The 0x0 0x0 error is common with Windows operating system (Visa, 8, 10, and 11). In this troubleshooting guide, we will aim to analyze multiple causes of 0x0 0x0 error and offer multiple ways to fix it.
0x0 0x0 - Windows Insider Build Error
The 0x0 0x0 has been commonly observed with the Windows 10 and Windows 11 builds, especially when you are subscribing to the Windows Insider Program. The typical error report is as follows: -
Sorry! Something went wrong...
We are not quite sure what it is. To look further into it further check the Feedback Hub for alerts or browse the Insider Hub for alerts or browse the Answers forums.
This error code might be useful: 0x0
Following are the steps to reproduce the error 0x0 0x0:
Start Windows operating system
Click on Start (Windows) > All Settings
Click Update and Security (Windows update, recovery, and backup)
In the left panel, click Windows Insider Program
Then click 'Get Started'
The above-mentioned 0x0 0x0 error appears, with only the option to close the error.
Let us deep-dive into the 0x0 0x0 error, before we explore various ways to fix the issue.
What is 0x0 0x0 anyway?
The Windows operating system has assigned several error codes to various types of errors. These error codes make it easy to troubleshoot the issue.
In general, it's a hexadecimal representation of the error. Unfortunately, it's not very helpful. The error represents a malfunction or abnormal software configuration in Windows operating system.
You'll experience 0x0 0x0, BSOD (aka Blue Screen of Death) errors with older versions of the Windows operating system. The error seems to be not very common with Windows 11, recent firmware updates.
What causes 0x0 0x0?
The common reason for the 0x0 0x0 error is an incorrect operating system installation, incompatible hardware setup, and sometimes erroneous configuration of existing software applications.
The most common causes are -
A damaged boot file (a core firmware file) in the Windows 10 operating system
The operating system with a damaged registry
Incorrect DLL aka Dynamic Linked Library files
Existence of malware, spyware, or a virus that deletes or alters the OS files
Human error - accidentally deleting the files or tinkering with the Windows registry
In the following paragraphs, we will explore the easiest methods of fixing the 0x0 0x0 error. Our suggestion would be to follow the steps under the guidance of an IT expert or someone who has done Windows troubleshooting before and understands Windows vitals.
Reinstall Windows Operating System Without Losing Data
Follow these steps to reinstall Windows operating system without losing data. We strongly advise using the original installation media like the CD, DVD, or Setup files downloaded from official Microsoft Windows installation servers.
Click on Windows Start -> Settings
Click Update & Security -> Recovery
Click Reset this PC -> Get started.
Important: Choose the "Keep my files" option. This ensures that the software installer will install only the operating system files and not overwrite your existing data.
It's safe to go with this option. If you wish to deep-dive into the steps, we'll recommend checking out Microsoft's official guide: Ways to install Windows 11. The steps are pretty much the same for Windows 10.
Reinstallation of Windows should address the 0x0 0x0 error permanently. If not, there is plenty of software available to help fix the issue.
Upgrade to the Latest Version of Windows Software
If possible, please upgrade your system to the latest version of Windows. You could keep the major version of Windows and install the security patches or smaller firmware upgrades. However, we highly recommend upgrading to the latest available version.
The biggest benefit of upgrading the Windows OS is that it will install security updates as well as fix errors you may not be aware of. An error like 0x0 0x0 is easy to fix the issue, most commonly addressed by OS upgrades.
Fix 0x0 0x0 Through Registry Modification
Please follow these steps to edit the Windows OS registry. The first step is to create a system restore point. This is essential because you can always time-travel back to the original point if things go wrong.
Press Windows Logo + R on the keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
In the Run dialog box, type 'regedit' without quotes and press enter. It's short for registry edit.
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ WindowsSelfHost
Right-click on WindowsSelfHost and select Delete
Restart your computer
Editing the registry of windows os should be done carefully. Please seek professional help if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.
