How to Fix File System Error (-1073741818) on Windows 10/11?

File System Error (-1073741818)

File system defines storage devices and controls how data is stored and retrieved. It helps to manage and distribute storage space. When using a computer, it’s common to encounter some file system errors. In our previous post, we introduce how to fix file system error -2018374635, file system error -2147219196, file system error -2147219200, and so on for you. Today, we will discuss another similar issue – file system error (-1073741818).

File system error (-1073741818) crops up when you fail to execute an application or process. A number of factors can lead to this error, such as faulty system files, application crashes, malware and virus infection, outdated Windows version, insufficient administrative rights, and more. After having a basic understanding of error code 1073741818 and the possible causes, let’s see how to fix it step by step.

How to Fix File System Error (-1073741818) on Windows 10/11?

Fix 1: Scan Your Computer for Malware

File system errors like file system error (-1073741818) might arise due to virus or malware attacks. To eliminate such threats, it is a good option to scan your computer with antivirus software like Windows Defender, Malwarebytes, McAfee, Bitdefender, and so forth. Here, we take performing a full scan with Windows Defender as an example:

Step 1. Press Win + I to open Windows Settings.

Step 2.  In the settings menu, find Update & Security and hit it.

Step 3. In the Windows Security tab, click on Virus & threat protection.

Step 4. After hitting Scan options, there are 4 types of available options for you:

• Quick scan – is the recommended option for scheduled scans. It scans folders in your system where threats are commonly found.
• Full scan – examines all files and running programs on your hard disk. This type of scan is time-consuming but effective.
• Custom scan – allows you to scan specific files, folders, or locations according to your needs.
• Microsoft Defender Offline scan – is pretty useful to remove some stubborn viruses or malware.

Tick Full scan and hit Scan now to start the scanning.

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Fix 2: Repair Corrupted System Files

Any corruption in system files is a common cause of most computer issues. To detect the corrupted or missing system files on your computer, you can make use of System File Checker. Once it detects any corrupted system files, it will replace them with locally cached copies.

If SFC fails to fix file system error (-1073741818), you can use Deployment Image Servicing and Management to inspect if there is any corruption in the Windows image or not. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Press Win + S to evoke the search bar.

Step 2. Type cmd to locate Command Prompt and hit Run as administrator.

Step 3. In the command window, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.

Step 4. If it returns one of the following error messages:

• Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation. 
• Windows Resource Protection could not start the repair services.
• Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.

Reboot your computer and run Command Prompt as an administrator again. Then, run the following commands one after another. Don’t forget to hit Enter after each command.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After completion, restart your system to see if file system error 1073741818 is gone.

Fix 3: Install the Latest Windows Update

Microsoft rolls out some updates regularly to enhance the system performance and improve user experience. These updates are vital for the security and functionality of your system. If you don’t update your Windows for a long time, follow these guidelines to check, download, and install the latest version of the update:

Step 1. Press Win + I to open Windows Settings.

Step 2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates. Then, Windows Update will check for any available updates for you. If yes, it will download and install them automatically on your computer.

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Fix 4: Create a New Admin Account

Chances are that file system error (-1073741818) is triggered by insufficient admin rights. If you don’t have admin privileges, you might be unable to access certain files or make some changes to your operating system. If you are the owner of this computer, creating an admin user account might do the trick. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1. Open Windows Settings and select Accounts.

Step 2. In Family & other users tab, click on Add someone else to this PC.

Step 3. Tap on I don’t have this person’s sign-in information and choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.

Step 4. Enter your username & password and then confirm this password to create an account for this PC.

Step 5. In the Family & other users section, hit the newly created account > hit Change account type > select Administrator > hit OK to save the change.

Fix 5: Perform System Restore

Another way to eliminate file system error (-1073741818) is to perform a system restore. By doing so, it will revert your OS to a previous state and remove any apps, drivers, or updates that you installed between the selected restore point and now. To do so:

Step 1. Type control panel in the search and hit Enter.

Step 2. In the top right corner, expand the drop-down menu beside View by and select Large icons.

Step 3. Scroll down to find Recovery > hit it > click on Open System Restore > hit Next.

Step 4. Pick a system restore point according to the description and created time.

Step 5. After confirming all the details, click on Finish to start the process. Once the process starts, please wait patiently and don’t interrupt it.

Fix 6: Reset this PC

Resetting your Windows might also be effective to eliminate file system errors. This will restore Windows to its factory default configuration. Although the Reset this PC feature allows you to keep your files, you had better back up important data in advance in case the resetting process fails. Now, follow these instructions:

Move 1: Back up Your Important Files

To back up your files, a piece of Windows backup software called MiniTool ShadowMaker can give you some help. This free tool supports file backup, disk backup, partition backup, and system backup on almost all the Windows systems. Now, start to back up files with it:

Step 1. Launch MiniTool ShadowMaker and go to the Backup page.

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Step 2. In this page, you can choose the backup source and destination.

Backup source – click on SOURCE > Folders and Files to tick the files you need to protect.

Backup Destination – go to DESTINATION to select an internal hard drive, external hard drive, or USB flash drive to store the backup image.

Step 3. Click on Back Up Now to start the process at once.

Move 2: Reset Your PC

After having a backup copy of your important data in hand, let’s start to reset your computer to default settings: 

Step 1. Open Windows Settings.

Step 2. Go to Update & Security > Recovery > Get started under Reset this PC.

Step 3. Select either of the 2 options – Keep my files or Remove everything to keep your files or not.

Step 4. Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall to reinstall your Windows.

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Step 5. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the resetting process.

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Suggestion: Create a System Image with MiniTool ShadowMaker

Although you might manage to fix file system error (-1073741818), you will find the troubleshooting process is a little troublesome because you need to try the solutions one after another. What to do if you encounter similar system issues or bugs? If you are wondering for an easier solution, you can consider creating a system image with MiniTool ShadowMaker.

Once you own a system image backup in hand, you can restore your computer to an earlier state easily and quickly. MiniTool ShadowMaker is known for its one-click system backup solution, that is to say, you can back up your system within just a few clicks. To do so:

Step 1. Launch MiniTool ShadowMaker.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 2. In the Backup page, you can see the system and system reserved partition are selected by default in the SOURCE section. So, you only need to go to DESTINATION to select a storage path.

Step 3. Click on Back Up Now to start the process at once or hit Back Up Later to delay the task. You can find the delayed task in the Manage tab.

Wrapping Things up

What is file system error (-1073741818)? How to remove it from your computer? Last but not least, it is highly suggested create a system image with a handy backup tool – MiniTool ShadowMaker. If you want to know more information about it, don’t hesitate to contact us via [email protected]. Appreciate your feedback!

File System Error (-1073741818) FAQ