Critical
Operating Systems
✓ Solution Verified by Community (0+ upvotes)
How to fix error 0x00000026 in Windows 11
Bug Check 0x00000026: CDFS_FILE_SYSTEM — A problem occurred in the CD file system.
Fix based on community reports and expert analysis. Last verified: 2026-08-12
· How we verify fixes
| Error Code | 0x00000026 |
|---|---|
| Affected System | Windows 11 (Microsoft) |
| Difficulty | Critical |
| Estimated Time | 30 min |
| Requires Admin Rights | ⚠️ Yes |
| Requires Reboot | 🔄 Yes |
Solution Steps
- 1 Check the disc: Inspect the CD/DVD for scratches, smudges, or damage. Clean it with a soft, lint-free cloth from the center outward. If the disc is damaged, try a different disc to see if the error persists.
- 2 Test the optical drive: Try a known-good disc in the drive. If the error only occurs with one disc, the disc is likely the problem. If it happens with all discs, the drive may be failing.
- 3 Update or reinstall the optical drive driver: Open Device Manager (Win+X → Device Manager), expand 'DVD/CD-ROM drives', right-click your drive, and select 'Update driver'. If that doesn't help, right-click and choose 'Uninstall device', then restart your PC. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
- 4 Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as admin (Win+X → Terminal (Admin)) and type 'sfc /scannow'. This checks for corrupted system files that might affect the CDFS driver.
- 5 Run DISM tool: In the same Command Prompt, type 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth' to repair the system image.
- 6 Check for Windows updates: Go to Settings → Windows Update and install any pending updates, as they may include fixes for the CDFS driver.
- 7 If the error occurs during installation from a disc, copy the installation files to your hard drive and run the setup from there.
🔍 Didn't work? Enter your GPU and CPU for hardware-specific advice:
🔧 Still having issues?
Describe your exact problem to Error Buddy and get a personalized fix in seconds.
🛠️ Try Error Buddy — It's Free