Have you encountered the frustrating “GWXUX has stopped working” error on your Windows computer? You’re not alone. Many Windows users have experienced this issue, which is related to an application called GWXUX.exe. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to fix this error and get your computer back up and running smoothly.
What is GWXUX.exe and Why Do I See GWXUX has Stopped Working Errors?
GWXUX.exe is an application that was installed by Microsoft on Windows 7 and Windows 8 computers through the Windows Update KB3035583. This update, however, was controversial as it was installed without the users’ knowledge and triggered the infamous “Upgrade to Windows 10” nag popup. This adware-like behavior didn’t sit well with many Windows users, who felt their computers were being advertised to without their consent.
The GWXUX has stopped working error message usually occurs when the GWXUX.exe application crashes or encounters issues. While this error was more common in the past, as more users have upgraded to Windows 10, the occurrence of this error has significantly reduced. However, if you still encounter this error, we have outlined several methods to fix it.
Method 1: Uninstall the KB3035583 Update
One of the most effective ways to fix the GWXUX has stopped working error is to uninstall the KB3035583 update. This update contains the GWXUX.exe application, and removing it from your system can eliminate the error. Here’s how to do it:
Navigate to the Control Panel on your Windows computer.
Select “Uninstall a Program” or “Programs and Features” depending on your Windows version.
In the left menu, click on “View installed updates.”
Locate the update named “KB3035583” from the list in the center.
Right-click on “KB3035583” and select “Uninstall” from the menu bar.
Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
Reboot your computer to apply the changes.
After uninstalling the KB3035583 update, the GWXUX.exe application should no longer be present on your system, and you should no longer encounter the “GWXUX has stopped working” error.
Method 2: Disable the GWX Registry Key
If uninstalling the KB3035583 update doesn’t resolve the issue, you can try disabling the GWX registry key. The registry is a database of configuration settings that Windows uses to function properly. By modifying a specific registry key, you can prevent GWXUX.exe from triggering and potentially eliminate the error. Here’s how:
Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type “regedit” into the dialog box and press Enter. This will open the Registry Editor.
In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path: HKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftGwx
Right-click on an empty space in the right pane and select “New.”
Choose “DWORD (32-bit) Value” and name it “DisableGwx.”
Double-click on the newly created “DisableGwx” value and set its value to 1.
Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
By disabling the GWX registry key, you can prevent the GWXUX.exe application from triggering and consequently eliminate the “GWXUX has stopped working” error.
Method 3: Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter
If the previous methods didn’t resolve the GWXUX has stopped working error, you can try using the Windows Update Troubleshooter. The Troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows that can automatically detect and fix common issues related to Windows Update. Here’s how to use it:
Open the Control Panel on your Windows computer.
In the search bar at the top-right corner, type “Troubleshooting” and click on the “Troubleshooting” option.
In the left pane of the Troubleshooting window, click on “View all.”
Scroll down and select “Windows Update” from the list of troubleshooters.
Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the Troubleshooter.
Restart your computer and check if the “GWXUX has stopped working” error persists.
While the Windows Update Troubleshooter may not always fix the issue, it’s worth a try as it has helped some users resolve the error.
Additional Tips and Recommendations
- Keep your Windows operating system and other software up to date to ensure optimal performance and security.
- Regularly scan your computer for malware and viruses using reputable antivirus software.
- If you encounter any issues or errors after applying the suggested fixes, consider reaching out to Microsoft support or consulting with a professional technician.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the “GWXUX has stopped working” error can be frustrating, but with the methods outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the issue and enjoy a smooth Windows experience. Remember to perform the recommended steps carefully and create a restore point before making any changes to your system. If you have any other tips or solutions for fixing this error, feel free to share them in the comments below.
