Windows Error Reporting (WER) is a crucial feature in the Windows operating system that helps users and administrators identify and troubleshoot errors, crashes, and other issues. By configuring WER, you can ensure that your system is optimized for error reporting, which can lead to faster resolution of problems and improved overall system stability. In this article, we will delve into the world of Windows Error Reporting and provide a step-by-step guide on how to configure it.
Understanding Windows Error Reporting
Before we dive into the configuration process, it’s essential to understand how Windows Error Reporting works. WER is a feature that collects and reports error data to Microsoft, which can then be used to identify and fix issues. The data collected includes information about the error, such as the type of error, the application or driver that caused the error, and the system configuration.
WER is divided into two main components:
- Windows Error Reporting Service: This is the service that collects and reports error data to Microsoft.
- Problem Reports and Solutions: This is the control panel that allows users to view and manage error reports.
Benefits Of Configuring Windows Error Reporting
Configuring Windows Error Reporting can bring several benefits, including:
- Improved system stability: By identifying and fixing errors, you can improve the overall stability of your system.
- Faster troubleshooting: WER can help you quickly identify the cause of errors, which can save you time and effort.
- Enhanced security: WER can help identify potential security threats, such as malware or viruses.
Configuring Windows Error Reporting
Now that we’ve covered the basics of Windows Error Reporting, let’s move on to the configuration process. Here are the steps to follow:
Method 1: Configure WER Using The Control Panel
- Open the Control Panel and click on “System and Security.”
- Click on “Action Center” and then click on “Problem Reports and Solutions.”
- Click on “Change settings” and select the type of errors you want to report.
- Choose the level of detail you want to include in the error reports.
- Click “OK” to save your changes.
Method 2: Configure WER Using The Registry Editor
- Open the Registry Editor and navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Error Reporting
- Create a new DWORD value called “Disabled” and set it to 0 to enable WER.
- Create a new DWORD value called “MaxQueueCount” and set it to the maximum number of error reports you want to store.
- Create a new DWORD value called “MaxReportCount” and set it to the maximum number of error reports you want to send to Microsoft.
- Close the Registry Editor and restart your system.
Method 3: Configure WER Using Group Policy
- Open the Group Policy Editor and navigate to the following key: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Error Reporting
- Enable the “Configure Windows Error Reporting” policy and select the type of errors you want to report.
- Choose the level of detail you want to include in the error reports.
- Click “OK” to save your changes.
Advanced Configuration Options
In addition to the basic configuration options, there are several advanced options that you can use to customize Windows Error Reporting. These include:
- WER settings: You can use the WER settings to configure the types of errors that are reported, the level of detail included in the error reports, and the maximum number of error reports that are stored.
- WER exclusions: You can use the WER exclusions to exclude specific applications or drivers from error reporting.
- WER throttling: You can use the WER throttling to limit the number of error reports that are sent to Microsoft.
WER Settings
To access the WER settings, follow these steps:
- Open the Registry Editor and navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Error Reporting
- Create a new DWORD value called “Setting” and set it to one of the following values:
- 0: Disable WER
- 1: Enable WER for all errors
- 2: Enable WER for critical errors only
- Create a new DWORD value called “Level” and set it to one of the following values:
- 0: Minimal detail
- 1: Medium detail
- 2: Maximum detail
- Close the Registry Editor and restart your system.
WER Exclusions
To exclude specific applications or drivers from error reporting, follow these steps:
- Open the Registry Editor and navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Error Reporting\Exclusions
- Create a new key for the application or driver you want to exclude.
- Create a new DWORD value called “Exclude” and set it to 1.
- Close the Registry Editor and restart your system.
WER Throttling
To limit the number of error reports that are sent to Microsoft, follow these steps:
- Open the Registry Editor and navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Error Reporting\Throttling
- Create a new DWORD value called “MaxReportsPerDay” and set it to the maximum number of error reports you want to send per day.
- Create a new DWORD value called “MaxReportsPerHour” and set it to the maximum number of error reports you want to send per hour.
