A ‘Cannot find script file’ message means Windows was asked to run a script at a path it cannot find. If it appears at sign-in, write down the exact path, scan the PC for malware, and check Settings > Apps > Startup or Microsoft's Autoruns tool for an entry with that same path. Disable the matching entry first and restart. Do not disable Windows Script Host or change unrelated Registry keys.
Take a screenshot and copy the complete path shown after “Cannot find script file.” The folder and file name are the clue you need; do not download a replacement script with the same name from the web.
2
Run a Windows Security scan
Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection and run a Quick scan. If the path looks random or points into Temp, AppData, or a program you do not recognize, choose Scan options > Full scan before removing startup entries.
Open Settings > Apps > Startup and look for a missing or unfamiliar app that matches the path or program name. Turn that one entry off, restart Windows, and see whether the message returns.
If Startup settings do not show it, download Autoruns only from Microsoft Sysinternals, run it, and search for the exact file name. Check the Image Path and Publisher; clear the checkbox to disable the matching entry without deleting it.
Restart Windows. If the message is gone and the related app still works, leave the entry disabled until you confirm what created it. Reinstall a trusted app from its official source if its own startup component is missing.
6
Repair Windows only for broader damage
If Windows features also fail or system files appear damaged, install Windows updates, then run Microsoft's DISM and SFC sequence from an administrator Command Prompt. These tools repair Windows components; they are not the first fix for one abandoned third-party startup path.
If Autoruns shows several entries with similar names, disable only the one whose Image Path exactly matches the error; changing unrelated startup items can stop other software from working.
If Windows Security finds a threat, follow its removal advice and scan again after restarting. Do not restore a flagged script merely to stop the message.
ⓘ Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows 10 and Windows 11.
The current written steps follow the linked company documentation. The preserved video may show older menus.
