Steps to fix 'Shell Infrastructure Host Has Stopped Working' error in Windows

But why are you getting this error and how to solve it? Join TipsMake.com to find the answer through the following article!

1. Log in to Windows with admin rights

For most users, this error usually appears when using a guest account. So a quick fix is ​​to try and log into the system as admin.

If you are already logged in to the guest account, here's how you can switch to the admin account:

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete to open the Security Options window.

Step 2: Select Switch User and then follow the on-screen instructions to log in to the Administrator account.

If you're using someone else's PC, you can ask them to give you admin access.

2. Create a new guest account

You don't want to log into the system as admin? If so, you can create a new guest account. And if you decide to delete the problematic guest account, make sure to copy or back up important files first.

If not, here's how you can create a new guest account on Windows:

Step 1: Navigate to Start menu > PC Settings > Accounts.

Step 2: Click Other people on the left.

Step 3: Next, click Add someone else to this PC on the right.

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In the next window, click I don't have this person's sign-in information. Next, follow these steps to complete the account setup:

Step 1: Click Get a new email address and enter the details.

Step 2: Create a password, enter your date of birth and select your country of residence.

Step 3: Click Next when you are done and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

3. Reinstall or repair Microsoft Visual C++ programs

PCs depend on the Microsoft Visual C++ runtime library package to function properly. When these packages are missing or damaged, you may encounter various system related problems. In this scenario, repairing or reinstalling the Microsoft Visual C++ programs may resolve this issue.

Let's see how you can repair Microsoft Visual C++ programs:

Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Type appwiz.cpl and press Enter to open the Programs and Features window.

Step 3: Right-click each Microsoft Visual C++ program and select Change.

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In the next window, click the Repair button. From there, follow the onscreen instructions and restart your PC when you're done.

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If the problem persists, reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ program by following these steps:

Step 1: Open the Programs and Features window following the previous steps.

Step 2: Right-click each Microsoft Visual C++ program and click the Uninstall button.

Step 3: When you're done, reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ programs.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

4. Configure boot settings for PC

Shell Infrastructure errors may appear depending on how you have configured your PC's startup settings. In this case, consider how the Normal Startup and Selective Startup settings can help.

First, configure the Normal Startup settings. This will load all the device drivers and services whenever you restart your PC.

Now, this is how you can configure the Normal Startup settings:

Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Type msconfig and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.

Step 3: Navigate to the General tab and select the Normal Startup option.

Step 4: Click Apply > OK.

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Otherwise, you can configure the Selective Startup settings. This will allow you to choose which services you want the system to load whenever your PC boots.

Here's how you can configure Selective Startup settings:

Step 1: Open the System Configuration window following the previous steps.

Step 2: Navigate to the General tab and select the Selective Startup option.

Step 3: Next, check the boxes for Load system services and Load startup items below this option.

Step 4: Click Apply > OK to save these changes. Restart your PC when you're done.

If the problem persists, here's what you can do:

Step 1: Open the System Configuration window following the previous steps.

Step 2: Select Selective Startup option and then check all the boxes below this option.

Step 3: Click Apply > OK.

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5. Run the Windows troubleshooters

Windows' built-in troubleshooter can also help you with this problem. If this error is caused by a system maintenance issue, then the System Maintenance troubleshooter can help. But if the problem is caused by hardware related issues, then you can use the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.

To get started, let's see how you can run the System Maintenance troubleshooter:

Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Type msdt.exe -id MaintenanceDiagnostic and press Enter to open the System Maintenance troubleshooter.

Step 3: Click on the Advanced option and then check the Apply repairs automatically box.

Step 4: Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

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If the problem persists, run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter by following these steps:

Step 1: Navigate to Start menu > PC Settings > Update & Security, then select the Troubleshoot option.

Step 2: Click the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter on the right and press the Run the troubleshooter button.

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Follow the on-screen instructions, then restart the PC.

6. Using the SFC . tool

In case this problem is caused by corrupt system files, then the System File Scanner (SFC) tool can help. This tool allows you to find and repair all the corrupted files on your PC with a few quick steps.

Good luck fixing the error!

Lesley Montoya

Update 26 October 2021