, easy-to-follow guide on troubleshooting and fixing this error quickly, even if you’re not a tech expert.
What Is Windows ERROR_92?
Before diving into the fix, it helps to understand what ERROR_92 stands for. This error often appears as:
- “ERROR_92: Illegal Handle”
- Or simply as a runtime error related to invalid or inappropriate handle usage by a program or system process.
Handles are references Windows uses to manage resources like files, registry keys, or synchronization objects. When an application or the system tries to use a handle that is invalid or closed unexpectedly, ERROR_92 can pop up.
Common causes include:
- Corrupted system files or registry entries
- Faulty or incompatible third-party software
- Driver issues
- Malware or virus interference
- Conflicts with system updates
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Windows ERROR_92
Step 1: Restart Your Computer
It sounds basic, but many errors resolve with just a simple restart. Restarting clears temporary caches and frees system handles.
- Click Start > Power > Restart
- After rebooting, check if ERROR_92 still appears.
Step 2: Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan
Since corrupted system files often cause ERROR_92, running the built-in SFC tool is a smart next step.
- Press Windows Key + S, type cmd.
- Right-click Command Prompt > Run as administrator.
-
Type the command:
sfc /scannow
- Press Enter. The scan will check for and repair corrupted system files.
Note: This may take 15-30 minutes. Avoid interrupting the process.
Step 3: Use DISM to Repair Windows Image
If the SFC scan reports errors but couldn’t fix them, use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator (repeat Step 2.1 & 2.2).
-
Enter the command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Press Enter. This process repairs the system image Windows uses for repairs.
Again, allow time for completion.
Step 4: Check and Update Device Drivers
Drives that are out of date or corrupted can cause handle-related errors.
- Press Windows + X > Device Manager.
- Expand categories such as Display adapters, Sound, video and game controllers, and Network adapters.
- Right-click devices > Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Repeat for any devices showing a yellow warning symbol.
Step 5: Scan for Malware and Viruses
Malicious software can cause improper resource handling, leading to ERROR_92.
- Open your antivirus application.
- Run a full system scan.
- Remove any threats found.
If you don’t have antivirus software or want a second opinion:
- Download and run Malwarebytes Free or Windows Defender Offline.
Step 6: Perform a Clean Boot to Identify Conflicting Software
Third-party applications or services could be causing ERROR_92 by mismanaging system handles.
To check for conflicts:
- Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
- Go to the Services tab.
- Check Hide all Microsoft services.
- Click Disable all.
- Switch to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
- Disable all startup items.
- Close Task Manager and click OK in System Configuration.
- Restart your PC.
Check if ERROR_92 persists. If it doesn’t, enable services and startup apps one by one to identify the culprit.
Step 7: Roll Back Recent Windows Updates
Sometimes new updates might cause unexpected errors.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click View update history.
- Select Uninstall updates.
- Identify recent updates installed before ERROR_92 appeared and uninstall them.
Step 8: Restore Your System to an Earlier Date
If all else fails, using System Restore can undo recent changes that caused the error.
- Press Windows + S, type Create a restore point and open it.
- Click System Restore.
- Choose a restore point dated before the error started.
- Follow the prompts to restore your system.
Wrapping Up: Stay Calm and Tackle ERROR_92 Step by Step
Facing Windows error codes like ERROR_92 can be a nerve-wracking experience, but taking a systematic approach makes it manageable. Follow the steps above patiently, and you’ll often resolve the problem without needing professional assistance.
If ERROR_92 still persists after all these steps, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support or taking your PC to a trusted technician.
Bonus Tips for Preventing ERROR_92 in the Future:
- Keep your Windows updated regularly.
- Avoid installing untrusted software.
- Maintain updated antivirus protection.
- Perform periodic system scans and cleanup.
We hope this guide helped you get back up and running smoothly! If you found this article useful, feel free to share it with friends or colleagues who might struggle with the same error.
Have questions or a success story fixing ERROR_92? Drop a comment below – we love hearing from you!
