How to Fix the File System Error (-1073740791) in Windows 10?

Quick Answer

File system error (-1073740791) in Windows 11/10 typically occurs when trying to launch apps with administrator privileges or opening some photos. To fix it, it is recommended to boot Windows into Safe Mode and try these methods:

• Run SFC and DISM
• Check the Drive with CHKDSK
• Create a new user account
• Set the Windows Theme to default
• Change the sound scheme
• Reset Windows Store cache

What Causes File System Error (-1073740791)

When you see this error message pops up, you may be trying to open a file or running apps with Administrative privileges but failing to do that.

Common causes include corrupted system files, disk errors, damaged user profiles, and more. Check the following table:

How to Fix the File System Error (-1073740791)?

Precondition: Open Windows in Safe Mode

Booting into Safe Mode is highly recommended to fix the error. It starts Windows in a basic state, temporarily disabling third-party apps that may interfere with repairs. This allows you to open Command Prompt as an administrator without triggering the error.

Step 1: Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows and R keys together and input msconfig to enter System Configuration.

Step 2: When the window pop up, go to the Boot tab and mark the Safe boot checkbox under Boot options.

Step 3: When you finish, click on Apply and OK to save your choice and restart your computer to see if the issue has been resolved. If not, it is suggested to continue to perform the next fixes in Safe Mode.

Fix 1: Perform SFC Command or DISM

The file system error (-1073740791) is mainly triggered by corrupted files or disk errors. To resolve this issue, run DISM first and then SFC.

To perform a DISM scan

Step 1: Open Search by pressing the Win + S keys and type cmd to run Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2: Type the following commands and press Enter after each command.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

This command is used to perform a quick check.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

This command is used to check your OS image with a more advanced scan.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This command is used to fix any problems it finds automatically.

To perform the SFC command

Step 1: Type sfc /scnnow and press the Enter key to execute the command.

Step 2: When the verification is up to 100%, you will see the scan results.

Then please restart your PC and check if the file system error (-1073740791) persists.

CHKDSK vs ScanDisk vs SFC vs DISM Windows 10 [Differences]

CHKDSK vs ScanDisk vs SFC vs DISM tutorial. Check their differences and how to run CHKDSK, ScanDisk, SFC Scannow, or DISM command to fix Windows 10 disk errors.

Read More

Fix 2: Run CHKDSK Command

A corrupted file system or bad sectors may cause the 1073740791 error. Running a disk check can help fix related issues.

Step 1: Run Command Prompt as an administrator and type chkdsk C: /f /r /x to enter.

Step 2: Wait for the above process to finish and then again uncheck the Safe Boot option in System Configuration.

Restart your computer to check if the issue has been fixed.

Or you can check the disk via your File Explorer. Just open File Explorer and right-click on the target disk to choose Properties. In the Tools tab, choose the Check button.

Fix 3: Create a New User Account

If the above methods can’t fix the file system error -1073740791, the issue lies in your sign-in user account. Try to remove the old account and create a new to see if the issue can be resolved.

Step 1: Click the Windows icon and choose Settings.

Step 2: Choose Accounts and choose Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.

Step 3: Then follow the on-screen instructions to enter your credentials and in the next page, enter some information to create your new account.

Step 4: Go back to Accounts and in the Family & other users tab, choose Add someone else to this PC.

Step 5: Fill in your credentials to sign in to your new account and confirm your changes in the next page.

After you finish that, go back to the Family & other users tab and choose to change your account type as Administrator. Then delete the old administrator account and restart your PC.

Fix 4: Set the Windows Theme to Default

It is reported that some users encounter the file system error -1073740791 after setting Windows 10 theme. If you also run into the same situation, you can follow the next steps to set the theme to default.

Step 1: Open Settings and choose Personalization once the page comes into view.

Step 2: In the Themes tab, select Windows 10, Windows or Windows (light) theme from the right panel.

Then please restart your computer. If this method can’t get rid of the error, please go to the next fix.

Fix 5: Change the Sound Scheme

To fix the file system error -1073740791, changing the sound scheme may be useful. It is worth having a try!

Step 1: Right-click on the volume icon on the right bottom of the system bar and choose Sounds.

Step 2: Under the Sound Scheme section, choose No Sounds or Windows Default from the drop-down list.

Step 3: Click Apply and then OK to save the changes and restart your PC.

Fix 6: Reset Windows Store Cache

The last method is to reset the Windows Store cache because some corrupted or expired Windows Store cache can lead to the “File System Error” notifications.

Step 1: Right-click on the Windows icon and choose Run.

Step 2: Type WSReset.exe in the Run dialog box and press the Enter key.

Step 3: Then you will see a blank Command Prompt window and wait for it to close.

When the process has been done, a message “The Cache for the Store was cleared” will show you. Then please restart your computer.

Back Up Files with MiniTool ShadowMaker for Data Protection

The file system error 1073740791 can lead to frequent crashes and freezing issues in your computer, which means your data is at risk of being lost.

Besides, no matter what kind of file system errors you will meet, for most of them, the major culprit can be attributed to disk-related errors. You may not even realize that some data has been lost until a bigger disaster hits, such as a black screen issue or boot failure.

It is recommended to back up your data in advance, which can prevent data loss when file system errors occur. Besides, we highly recommend you back up your system to an external disk so that you can quickly restore your system when crashes happen.

To do that, you can use MiniTool ShadowMaker – an excellent backup expert – to back up your files, folders, disks, partitions, and systems. You can enjoy the trial version for free for 30 days. Come and go to download and install the program and start your journey with MiniTool ShadowMaker.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 1: Open the program and choose Keep Trial.

Step 2: In the Backup tab, choose your backup source – files, folders, disks, partitions, and systems. Then choose your backup destination – User, Computer, Library, and Shared.

Step 3: When you finish, please click on Back Up Now or Back Up Later to start the process. Your delayed backup task will be listed in the Manage tab.

You can also click on the Options button to choose your backup scheme – Full, Incremental, and Differential and your backup schedule – Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and On Event.

How to fix the file system error -1073740791? This article has resolved this issue with multiple methods listed. If you like this article, you can share it on Twitter.Click to Tweet

Bottom Line:

This article has given you a series of fixes for the file system error -1073740791 and that will be helpful for you. File system errors can be triggered by all kinds of reasons and if you can’t avoid the situation in time, that can lead to more severe results. That’s why backup is getting more and more important in daily life when using computers.

If you have encountered any issues when using MiniTool ShadowMaker, you can leave a message in the following comment zone and we will reply as soon as possible. If you need any help when using MiniTool software, you may contact us via [email protected].

File System Error (-1073740791) FAQ