6 Ways To Fix The Personalized Settings Not Responding Error

One of the best features that Windows 10 offer is personalization. Personalization Settings allow users to create changes to improve their computing experience. This feature allows users to access a range of options to change functions like colors, lock screens, fonts, themes, and more.

Unfortunately, there will be times when you will encounter Personalized Settings (Not Responding) errors. You will likely see a dark screen with an error box as this error appears.

This article will look at ways to fix the Personalized Settings Not Responding error. If Windows Settings is having an issue, see this guide.

What is the Personalized Settings Not Responding Error?

Personalized Settings Not Responding error is pretty uncommon. It usually appears when you restart your device after a Windows update. When this error happens, your device will display a dark or white screen with the message: Personalized Settings Not Responding.

According to experts, there are two main reasons you may experience the Personalized Settings Not Responding error. First, when your File Explorer cannot start correctly after you update your Windows Operating System. Secondly, you will likely experience this error when your Windows OS is incompatible with the update.

Common Reasons for Personalized Settings Not Responding Issues

Understanding the underlying causes of the Personalized Settings Not Responding error can help users tackle it more effectively. Here are some common reasons that might trigger this issue:

1. Incompatible Windows Update: One of the primary reasons for the Personalized Settings Not Responding error is an incompatible Windows update. When your system installs an update that is not fully compatible with your hardware or software, it might cause this error to appear.
2. Corrupted System Files: Corrupted or missing system files can lead to various issues, including the Personalized Settings Not Responding error. These files may become damaged due to malware, hardware failure, or abrupt system shutdown.
3. Outdated Device Drivers: Device drivers play a crucial role in the smooth functioning of your system. If your drivers are outdated or incompatible with the latest updates, it might cause the Personalized Settings Not Responding error to appear.
4. Third-Party Software Conflicts: Sometimes, third-party software or applications can interfere with the system’s processes, leading to the Personalized Settings Not Responding error. This could happen if the software conflicts with Windows processes or consumes excessive system resources.
5. Improper Windows Explorer Functioning: The Personalized Settings Not Responding error can also arise when your File Explorer fails to start correctly after a Windows update. This issue can prevent your system from properly loading the personalized settings.
6. Connected Devices Issues: In some cases, the devices connected to your PC, such as keyboards, mice, or audio speakers, may cause issues after a Windows update. This might lead to the Personalized Settings Not Responding error appearing on the screen.

By identifying the potential causes of the Personalized Settings Not Responding error, users can better understand and apply the appropriate solutions to fix the issue and restore their system’s functionality.

Method 1 – Reboot Your PC

A good and clean reboot will help your PC in many ways, including fixing errors like Personalized Settings (Not Responding).

1. Use your keyboard to Reboot your PC, and press CTRL + Alt + Delete simultaneously.
2. You will see the power button at the bottom right corner of your screen
3. Choose Restart.

• You might also like: Fix: Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device Windows 10

Method 2 – Re-Launch Windows Explorer

Restart your Windows Explorer by accessing it using your Task Manager. This will refresh the files and hopefully remove the error.

1. Press Windows + X on your Keyboard and choose Task Manager.
2. The Task Manager window will appear, and choose Processes Tab.
3. Locate the Windows Explorer Process.
4. Right-click on that process and choose Restart

5. Access the File Menu and click Run New Task.

6. This will open the Create New Task window. Type Explorer in the search box.
7. Be sure to tick the Create this task with Administrative Privileges Option. Hit enter.

8. Restart your PC and see if the error is fixed.

Method 3 – Check For Driver Updates

The personalized Settings Not Responding error can be fixed by updating your drivers.

1. Press Windows + X keys on your keyboard.
2. Choose Device Manager.
3. Right-click on the drivers and select Update Driver.
4. This will show you a new window; click Search Automatically for the Updated Driver Software.

5. Your PC will automatically search for the latest versions and download the needed drivers. 

Method 4 – Run The SFC Command

The System File Checker (SFC) command is a utility in your Windows 10 computer that will inspect all the crucial files on your PC. Running this command will automatically detect any corrupted or incorrect files causing the Personalized Settings Not Responding error.

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard. Type cmd, right-click the Command Prompt, and click Run as administrator.
2. Click Yes when prompted to confirm.
3. Once in the command prompt window, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.

4. Wait for the SFC command to run, download and replace any corrupted files in your system.
5. Reboot your PC to see if the error is fixed.

Method 5 – Delete A File In Regedit

The Windows Registry Editor (regedit) is a graphical tool in your computer that allows authorized users to view and make changes to the Windows registry. You may likely remove the Personalized Settings Not Responding error by doing specific changes in the Registry Editor.

1. Press the Windows logo key on your keyboard. Type regedit, then right-click on regedit result and click Run as administrator.
2. Click Yes when prompted to confirm.

3. Next, locate and double-click on HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Active Setup > Installed Components.
4. Now, right-click on the last file and click Export to back up the file.

5. Next, right-click on the last file and click Delete.
6. Reboot your computer.

Method 6 – Disconnect Your Devices

Sometimes a Windows Update can cause problems with the existing devices connected to your PC. Turn off your computer entirely and unplug all keyboards, mice, audio speakers, or more. Reboot your PC and plug in your peripherals again. See if the issue is fixed.

Final Thoughts

Experiencing the Personalized Settings Not Responding error can be frustrating. However, it is not a problem that should cause panic. The methods shared above are some sure ways to fix the error in no time.