[Fix] Win32Bridge.Server.exe Error Message in Windows 10

Recently a reader contacted me regarding “Win32Bridge.Server.exe” executable error message issue in Windows 10 operating system. He was frequently getting a message box on computer screen mentioning “Win32Bridge.Server.exe” file in the error message title and text. The message box was displaying at startup as well as while working in Windows.

In this article, I’ll try to share all possible solutions to fix this problem in Windows 10.

PROBLEM SYMPTOM:

When you start Windows 10 device or you are working on some documents, programs, etc, Windows 10 randomly displays following error messages in a dialog box pop-up:

OR

OR

OR

OR

Sometimes the error message mentions LocalBridge.exe file instead of Win32Bridge.Server.exe.

The warning box only contains OK button and the user has only one option i.e. to click on OK button to remove the error message box.

After some time, the error message or pop-up box appears again on screen. The same error message shows on screen whenever the user restarts the computer and logins to his user account.

PROBLEM SOLUTIONS:

The solution to fix this annoying problem is very simple and easy. Most of the times the problem occurs due to corrupted settings, missing registry keys or program files of Cortana search app.

Sometimes if Cortana app crashes or gets corrupted due to uninstallation or forced removal by the user by running PowerShell scripts (more info) or 3rd party tweaking software, this error message starts displaying on screen.

To fix this issue, you just need to repair or reset Cortana app in Windows 10 and the error message will disappear forever.

Following are some solutions that will help you in resolving this irritating issue and remove the error message from your Windows 10 device:

SOLUTION 1:

1. Open Settings app from Start Menu or by pressing WIN+I keys together.

2. Now go to “Apps -> Apps & features” section.

PS: Alternatively, You can directly launch this page using “ms-settings:appsfeatures” command in RUN dialog box as mentioned here.

3. In right-side pane, under “Apps & features” section, look for “Cortana” app.

4. Click on Cortana app and Windows will show “Advanced options” link under its name. Click on the link.

5. Now you’ll get buttons to terminate, repair and reset the app.

Click on Reset button. Windows will show a warning message to confirm your action. Click on Reset button again.

That’s it. It’ll reinstall Cortana app and will restore it to default settings. Now you’ll get a fresh Cortana app without any issues.

Once Cortana app is restored, restart your computer and the “Win32Bridge.Server.exe” message pop-up will no longer show in your computer system.

SOLUTION 2:

If the above solution doesn’t help, you can try to disable Cortana app and it should help.

Windows 10 allows users to disable Cortana app so that it doesn’t start automatically at startup and doesn’t run in background.

Following tutorial will help you in disabling Cortana app in Windows 10:

[Tip] Easy Way to Disable and Remove Cortana from Starting in Windows 10

SOLUTION 3:

You can also try to permanently disable and deactivate Cortana app in Windows 10 using Group Policy or Registry tweak. It should also help you in getting rid of “Win32Bridge.Server.exe” message pop-up.

Check out METHOD 4 and 5 in following tutorial:

[Tip] Disable Cortana and Bing Search Results in Windows 10

SOLUTION 4:

If you still get the error message, you can try to disable a system service “Connected Devices Platform Service” with the help of following steps:

1. Press WIN+R keys together to launch RUN dialog box, type services.msc and press Enter. It’ll open Service Manager.

2. Now scroll down and look for Connected Devices Platform Service.

Double-click on the service and it’ll open properties window. Click on Stop button to immediately stop the service.

Now set “Startup type” to “Disabled” from the drop-down box and apply changes.

It should remove the error message from your machine.

SOLUTION 5:

This is the final solution to fix the error message. If everything fails, you can try sfc /scannow command to repair and restore all corrupted or missing system files in your Windows 10 device. It should fix the error message.

To learn how to use the command, check out METHOD 4 mentioned in following tutorial:

How to Remove or Uninstall 3rd Party Transformation Packs (or Skin Packs) in Windows