Effective Ways to Fix the “Missing Entry: PcaWallpaperAppDetect” Error in Windows

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When the latest version 24H2 of Windows 11, came out on May 22, 2024, many users were eager to try the new features and upgrades. However, like with any new release, problems occurred with this version too. Many users encountered the frustrating “Missing entry: PcaWallpaperAppDetect” error which is associated with a faulty PcaSvc.dll file.

PcaWallpaperAppDetect Error

One common reason for this error is the Microsoft PowerToys software. Specifically, the problem stems from a scheduled task called “PcaWallpaperAppDetect” in the Task Scheduler under Scheduler Library\Microsoft\Windows\Application Experience. This task occasionally malfunctions due to the new 24H2 Windows version. 

FIX IT NOW: A Few Quick Ways to Fix the
“PcaWallpaperAppDetect” Error in Windows

Here are a few fixes you may attempt right away if you’re looking for quick solutions to this issue:

  • Updating Windows and PowerToys might resolve compatibility problems that could be the source of the error.
  • Uninstalling incompatible programs, including PowerToys can stop the error’s source.
  • If the error started after the most recent Windows 24H2 update, it can be fixed by reverting the update.

Next, we’ll look at both simple and advanced fixes to resolve the issue in detail.

3 Easy Solutions to Fix the ‘PcaWallpaperAppDetect’ Missing Entry Error in Windows

Starting with the simplest fixes can help you avoid wasting time and irritation when addressing the “Missing entry: PcaWallpaperAppDetect” issue. Here are some quick steps you can take to fix this problem.

Solution 1. Update Windows and PowerToys

Fix It Now Advanced SystemCare will automatically fix your DLL and registry errors and other PC issues that might lead to 'PcaWallpaperAppDetect' error.

Software updates can address errors and vulnerabilities that may be the source of the problem. 

Steps for PowerToy Updates:

  • Open the “Microsoft Store”.
  • Select “Library”.
Go to Microsoft Store Apps Library
  • Click “Update all” if there are any pending updates.
  • Click “Get updates” if not.
Click Update all
  • Also, you can update each app separately.

Steps for Windows Updates:

  • Click the ‘Start’ menu, then choose “Settings”.
  • Select “Update & Security”.
  • Then select “Check for updates”.
Click Check for Updates
  • Install and download any available updates.
Windows update - Download and install all

Sol 2. Turn Off the PcaWallpaperAppDetect Scheduled Task

The problematic task can be disabled to prevent it from causing the issue.

  • In ‘Windows Search’, type “Task Scheduler” and hit ‘Enter’.
Type Task Scheduler
  • Go to Microsoft\Windows\Application Experience Task Scheduler Library.
  • Find the “PcaWallpaperAppDetect” task on the right.
Go to Microsoft\Windows\Application Experience\Task Scheduler
  • Right-click on it and select “Disable”.
Disable PcaWallpaperAppDetect in Task Scheduler

Solution 3. Uninstall PowerToys or Other Related Apps

Errors caused by conflicts or corrupted files can be resolved by uninstalling the application.

  • Open ‘Windows Settings’.
  • Access “Apps”.
  • Look through the list for “PowerToys” or any other relevant app.
  • After clicking on the app, choose “Uninstall”.
Uninstall PowerToys
  • To finish the uninstallation, adhere to the on-screen directions.

4 Advanced Solutions to Fix the
“Missing Entry: PcaWallpaperAppDetect”/PcaSvc.dll Error in Windows 11

Let’s try more complex troubleshooting procedures if the “Missing entry: PcaWallpaperAppDetect” error hasn’t been resolved by the simple fixes. 

Adv. Solution 1. Uninstall Windows 24H2 Update

Fix It Now Advanced SystemCare will automatically fix your DLL and registry errors and other PC issues that might lead to 'PcaWallpaperAppDetect' error.

Reverting the upgrade can fix the compatibility issue it generated by taking your system back to a time when the error didn’t exist.

  • Click the ‘Start’ menu, then choose “Settings”.
  • Navigate to the “Update & Security” section and select “View update history”.
Click View update history
  • Choose “Uninstall updates”.
  • Look for the “Windows 24H2 update” in the list of installed updates.
  • After choosing the update, select “Uninstall”.
Uninstall Windows 24H2 Update
  • To finish the procedure, adhere to the on-screen directions.

Adv. Solution 2. Look for Other Apps Connected to the Error

The root causes of the problem can be fixed by locating and handling incompatible apps.

  • Click “Task Manager” by pressing the keys ‘Ctrl + Shift + Esc’.
  • Check the “Processes” tab to see if any strange or unidentified programs are currently running.
  • Make a note of these apps’ names and see if they were updated or installed at the same time the error first appeared.
Take note of running apps in Task Manager
  • Look for any known incompatibilities between these apps and PowerToys or Windows upgrades on the internet. 

Adv. Solution 3. Perform a Clean Windows Boot

One way to isolate and identify background processes or services that might be causing the error is to do a clean boot.

  • To launch the “System Configuration” tool, press ‘Win + R’, type “msconfig”, and hit ‘Enter’.
Type msconfig
  • Navigate to the “Services” tab, select “Disable all”, and tick the “Hide all Microsoft services” box.
Hide all Microsoft services
  • On the “Startup” tab, select “Open Task Manager”.
Open Task Manager
  • Turn off each and every starting item in “Task Manager.”
  • Go back to the “System Configuration” window after quitting Task Manager.
  • Select “Apply” and then “OK”.
  • Restart your PC.

Adv. Solution 4. Repair Windows System Files

SFC looks for and fixes corrupted system files, which could be the source of the issue.

  • Start typing “cmd” into the ‘Start’ menu, then click “Command Prompt” and choose “Run as administrator”.
Type CMD then run as administrator
  • Type sfc /scannow into the “Command Prompt” window and hit ‘Enter’.
Type sfc /scannow
  • Wait until the scan is finished. If any problems are identified, SFC will try to fix them on its own.
  • Restart your PC.

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined above, you should have been able to resolve the “Missing entry: PcaWallpaperAppDetect” error. Following our guide should help you address the issue and ensure the stability of your system. We hope our instructions have been helpful in resolving the error.

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About the author
Mendy Lieberman
Mendy Lieberman - Founder, PC repair expert

Mendy is a founder of WindowsFixHub.com. He’s been a ‘tech-geek’ for a decade.
He has a background in IT consulting and has gathered a team for WindowsFixHub which main purpose is to provide the most helpful PC tech and software repair guides in the market!