What is Windows Error 720 (ERROR_IMAGE_MACHINE_TYPE_MISMATCH_EXE)?

Error 720 (ERROR_IMAGE_MACHINE_TYPE_MISMATCH_EXE) is a Windows File & Disk error that occurs when {machine type mismatch} the image file %hs is valid. This guide provides step-by-step solutions to resolve this issue.

What causes Error 720?

The file or directory does not exist or was moved. Insufficient permissions on the target. Disk has bad sectors or is full. File is locked by another process

How do I fix Error 720 (ERROR_IMAGE_MACHINE_TYPE_MISMATCH_EXE)?

Check and Repair Disk Errors: Open Command Prompt as Administrator. Run: chkdsk C: /f /r (replace C: with affected drive). Type Y to schedule scan on next restart. Restart and wait for the scan to complete

Fix ERROR_IMAGE_MACHINE_TYPE_MISMATCH_EXE

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⚡ Quick Fix

Check and Repair Disk Errors: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

👇 See all 3 solutions below

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📑 Table of Contents

What is Error 720? Common Causes Step-by-Step Solutions Prevention Tips Related Errors

💡 What is Error 720?

Windows System Error Code 720, known as ERROR_IMAGE_MACHINE_TYPE_MISMATCH_EXE, is a File & Disk error that occurs during file system and disk I/O operations. The error indicates that: {Machine Type Mismatch} The image file %hs is valid When this error is encountered, the Windows operating system was unable to complete the requested operation within the file management subsystem. The error code 720 is returned by the GetLastError() function and provides developers with a specific identifier to diagnose the root cause of the failure. The symbolic name ERROR_IMAGE_MACHINE_TYPE_MISMATCH_EXE maps directly to this numeric code and is commonly referenced in Microsoft documentation, developer forums, and system logs. Understanding this error and its context within file system and disk I/O operations is essential for effective troubleshooting.

⚠️ Common Causes

The file or directory does not exist or was moved
Insufficient permissions on the target
Disk has bad sectors or is full
File is locked by another process

✅ Step-by-Step Solutions

1 Check and Repair Disk Errors

Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Run: chkdsk C: /f /r (replace C: with affected drive)
Type Y to schedule scan on next restart
Restart and wait for the scan to complete

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Show Advanced Solutions (2 more)

2 Verify File Permissions

Right-click the file/folder → Properties → Security tab
Click Edit → Add your username → Grant Full Control
Click Apply → OK

3 Use Windows File Recovery

If a file was accidentally deleted, check Recycle Bin first
Install 'Windows File Recovery' from the Microsoft Store (free)
Run: winfr C: D: /extensive (scans C:, saves to D:)
Check the recovered files in the output folder

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💻 Diagnostic Command

Run this PowerShell command to find related events in your system log:

Get-EventLog -LogName System -Newest 20 | Where-Object {$_.Message -like "*720*" -or $_.Message -like "*ERROR_IMAGE_MACHINE_TYPE_MISMATCH_EXE*"} | Format-List

💡 Open PowerShell as Administrator, paste the command above, and press Enter.

🛡️ Prevention Tips

Back up important files regularly
Run CHKDSK periodically
Keep 15%+ free space on system drive

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Last updated: 2026-03-13

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Based on Official Microsoft Documentation

Solutions Tested on Windows 10 & 11

Error codes sourced from Microsoft Win32 SDK. Updated 2026-03-13.