How to Enable Windows Crash Dumps

By default, crash dumps are not enabled in Windows. However, some issues may require us to analyze these crash dumps to diagnose the problem more effectively. You will need administrative permissions to enable this feature.

If you're not familiar with using the Registry Editor, we've provided a file at the bottom of this article that can automatically perform the advanced steps for you with just a few simple clicks.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Backup
• Simple Method
• Advanced Method
• Restore the Registry

Backup 

Before you download and run the registry file, it is crucial to back up your current registry. This will allow you to restore your registry to its previous state if anything goes wrong.

Open the Start Menu and type regedit.
Open the Registry Editor and select File > Export.
At the bottom of the new window titled Export Range, select the Selected branch option and paste the following line: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Error Reporting
Choose your save destination (Desktop recommended), give your backup a name, and then select Save. Note: Saving can take anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes.

Simple Method

Download the .zip file at the bottom of this article.
Extract the .reg file onto your Desktop.
Double-click the .reg file. If Windows displays a warning, click Run to continue.
Registry Editor will display another warning. Click Yes to continue. Remember: You can restore your registry using the backup you created earlier.
The Registry Editor will confirm that the registry keys have been added and crash dumps have been enabled.
After following all the steps above, reproduce the crash you were experiencing and send us the .dmp file in a support ticket. You can find the file in %LOCALAPPDATA%\CrashDumps. Upload the file to a storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox to share it with us.

Advanced Method

Here are the steps to manually enable crash dumps:

This information was sourced from the Windows Dev Center. If any issues arise while following these steps, please contact Microsoft Support.

Please note: Editing registry keys can cause issues with your system if not done correctly. We do not recommend making any changes other than those listed in this guide.

1. Open the Registry Editor

• Press the Start menu and type regedit.
• Press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

2. Create the LocalDumps Key

1. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Error Reporting.
2. Select the Windows Error Reporting key and create a new key named LocalDumpsif it does not already exist:
   • Right-click Windows Error Reporting.
   • Select New > Key.
   • Name the key LocalDumps.

3. Create Registry Values in the LocalDumps Key

Select the LocalDumps key and create the following three registry values:

DumpFolder Registry Value

1. Right-click in the blank area on the right side and select New > Expandable String Value.
2. Name it DumpFolder.
3. Double-click it and enter %LOCALAPPDATA%\CrashDumps in the Value data field.

DumpCount Registry Value

1. Right-click in the blank area on the right side and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
2. Name it DumpCount.
3. Double-click it and enter 10 in the Value data field.

DumpType Registry Value

1. Right-click in the blank area on the right side and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
2. Name it DumpType.
3. Double-click it and enter 2 in the Value data field.

Once you have followed all the steps above, reproduce the crash you were experiencing and send us the .dmp file in a support ticket. You can find the file in %LOCALAPPDATA%\CrashDumps.

Note: You may need to upload the file to a storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox to share it.

Restore the Registry

To disable crash dumps and restore your previous settings, go to your Desktop and find the backup .reg file you created earlier. Double-click the file and select Yes to restore your registry.