Experiencing a sudden crash on your Windows 10/11 computer while working or listening to music can be perplexing. Without knowledge of the cause or any troubleshooting guidance, all you’re left with is an Event ID code on your screen. This frustrating situation leaves you unsure of what steps to take next.
Why is your Windows device crashing? Well, there could be many reasons, and the fixes depend on them.
In this article, we discuss one particular Windows 10/11 error that has caused headaches to many users: Event ID 161.
What Is Event ID 161 on Windows 10/11?
A few months ago, some Windows 10/11 users have experienced an odd error on their computers. Every few minutes, their PC automatically reboots without a BSOD error. And then, they see the Event ID 161 on their screens.
Expert Tip: For smoother PC performance, consider using a PC optimization tool. It handles junk files, incorrect settings, and harmful apps. Make sure it's right for your system, and always check the EULA and Privacy Policy.
Special offer. About Outbyte, uninstall instructions, EULA, Privacy Policy.
According to reports, the source of this error is the Microsoft Windows Backup utility. What causes the Event ID 161 on Windows 10/11 is a deleted System Catalog. In case you don’t know, the System Catalog consists of forms that make up your computer’s database.
How to Fix Event ID 161 on Windows 10/11
Luckily, it is relatively easy to fix the Event ID 161 on Windows 10/11. We’ve outlined a few solutions below that worked for many affected users.
Solution #1: Create a new global catalog or backup
To resolve the Event ID 161 on your Windows 10/11 device, you may create a new global catalog or backup via the Catalog Recovery Wizard or by using the wbadmin delete catalog command. You can create a new global catalog by simply creating a new backup.
To create a backup on your device, you must have administrator privilege or must have been delegated with the appropriate authority. For a detailed guide on how to create a new backup using the Command Prompt, follow these steps:
- Open an elevated Command Prompt. You can do this by clicking on the Start menu, navigating to All Programs, and selecting Accessories. From here, right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
- Into the command line, input the wbadmin start backup command.
- Hit Enter.
Congratulations, you have now created a backup. At this point, you must verify if you were able to create a backup successfully. Here’s how:
- Go to the Start menu.
- Select All Programs.
- Choose Accessories and right-click on Command Prompt.
- Click Run as Administrator.
- Into the command line, type the net start wbengine command.
- Read the text message to verify if the service has already started.
Finally, you need to verify if the local catalog saved on your backup destination is not damaged or corrupted. Follow these steps:
- Go to Start.
- Select All Programs.
- Choose Accessories and right-click on Command Prompt.
- Click Run as Administrator.
- Once the Command Prompt appears, input the wbadmin get versions command. This will show all the backups that are stored on your device.
- Check if the backup you’ve just created exists.
Solution #2: Replace your PSU
Sometimes, the Event ID 161 is associated with your power supply. In this case, you may have to replace your PSU. After which, check if the error persists.
Solution #3: Disconnect all external peripherals
If you have connected an external peripheral to your computer, then it could possibly trigger the occurrence of the Event ID 161. There could be a communication issue between your system and your device.
To fix this, unplug or disconnect all external peripherals, including the SSD, Bluetooth, and headset. And then, restart your computer and check if it resolves the Event ID 161 issue.
If the error is gone, then you have successfully resolved the problem. Otherwise, connect the external peripherals one at a time and restart your computer every time until you find the faulty device.
Solution #4: Switch off the Link State Power Management utility
If there is a problem with the Link State Power Management utility, then it is likely that you encounter errors like the Event ID 161. To fix this, you may turn it off temporarily. Here’s how:
- Input control panel into the search field and select Control Panel from the search results.
- Select Power Options.
- Click Change Plan Settings and select High Performance.
- Now, go to Change advanced power settings.
- Locate PCI Express and double-click on it.
- Next, double-click on State Power Management.
- Make sure the status is set to Off.
- Hit Apply and click OK to save your settings.
- Restart your PC.
Solution #5: Update any outdated device driver
An outdated or missing device driver can cause your Windows 10/11 computer to crash. Therefore, you should always keep your device drivers up to date.
You can update your device drivers in two ways: manual or automatic. If you wish to manually update your device driver, go to the device manufacturer’s website and find the most recent driver that is compatible with your Windows 10/11 system. Once you find it, download and install it.
Now, if you prefer to do it automatically, all you need is a trusted third-party device driver updater tool. In just a few clicks, this tool will update all outdated device drivers without you having to worry about compatibility problems.
Solution #6: Use the System File Checker utility
The System File Checker utility is an in-built tool that identifies and repairs any corrupted system file on your Windows 10/11 computer. So, if a damaged system file is causing Windows to crash or the Event ID 161 error to show, then perform an SFC scan to fix it. Here’s how:
- Input cmd into the search field.
- Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
- If prompted by the UAC, hit Yes.
- Into the command line, input the sfc /scannow command and press Enter.
- Windows will now start checking your system files and automatically fix any problems. Once done, close the Command Prompt and check if the error still shows.
Solution #7: Scan for virus and malware
If your Windows 10/11 device is crashing due to a virus or a malware entity, then you need to delete it by running a complete malware scan. Unfortunately, Windows Defender may not be enough, so use it alongside a reliable antivirus solution. If a virus has been detected, follow the recommendations to get rid of it. After that, restart your PC.
Summary
If you are among those who have experienced Windows 10/11 crashes due to the Event ID 161, then try the troubleshooting solutions we have recommended above. We’re confident that one of them will work.
What other fixes can you recommend to resolve the Event ID 161 on Windows 10/11 devices? Let us know below!