- Close the Registry Editor and restart your system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, configuring Windows Error Reporting is an essential step in ensuring that your system is optimized for error reporting. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can configure WER to meet your specific needs and improve the overall stability and security of your system. Remember to use the advanced configuration options to customize WER and limit the number of error reports that are sent to Microsoft.
What Is Windows Error Reporting And How Does It Work?
Windows Error Reporting (WER) is a feature in Windows operating systems that collects and reports error data when a software application crashes or encounters an issue. This data is then sent to Microsoft, where it is analyzed and used to improve the overall stability and reliability of Windows and its applications. WER can also be configured to send error reports to third-party developers, allowing them to identify and fix issues with their software.
WER works by monitoring system crashes and application errors, and then collecting data about the error, including the type of error, the application involved, and the system configuration. This data is then packaged into a report, which can be sent to Microsoft or other designated recipients. WER can be configured to automatically send error reports, or users can be prompted to review and approve the report before it is sent.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Windows Error Reporting?
The primary benefit of using Windows Error Reporting is that it helps to improve the overall stability and reliability of Windows and its applications. By collecting and analyzing error data, Microsoft and third-party developers can identify and fix issues that cause crashes and other problems. This can lead to a more stable and secure computing experience for users. Additionally, WER can help to reduce the time and effort required to troubleshoot and resolve issues, as error reports can provide valuable insights into the cause of a problem.
Another benefit of WER is that it can help to improve the overall quality of software applications. By providing developers with detailed information about errors and crashes, WER can help them to identify and fix issues that might otherwise go undetected. This can lead to more reliable and stable software, which can improve the overall user experience.
How Do I Configure Windows Error Reporting On My System?
Configuring Windows Error Reporting on your system is a relatively straightforward process. To start, you will need to open the Windows Settings app and navigate to the “Privacy” section. From there, you can click on the “Diagnostics & feedback” option, which will take you to the WER configuration page. On this page, you can choose to enable or disable WER, and you can also configure the types of data that are collected and sent in error reports.
You can also configure WER using the Group Policy Editor, which is a more advanced tool that allows you to customize WER settings in greater detail. To access the Group Policy Editor, you will need to open the Run dialog box and type “gpedit.msc”. From there, you can navigate to the “Computer Configuration” section and find the WER settings.
Can I Customize The Types Of Data That Are Collected By Windows Error Reporting?
Yes, you can customize the types of data that are collected by Windows Error Reporting. When you configure WER, you can choose to collect different types of data, including system configuration information, application data, and user data. You can also choose to collect data about specific types of errors, such as crashes or hangs. Additionally, you can configure WER to collect data from specific applications or system components.
To customize the types of data that are collected by WER, you will need to access the WER configuration page, which is located in the Windows Settings app. From there, you can click on the “Diagnostics & feedback” option and choose the types of data that you want to collect. You can also use the Group Policy Editor to customize WER settings in greater detail.
How Do I View And Manage Error Reports On My System?
To view and manage error reports on your system, you will need to access the Windows Settings app and navigate to the “Privacy” section. From there, you can click on the “Diagnostics & feedback” option, which will take you to the WER configuration page. On this page, you can click on the “View diagnostic data” option, which will take you to a page that displays a list of error reports that have been collected on your system.
From this page, you can view detailed information about each error report, including the type of error, the application involved, and the system configuration. You can also delete error reports or configure WER to automatically delete reports after a certain period of time.
Is Windows Error Reporting Secure And Private?
Yes, Windows Error Reporting is designed to be secure and private. When you configure WER, you can choose to encrypt error reports, which helps to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. Additionally, WER is designed to collect only the data that is necessary to diagnose and fix issues, and it does not collect personal data such as email addresses or passwords.
Microsoft also takes steps to protect the security and privacy of error reports, including using secure protocols to transmit reports and storing reports in a secure database. Additionally, Microsoft provides tools and resources to help developers and users manage error reports and protect sensitive data.