How to look up error codes in the Terminal on Windows 11

You can look up error codes in the Terminal on your Windows 11 PC, and there is a way to look up what the error codes mean with the NET HELPMSG command. The command was originally used to decipher network error codes on Windows, but it can sometimes be used to solve other Windows system error codes too.

What kinds of error codes?

Error codes can come from a variety of sources, such as system error messages, application error messages, or device driver error messages.

For example, when a system error occurs, Windows generates an error code that can be used to diagnose and troubleshoot the problem. These error codes are typically in the form of hexadecimal values and are listed in the event logs.

Similarly, when an application or device driver encounters an error, it may generate an error code that can be used to troubleshoot the problem. These error codes are specific to the application or device driver and are typically documented in the application or device driver’s documentation.

You can also find error codes by searching online for the specific error message, by searching for the error code in Microsoft documentation, or in other technical resources.

Additionally, some software and application developers might provide a list of error codes specific to their product that can be found on their support website or via documentation.

Look up error codes in the Terminal

You can look up error codes in the Terminal if you use the NET HELPMSG command. To look up error codes in the Terminal on Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Open the Terminal on Windows 11. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + R, typing wt in the Run box, and pressing Enter.
2. In the Terminal, type the following command: NET HELPMSG {error_code}. Replace {error_code} with the Event ID  error code you are experiencing.
3. Press Enter to run the command.
4. The Terminal will display a brief description of the error codes, along with any troubleshooting steps or solutions.
5. If you want to look up another error code, repeat steps 2-4, replacing the error code with a new one.

Please note: Make sure you have the appropriate permissions to run the command. If the error code is not a system error code, you may not find a description of it.

Windows 11 Event Viewer

It’s worth noting that the Windows 11 Event Viewer is a powerful tool for monitoring and troubleshooting your system. It can help you identify and resolve problems with your operating system, applications, and devices. The Event Viewer tracks events at three levels:

1. Error: An error event is generated when a significant problem occurs that prevents a component or application from functioning correctly. These events usually indicate that there is a problem with the system or application and that action needs to be taken to resolve the issue.
2. Warning: A warning event is generated when a potential problem is detected, but the system or application is still able to function correctly. These events indicate that an issue may arise in the future and that it should be monitored or addressed to prevent it from becoming a problem.
3. Information: An information event is generated when a component or application performs a normal function or operation. These events provide information about the normal functioning of the system or application and are typically used for troubleshooting and monitoring purposes.

To access the Event Viewer, simply search for “Event Viewer” by clicking the Start menu icon on your taskbar.

1. The Event Viewer window will open, displaying a list of event logs on the left side panel.
2. To view specific events, click on the log you are interested in. For example, to view system events, click on the Windows Logs folder and then click on System on the left-hand side.
3. The events will be displayed in the center of the window. You can sort the events by date and time, severity, source, and other criteria by clicking on the column headers.
4. To view more details about an event, double-click on the event. This will open a new window with detailed information about the event called “Event Properties.” You can switch between the two tabs (General and Details to see additional information.

Event IDs can be used as error codes in the Terminal to look up, but they are specific to the Windows operating system and may not be recognized by other systems or terminals.

Use the Microsoft Error Lookup Tool

Another program that you can use to look up error codes in the Terminal is the Microsoft Error Lookup Tool (click to download), you just need to follow these steps:

1. Open up a new Terminal window and navigate to the loation where you downloaded the Error Lookup Tool.
2. To use the tool, type the following command and press Enter: C:\ErrorTool\Err_6.4.5.exe 0x00000003.
3. After you press Enter, the tool will search and display the number of results of what may be causing the error code on your machine.

Keep in mind that these error codes and messages may not provide a complete solution to the problem you’re experiencing. It’s always recommended to refer to the manufacturer’s website or contact their support for more information.