March 3, 2025
Alex Ruben
How to Fix the Exception Breakpoint Has Been Reached Error on Windows
If you’ve encountered the frustrating error message stating, “The exception breakpoint has been reached,” you’re not alone. This uncommon bug typically surfaces when opening applications such as games, web browsers, or cloud storage services, and can also occur during system shutdown if running applications haven’t been closed properly. In this tutorial, you’ll learn effective methods to address this issue and get your Windows operating system back to normal. We’ll walk through terminating problematic applications, running essential system scans, and addressing common causes behind this error.
Step 1: Terminate Applications Before Shutting Down Your System
One effective way to overcome the exception breakpoint error is by ensuring that no applications are left running before you attempt to shut down your system. Follow these steps:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open the Task Manager.
- In the Task Manager, locate the problematic application that you want to close. This may include games or cloud storage apps.
- Click on the application to select it, then click the End Task button at the bottom-right corner of the window.
- After successfully terminating the application, try shutting down your system once again to see if the breakpoint error is resolved.
Step 2: Run SFC and DISM Scans
If the error persists, it could be due to corrupted system files. Running the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) commands can help repair these issues. Here’s how to proceed:
- Press Windows + S to open the search bar. Type
cmd, then right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. - In the elevated command prompt window, type the following command to initiate the DISM scan, then press Enter:
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth - After completing the DISM scan, type the next command followed by Enter to run the SFC scan:
sfc /scannow. - Wait for the process to finish. Once it’s done, close the command prompt and reboot your system to see if the error has been fixed.
Additional Tips & Common Issues
It’s important to keep in mind that the “exception breakpoint has been reached” error may be related to several factors, including:
- Invalid user input or a corrupted user profile.
- Device failure or memory leaks.
- Corrupt system files or insufficient memory resources.
- Residual registry keys from uninstalled applications can also contribute to this error. Make sure to regularly clean your registry using reliable tools.
If you continue to experience the error, consider investigating any recently installed applications or drivers that may be causing conflicts, or run additional troubleshooting tools available in Windows.
Conclusion
Encountering the exception breakpoint error on Windows can hinder your workflow and make it difficult to use your system effectively. However, by following the steps outlined in this guide—terminating problematic applications and running SFC and DISM scans—you should be able to mitigate this issue. Remember, maintaining your system’s health and regularly monitoring your applications can help prevent such errors in the future. Keep your system updated and consider looking at additional resources for further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the exception breakpoint has been reached mean?
This error typically indicates that your system has encountered an issue with a running application or a corrupted file, forcing it to stop execution.
How can I find out which application is causing the error?
You can identify potentially problematic applications through the Task Manager; by monitoring processes during shutdown or application launches, you might pinpoint the offending program.
Are there alternative methods to fix this error?
Besides the methods presented here, you may also consider performing a system restore or checking for Windows updates to resolve compatibility issues.
