How to fix Error 153 on Windows 11

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Why This Error Happens

Error 153 (“The DosMuxSemWait list is not correct”) originates from the legacy OS/2 and 16-bit subsystem calls that Windows still emulates through NTVDM (NT Virtual DOS Machine) and compatibility layers. It typically surfaces when a legacy application, printer driver, or service tries to use the outdated DosMuxSemWait synchronization function with a malformed or corrupted semaphore list — usually because of damaged system files, an outdated/incompatible driver, or leftover corrupted entries from a failed software installation. On Windows 11, this is most commonly triggered by legacy print drivers, old third-party utilities, or a corrupted Windows component store (WinSxS).

Step-by-Step Resolution Guide

  1. Run System File Checker and DISM to repair corrupted OS files that may be causing the malformed semaphore call:
  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Run sfc /scannow
  • If issues are found, follow up with:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • Restart your PC after completion.
  1. Update or Remove the Legacy Driver/Application triggering the error:
  • Open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc), especially check Print queues and Ports (COM & LPT).
  • Right-click the suspect device → Update driver → Search automatically.
  • If no update exists, uninstall the driver and reinstall the latest version from the manufacturer’s website (avoid drivers older than Windows 10-era unless verified compatible).
  1. Check and Reinstall the Application Causing the Error:
  • Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  • Locate the legacy or third-party app associated with the error (often utility software or old print/fax tools).
  • Uninstall it, restart your PC, then reinstall the latest compatible version.
  1. Clear Corrupted Print Spooler Data (common source of DosMuxSemWait errors):
  • Press Win + R, type services.msc, and stop the Print Spooler service.
  • Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS and delete all files inside.
  • Restart the Print Spooler service and test the print job again.
  1. Create a New Local User Profile if the error persists only under one user account, as it may indicate a corrupted profile:
  • Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users > Add account.
  • Sign in with the new profile and retest the failing application.

Alternative or Verification Steps

  • Verify the fix: Reproduce the original action (printing, running the legacy app, etc.) that triggered Error 153 — if no error dialog appears and the Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc) shows no new Error 153 entries under Windows Logs > Application, the issue is resolved.
  • Alternative fix: If the error persists, perform an in-place upgrade repair using Windows 11 installation media (setup.exe → Keep personal files and apps) to rebuild core system components without a full reinstall.