Are you getting an application error related to csc.exe when restarting or shutting down your Windows computer? Or did you encounter a message saying that csc.exe has stopped working? You probably don’t know what csc.exe is and what it is used for.
When you get this error, it can be frustrating to deal with, especially for those who are not familiar with Windows processes. If Windows 10/11 has csc.exe application error, you won’t be able to proceed with opening the program you want to launch. For some reason, it also prevents users from turning off or rebooting their device.
This error has become a huge burden to Windows users who are affected, since they are not able to maximize their computer without resolving the error first. So if your Windows 10/11 has csc.exe application error, check out our guide below for more information about this file and how you can resolve errors associated with it.
What Is CsC.exe?
As the name suggests, this error has something to with the Csc.exe process, which most users are not familiar with. Let’s look at some details about this process to understand more how it works:
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- Filename: csc.exe
- Program: Microsoft .NET framework or Microsoft Visual Studio (version 2005)
- Developer: Microsoft Corporation
- Description: Visual C# Command Line Compiler
- File location: C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\\csc.exe
- Operating System: Windows 8.1/8/7/Vista/XP and other previous Windows systems
Csc.exe is an executable file that is a component of either the Microsoft .NET framework or Microsoft Visual Studio (version 2005). If you’re wondering whether it is malicious, csc.exe is actually a legitimate Microsoft software and it comes pre-installed on many Windows computers.
CsC stands for Visual C# (C-sharp) Command-Line Compiler, and the csc.exe process helps developers or programmers gather information on the device being used. It does not have a standalone app and you won’t see it listed under the programs list on your PC or the Windows Start menu. It does not have any visible window. The only indication that it is working in the background is when you see it running under Task Manager > Processes.
Reasons Why You’re Getting theCsC.exe Application Error
Here are some of the csc.exe error messages that you might encounter:
- Unhandled Exception!
Application will be terminated.
Do you want to send bug report with Crash Memory Dump to development team? - csc.exe has stopped working
Windows can check online for a solution to the problem. - csc.exe – Application Error
The application failed to initialize properly (0xx0000142). Click OK to terminate the application.
Since we know that csc.exe is associated with the two Windows components mentioned above, it is safe to assume that the majority of the csc.exe errors that appear have something to do with either Microsoft NET framework or Microsoft Visual Studio. It is possible that the program is outdated, which happens a lot when you just installed a major system update. This means that your csc.exe file was not updated, which prevents it from working smoothly with the latest OS.
System file corruption is another issue you have to look into. When the system files related to the programs are damaged or corrupted, they won’t be able to function efficiently and trigger the csc.exe application error instead. CsC.exe errors that are caused by temporary glitches are much easier to resolve because you only need to restart your computer to make it go away. But if the file corruption was caused by malware, then you need to clean up your computer first before troubleshooting this error.
If you encountered the CsC.exe application error when opening a program on your PC, you should consider compatibility issues between the CsC.exe file and the app you are trying to open. Update the app if necessary and clear its cache before launching it again. You can use a PC cleaner to delete not only your app’s cached data, but other old caches that are stuck on your computer.
So if you’re looking for tips on how to fix csc.exe error, you’ve come to the right page. Check out our solutions below and let us know what works for you.
What to Do About CsC.exe Application Error on Windows 10/11
If the csc.exe application error is preventing you from shutting down your computer or opening the app that you need, you can try the fixes here to resolve this error:
Fix #1: Perform a Windows Update.
If csc.exe is outdated, the best way to update it is via Windows Update. There might be pending updates for csc.exe that you haven’t installed yet, which is why you’re getting this error. To fix this:
- Click Start > Settings.
- Go to Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update from the left menu.
- Then click the Check for updates button.
Windows Update will automatically scour the internet for the available updates, both for your system and your apps. Install all updates found, then restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Fix #2: Re-register the CsC.exe File.
If there were some changes with the CsC.exe file, Windows might be unable to recognize it so you need to re-register the file manually. To do this, you need to download first the latest version of the Microsoft ,Net framework from the official source (link here) in order to perform this task. The installer will include a C# compiler, labeled as csc.exe.
To re-register the csc.exe file, follow the instructions below:
- Click the Start menu, then type in Run in the search dialog box. This should open the Run utility.
- In the dialog box, type in cmd, and hit Enter.
- Type in regsvr32csc.exe in the Command Prompt window, and then press Enter again.
Reboot your computer to complete the process.
Fix #3: Perform a System Restore.
If you encountered the csc.exe error after updating your system, you should roll back the changes to see if it helps. If you are able to access the desktop, you can revert the system changes by using a previously saved restore point. A system restore brings your machine back to its earlier, stable state. If you remember when you started getting the csc.exe error and have a restore point before that date, then follow the steps below:
- Press the Windows + S shortcut and search for recovery.
- Choose Recovery from the search results.
- In the Recovery window under Control Panel, click Open System Restore.
- Click Next in the System Restore wizard. This will show you a list of your restore points.
- Choose the most recent restore point that precedes the csc.exe error.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the system restore process.
Summary
Getting the Windows 10/11 csc.exe application error can be frustrating for those users who do not know what the csc.exe process is in the first place. So if you’re looking for answers on how to fix csc.exe error, you can refer to our guide above to find out which method resolves your error.