Fix 0x0 0x0 with Windows Repair Tools
There are several free and paid Windows repair tools you can use to fix the 0x0 0x0 and other similar issues with Windows. These repair tools are easy to install and run and no expert help is required. Following is the list of recommended PC repair tools:-
System Mechanical Ultimate Defense
Restoro
Outbyte PC Repair
Ashampoo WinOptimizer
DefenceByte
Tweaking Windows Repair
WinFix
Snappy Driver Installer
CCleaner Technician Edition
CPU-Z
Microsoft Fix-it Tool
IOBit Driver Booster
AVG TuneUp
PC Cleaner
System Mechanic
Avanquest
Advance SystemCare
Install the software of your choice, and let it run the system check. These tools scan the computer firmware files and offer quick-fix. As discussed, the 0x0 0x0 error can be fixed quickly, without needing advanced troubleshooting.
These steps should fix the error 0x0 0x0 permanently. However, there are a few more recommendations we'd like to make. These could be your first or second line of defense.
Examine Windows Task Manager
Windows Task Manager is a program that lets you observe all the running programs on your PC. You should be able to view the CPU usage, memory consumption of the conflicting programs and take necessary action.
To load the task manager, either hit the keyboard shortcut CTRL+ALT+DEL or simply right-click on your desktop and click Task Manager.
End the processes that have the Not Responding status or appear to be stuck/irresponsive. You may do this by clicking the "End Process" button after selecting the process you wish to terminate.
Run Windows Scan for Viruses, Spyware, and Malware
You will be surprised to see how many unwanted programs reside on your host machine. You can quickly identify and uninstall or terminate such programs by running a simple, in-depth scan of your Windows PC.
Many times, these programs will alter your system configuration by editing or deleting registry files.
If you find anything suspicious, be sure to delete it. Anti-virus software should help you do this without affecting other programs.
Ensure Overall System Health
It's highly recommended that you should keep your system healthy. The way to do it is to keep it virus free and by performing regular system cleanups.
Especially, if you have downloaded email attachments or programs through your web browser, please make sure that those downloads are from an authentic source.
The Windows OS is quite notorious for attracting viruses and malware. These unwanted software programs cause an error like 0x0 0x0 or BSOD and others.
Perform Regular Device Driver Updates
Windows 10 and Windows 11 have to rely on the device drivers to talk to the hardware peripherals. It's the DNA of Windows that lets it communicate. With the OS upgrades, it's likely that Windows finds it difficult to communicate with the attached hardware.
In such scenarios, the hardware manufacturers release updates to the device drivers. Windows Software Upgrade will take care of installing all the necessary updates.
However, it won't hurt to check for available updates by visiting the OEM vendor's website to check for device driver updates.
The device driver may not be the cause for the 0x0 0x0 error. However, it could get fixed by proxy.
Use System Restore (The CTRL+Z) of Windows
If you have recently performed a software upgrade after which you began noticing the 0x0 0x0 issue, you can undo (CTRL+Z) your changes by using Windows System Restore. This works on all major Windows Versions (XP, Vista, 7,8,10,11) -
Click Start button
In the search box, type System Restore and press enter
From the results, select System Restore
Enter the admin password
Follow the instructions shown by the system wizard to select the restore point.
This process should restore your Windows installation back to the point you did not have the 0x0 0x0 error.
Perform Fresh Windows Install
If none of the above works, the last resort is to perform a fresh install of Windows on your machine. Note that you will lose all your data. Make sure to backup all your photos, videos, and other important documents to a pen drive or upload them to a cloud-based backup solution.
As advised above, you must use the installer downloaded from official Microsoft servers or an authentic installation media.
Microsoft Support Forums have an excellent write-up on how to do this. Perform a Clean Install of Windows. Refer to it and follow the steps.
If 0x0 0x0 Persists
If the 0x0 0x0 persists even after following all the steps above, the only reason is that there's a hardware malfunction. We recommend contacting official Microsoft Support or your system vendor and getting the hardware replaced.
If possible, we recommend temporarily installing the Ubuntu Linux (a Unix-based) OS. Ubuntu has evolved a lot in recent times and it's a good replacement for Windows. Plus, it is open-source software; which you can use commercially or for personal use without having to pay for it.
We hope this guide helped you fix 0x0 0x0. Please share this guide through social media so that others benefit from it.