[Fix] MSI Afterburner unable to initiate scanning

MSI Afterburner OC Scanner is a software program that can assist in overclocking the graphics card, specifically the Graphical Processing Unit (GPU). Overclocking can potentially damage the GPU due to excessive heat, so it is important to have software to monitor its health. MSI Afterburner is a widely used Windows utility for monitoring GPU temperature and clock speed. However, if you encounter the error message “Failed to start scanning!” while using the software, this post will provide solutions to resolve the issue.

Error: MSI OC scanner failure

The MSI Afterburner application uses its built-in feature, the Overclocking (OC) scanner module, to achieve the desired speed enhancement. This module implements an algorithm developed by NVIDIA for its RTX 20 series GPU. However, some users have encountered an error message stating “Failed to start scanning” while attempting to run the scanner. Sometimes, the error message may also include codes such as Code 3, Code 10h, or Code 22h. Studies have shown that reconfiguring the settings of the graphics card often resolves the error.

Causes of MSI Afterburner Overclocking Scanner failure

Upon closer examination to identify the root cause of the error, it can be concluded that incorrect settings on the software side of the graphics card or the MSI Afterburner application contribute significantly to the error as explained below:

• Incorrect Graphics card settings: The OC scanner begins its operation by scanning the hardware to determine the maximum overclocking speed that the GPU can achieve. In cases where the graphics card is configured incorrectly, the chances of encountering the aforementioned error are high.
• Software conflicts: At times, third-party applications installed on the computer may share the same resources as MSI Afterburner, causing conflicts and resulting in the failure of the scanner.
• Outdated or incorrect driver: Another potential cause of scanning failure is an outdated or incompatible graphics card driver. Discordant or incompatible drivers can cause synchronization issues, leading to errors. The same can happen if the graphics card driver is outdated.
• Application bugs in MSI Afterburner: Bugs in the MSI Afterburner application can cause incorrect or faulty execution of the overclocking program, preventing it from achieving the desired objective. Therefore, the possibility of scanning failure is high.

Solutions to fix MSI Afterburner failed to start scanning

If you encounter the “Failed to start scanning” error in MSI Afterburner OC Scanner, follow these recommended troubleshooting suggestions after restarting your PC, updating the software and the operating system, and checking for any recently installed apps that may have caused conflicts:

1. Enable GPU performance counters.
2. Unlock Voltage control in the MSI application.
3. Resolve software conflicts.
4. Update the device driver for the graphics card.
5. Uninstall and reinstall MSI Afterburner.

Execution of these suggestions requires administrative permission.

1] Enable GPU performance counters

By utilizing counters, you can monitor and control how your application utilizes the GPU. This allows you to identify performance issues and check if they have been resolved. To ensure the scanner works correctly, make sure these counters are available:

• Open the NVIDIA Control Panel from the Start Menu or the Desktop.
• Click the Desktop menu and enable the Enable Developer Settings.

• In the task section, locate the Developer listing and choose Manage GPU Performance Counters.
• Select Allow Access to the GPU performance counters for all users and restart the system to apply the changes.

2] Unlocking Voltage control in the MSI application

Enabling these settings will grant the MSI software complete access to these controls, resolving any scanning issues.

• Open the MSI Afterburner application.
• Select the MSI settings option from the left menu.
• Enable Unlock Voltage Control and Unlock Voltage Monitoring.

• Click Apply to save the changes.

Read: Best free PC Overclocking software

3] Resolve software conflicts

Another application might be using the counters, preventing another program from utilizing them. If you have such software running, it is recommended to close it before running MSI Afterburner.

You can close the application windows or use the Task Manager to forcefully terminate the running process.

Read: GPU not showing up in Task Manager in Windows

4] Update the device driver for the graphics card

Since we rely on software to communicate with the GPU, any driver updates can impact this process. It is advisable to update both the application and the GPU driver for compatibility. Here is how to update the GPU driver on a Windows PC:

5] Uninstall and reinstall MSI Afterburner:

If all the above options fail to resolve the issue, you can try uninstalling and subsequently reinstalling MSI Afterburner.

• Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
• Type MSI in the search box, and you will find the MSI Afterburner app listing.
• Click on the three-dot menu and choose Uninstall.

• You may need to reboot your PC after uninstallation.
• Once you are logged back in, download the software from the official website, install it, and check if the issue persists.

Read: Prevent Users from uninstalling Apps in Windows

The troubleshooting options provided above cover all possible solutions to the error. We hope that these solutions help you resolve the “Afterburner Failed to start scanning” issue on your Windows PC.

How long does the MSI Afterburner OC scanner take?

The OC Scanner will initiate tests to determine the optimal overclock for your GPU’s stability. This process may take approximately 10 to 20 minutes to complete. After the scan concludes, it is highly recommended to click “Test” to verify the new settings and ensure the stability of your system.

Is MSI Afterburner compatible with all GPUs?

MSI Afterburner is a free software that supports graphics cards from all brands. However, it is important to ensure that the driver software enables a feature that allows MSI Afterburner to communicate with the GPU drivers to complete the test.