How to fix Error 1169 on Windows 11

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Troubleshooting Guide: Error 1169 – “There Was No Match for the Specified Key in the Index”

Why This Error Happens

Error 1169 typically occurs when a Windows service, driver, or application attempts to query a hardware device, registry index, or database record using a key (such as a device instance ID or index value) that no longer exists or has become corrupted. This is commonly triggered by mismatched or orphaned entries in the registry after a driver update, a failed Windows Update, or improper removal of Plug and Play (PnP) hardware. It can also surface when the Windows Search index or a related service database becomes desynchronized from the actual file/device state.

Step-by-Step Resolution Guide

  1. Run the System File Checker and DISM tools to repair corrupted system files that may be causing the index mismatch:
  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Run: sfc /scannow
  • Once complete, run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • Restart your PC.
  1. Rebuild the Windows Search Index (common source of key/index errors):
  • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Searching Windows.
  • Click Advanced Indexing Options.
  • Select Advanced > Rebuild under the Troubleshooting section.
  • Allow the process to complete (may take time depending on drive size).
  1. Check Device Manager for orphaned or conflicting devices:
  • Open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc).
  • Click View > Show Hidden Devices.
  • Look for grayed-out or “unknown device” entries with yellow warning icons.
  • Right-click and Uninstall device, checking “Delete the driver software for this device” if applicable.
  • Restart the PC to allow Windows to reinstall clean drivers.
  1. Clean orphaned registry keys using DISM/Registry Editor:
  • Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
  • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum.
  • Look for duplicate or invalid device keys (proceed cautiously; back up the registry first via File > Export).
  • Remove only keys clearly tied to disconnected/removed hardware.
  1. Check Event Viewer for the exact source triggering Error 1169:
  • Open Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc).
  • Navigate to Windows Logs > System.
  • Filter for Event ID 1169 and note the Source column (e.g., a specific driver or service).
  • Update or reinstall that specific driver/service based on the identified source.

Alternative or Verification Steps

  • Verify the fix: Reopen Event Viewer and confirm Error 1169 no longer appears after triggering the action that previously caused it (e.g., searching, connecting a device, or running the affected service).
  • Alternative fix: If the error persists, perform a System Restore to a point before the error began appearing, or use sfc /scannow in Safe Mode to rule out active file locks interfering with repairs.