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Download hwpolicy.sys to Fix Errors

Sometimes Windows system displays error messages regarding corrupted or missing hwpolicy.sys files. Situations like that can occur, for example, during a software installation process. Each software program requires certain resources, libraries, and source data to work properly. Corrupted or nonexistent hwpolicy.sys file can therefore effect in failed execution of the started process.

hwpolicy.sys file Hardware Policy Driver. The file was developed by for use with software. Here you will find detailed information about the file and instructions how to proceed in the event of hwpolicy.sys related errors on your device. You can also download hwpolicy.sys file compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 devices which will (most probably) allow you to solve the problem.

For Windows Compatible with: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7

File info

General information
Filename hwpolicy.sys
File extension SYS
Description Hardware Policy Driver
Software
Program Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
Author Microsoft Corporation
Details
MIME type application/octet-stream
File type Dynamic link library
System Windows NT 32-bit
Copyrights © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Character set Unicode
Language cod English (U.S.)
hwpolicy.sys

There are various types of errors related to hwpolicy.sys file. hwpolicy.sys file may be located in wrong file directory on your device, may not be present in the system, or may be infected with malicious software and therefore not work correctly. Below is a list of most common error messages related to hwpolicy.sys file. If you encounter one listed below (or similar), please consider the following suggestions.

  • hwpolicy.sys is corrupted
  • hwpolicy.sys cannot be located
  • Runtime Error - hwpolicy.sys
  • hwpolicy.sys file error
  • hwpolicy.sys file cannot be loaded. Module was not found
  • cannot register hwpolicy.sys file:
  • hwpolicy.sys file could not be loaded
  • hwpolicy.sys file doesn't exist

hwpolicy.sys

Error

Application could not be started because hwpolicy.sys file is missing. Reinstall the application to solve the problem.

OK

Problems related to hwpolicy.sys can be addressed in various ways. Some methods are meant only for advanced users. If you don't have confidence in your skills, we suggest consulting a specialist. Fixing hwpolicy.sys file errors should be approached with utmost caution for any mistakes can result in unstable or unproperly working system. If you have the necassary skills, please proceed.

hwpolicy.sys file errors can be caused by various factors, so its is beneficial to try to fix them using various methods.

Step 1: Scan your computer for any malicious software

Virus Scan

Windows files are commonly attacked by malicious software that prevents them from working properly. First step in addressing problems with hwpolicy.sys file or any other Windows system files should be scanning the system for malicious software using an antivirus tool.

If by any chance you don't have any antivirus software installed on your system yet, you should do it immediately. Unprotected system is not only a source of file errors, but, more importantly, makes your system vulnerable to many dangers. If you don't know which antivirus tool to choose, consult this Wikipedia article – comparison of antivirus software.

Step 2: Update your system and drivers.

Windows Update

Installing relevant Microsoft Windows patches and updates may solve your problems related to hwpolicy.sys file. Use dedicated Windows tool to perform the update.

  1. Go to the Windows "Start" menu
  2. Type "Windows Update" in the search field
  3. Choose the appropriate software program (name may vary depending on your system version)
  4. Check if your system is up to date. If any unapplied updates are listed, install them immediately.
  5. After the update has been done,restart your computer in order to complete the process.

Beside updating the system, it is recommended that you install latest device drivers, as drivers can influence proper working of hwpolicy.sys or other system files. In order to do so, go to your computer or device producer's website where you will find information regarding latest driver updates.

Step 3: Use System File Checker (SFC) tool

System File Checker

System File Checker is a Microsoft Windows tool. As the name suggests, the tool is used for identyfing and addressing system file related errors, including those related to hwpolicy.sys file. After an error related to%fileextension% file has been discovered, the program attempts to automatically replace the hwpolicy.sys file with properly working version. To use the tool:

  1. Go to the Windows "Start" menu
  2. Type "cmd" in the search field
  3. Locate "Command Prompt" result – don't run it yet:
  4. Click the right mouse button and select "Run as Administrator" option
  5. Type "sfc /scannow" in console prompt to start the program and follow the instructions

Step 4: Restoring Windows system

Windows Recovery

Another approach is to restore system to previous state, before the hwpolicy.sys file error occured. In order to restore your system, follow the instructions below

  1. Go to the Windows "Start" menu
  2. Type "System Restore" in the search field
  3. Start the system restore tool – it's name may differ depending on version of the system
  4. The application will guide you through the process – read the messages carefully
  5. After the process has finished, restart your computer.

If all the above-mentioned methods failed and the hwpolicy.sys file problem has not been resolved, proceed to the next step. Remember that the following steps are intended only for advanced users.

Download and replace hwpolicy.sys file

The last solution is to manually download and replace hwpolicy.sys file in appropriate folder on the disk. Select file version compatible with your operating system and click the "Download" button. Next, go to your web browser's "Downloaded" folder and copy the downloaded hwpolicy.sys file.

Go to the folder where the file should be located and paste the downloaded file. Below is the list of hwpolicy.sys file example directory paths.

  • Windows 10: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\
  • Windows 8.1: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\
  • Windows 8: 1: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\
  • Windows 7: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\

If the steps did not solve your hwpolicy.sys file problem, you should consult a professional. A probability exists that the error(s) might be device-related and therefore should be resolved at the hardware level. A fresh operating system installation might be necessary – a faulty system installation process can result in data loss.

File versions list

Filename hwpolicy.sys
System Windows 10
File size 27552 bytes
Date 2017-03-18
File details
MD5 9f9abc9555d7e934b162d128766ba7d4
SHA1 be929a0cd6e26708fbb9eb56fb8c13c32a51a56f
SHA256 d1e3e7d69a0a3d68179ae6d704b39365882e2629bfad3d9ed230e1b93f4f6a8c
CRC32 c95de16b
Example file location C:\Windows\System32\drivers\
Filename hwpolicy.sys
System Windows 8.1
File size 23904 bytes
Date 2013-08-22
File details
MD5 faeb94f3accdfda16e5fa585369fdec4
SHA1 3db54f3aa099bf61d245e38568456dedbb2e5e55
SHA256 12a41592eec9ceb5c8c10aaf2c09e7262e2ac28b615d181f9bcca0dec12648f3
CRC32 ba1df1da
Example file location C:\Windows\System32\drivers\
Filename hwpolicy.sys
System Windows 8
File size 24304 bytes
Date 2012-07-26
File details
MD5 4a3e6732e5bef6df531a217b5ebb5c54
SHA1 509e9cc443886b296632eed79ba98b8da9d4baf9
SHA256 ba259c5f3d1fa4b16db709f6d417f2998751c9983f73712c4f62e50cf661e788
CRC32 2bdfdb2e
Example file location 1: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\
Filename hwpolicy.sys
System Windows 7
File size 14720 bytes
Date 2010-11-21
File details
MD5 a5462bd6884960c9dc85ed49d34ff392
SHA1 715be4c51634d82d4b6d08bcfa166f27ed6597d7
SHA256 53e65841af5b06a2844d0bb6fc4dd3923a323ffa0e4bfc89b3b5cafb592a3d53
CRC32 3020572a
Example file location C:\Windows\System32\drivers\