Csc.exe is a C# compiler that comes with Microsoft’s .NET Framework. Although we have covered .NET Framework issues on this site, the csc.exe error is of a different breed. When you try to shut down your computer, it normally goes smoothly – but not always. Due to some factors, you can get the csc.exe error.
You have to get rid of the csc.exe error quickly because without doing that, your machine will go off randomly, and you can’t make use of your computer. In the section that follows, I’ll walk you through the steps for fixing this problem on your Windows 11/10 computer.
How to fix csc.exe error in Windows 11/10
If you’re experiencing the csc.exe error on your Windows 11/10 computer, follow the steps below:
- Re-install or update the .NET Framework
- Verify the csc.exe process
- Restore your computer to an earlier state
Let’s look into the above steps in more detail.
1] Re-install or update the .NET Framework
The legitimate csc.exe file works with Microsoft’s .NET Framework. By default, your machine has this installed, but if issues arise with the .NET Framework on your computer, then the csc.exe error can show up.
You can also encounter this error if you’re using an outdated version of the framework. The most common fix for the csc.exe error is to uninstall the .NET Framework, then download the latest version of the framework, and reinstall it on your computer. On the download page, ensure that you download the recommended version at the top of the list. That’s the most recent one.
2] Verify the csc.exe process
The legit csc.exe executable file usually is located in the Microsoft.NET\Framework\<Version> folder under the Windows directory. If it is found elsewhere, it could well be malware.
Another indicator that the csc.exe is legitimate is that its size should be around 48 KB, 75 KB, or 78. KB. Anything outside of these ranges may be a virus and must go.
In this case, we suggest you use standalone 3rd-party antivirus software to scan your PC – or alternatively get the file scanned online with multiple antivirus engines.
3] Restore your computer to an earlier state
A system restore brings your machine back to its earlier, stable state. If you remember when you started getting the csc.exe error and have a restore point before that date, then you should explore this option.
- Press the Windows key and search for recovery. Select Recovery from the search results.
- In the Recovery window of the Control Panel, click on Open System Restore.
- Hit Next on the first screen of the System Restore wizard. You will now see a list of your restore points.
- Select the most recent restore point whose Date and Time also precede the csc.exe error. Follow through with the on-screen directions to complete the system restore process.
Following the system restore, your data will not be deleted or lost. However, system settings may revert to how they were on the specified date you restored the computer to. That’s all!
Hopefully, these solutions will help you fix the csc.exe error in no time.
Read: Unable to start program, The system cannot find the file specified
Where is csc.exe in Windows 11/10?
The default location of csc.exe is C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\[version]. For example, if you have v4.0.30319 and you use a 64-bit system architecture, you can find csc.exe here: C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319. This location changes when you try to find the csc.exe for some other version only.
What does csc.exe do?
csc.exe helps you compile C# codes into exe or executable files. In other words, if you write codes in C#, you need to use the csc.exe to make it executable for your computer. You can save codes as executable files or libraries with the help of csc.exe on a Windows 11/10 PC.
