Troubleshooting KMODE EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED BSOD on Windows
The KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is one of the most common errors Windows users encounter. It typically occurs when a kernel-mode program generates an exception that the error handler cannot catch. In simpler terms, it’s usually caused by faulty drivers, memory conflicts, or software issues that disrupt Windows’ operations.
This guide will help you understand what causes the KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED error and provide practical steps to fix it.
What Is the KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED Error?
This BSOD appears when Windows detects that a critical process in kernel mode has tried to perform an illegal operation or has malfunctioned in a way that the system cannot recover from. The error often includes the name of the driver causing the issue (for example, ntfs.sys, wdf01000.sys, or another driver file).
If not addressed, the error can lead to frequent crashes, loss of work, and possible data corruption.
Common Causes of KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
Understanding the root cause can help you choose the right fix. Here are the most frequent triggers:
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Faulty or incompatible drivers
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Corrupted system files
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Faulty RAM or hardware problems
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Overclocking instability
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Conflicts between third-party software and Windows
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Malware infections
How to Fix KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED on Windows
Below are several proven methods to troubleshoot and resolve this BSOD.
1. Identify the Problematic Driver
Often, the error message will display the name of the driver causing the crash.
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When the BSOD appears, note the file name mentioned.
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If Windows restarts too quickly, check Event Viewer:
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Press Windows + X → Event Viewer.
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Go to Windows Logs > System and look for crash details.
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Knowing the driver name will make troubleshooting more precise.
2. Update Device Drivers
Faulty or outdated drivers are the most common cause of this BSOD.
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Press Windows + X → Device Manager.
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Right-click the device → Update driver → Search automatically for drivers.
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Repeat for all critical devices like graphics cards, network adapters, and storage controllers.
Tip: If the issue started after updating a driver, try rolling it back in Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.
3. Uninstall Recently Installed Software
Certain third-party programs, especially antivirus or system utilities, can cause conflicts.
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Press Windows + R, type
appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter. -
Sort programs by installation date.
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Uninstall any recently installed apps around the time the BSOD started.
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Restart your PC and check if the problem persists.
4. Run System File Checker and DISM
Corrupted system files can cause kernel-level crashes.
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Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
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Run:
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Wait for the scan to complete and repair any issues found.
If SFC finds issues but cannot fix them, run:
Then run SFC again.
5. Test Your RAM
Faulty RAM can easily cause kernel exceptions.
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Press Windows + R, type
mdsched.exe, and press Enter. -
Select Restart now and check for problems.
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Let Windows Memory Diagnostic run and note the results.
If errors are found, replace the faulty RAM module.
6. Disable Fast Startup
Fast Startup can sometimes cause driver initialization issues.
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Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do.
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Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
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Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).
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Save changes and restart your computer.
7. Remove or Replace Problematic Hardware
If the error appeared after installing new hardware, it could be incompatible.
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Shut down your PC.
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Disconnect the new hardware.
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Restart and see if the issue disappears.
If so, check for updated drivers or replace the hardware with a compatible version.
8. Check for Windows Updates
Microsoft frequently releases patches that fix BSOD-related bugs.
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Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
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Click Check for updates and install all available patches.
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Restart your PC.
9. Disable Overclocking
Overclocking pushes hardware beyond factory limits, which can lead to instability.
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Enter your BIOS/UEFI during startup (usually by pressing F2, DEL, or ESC).
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Locate overclocking settings for CPU, GPU, and RAM.
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Reset them to default values.
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Save changes and exit.
10. Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot starts Windows with only essential services and drivers.
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Press Windows + R, type
msconfig, and hit Enter. -
In Services, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
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In Startup, open Task Manager and disable all startup items.
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Restart your PC and test.
If the BSOD doesn’t appear, re-enable services one by one to find the culprit.
11. Restore or Reset Windows
If all else fails, restoring or resetting Windows can resolve deep software issues.
To restore:
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Search for Create a restore point in the Start menu.
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Click System Restore and choose a restore point before the error began.
To reset:
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Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
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Select Reset this PC → Choose to keep or remove files.
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Follow the prompts.
Preventing Future KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED Errors
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Keep drivers updated regularly.
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Install only trusted software.
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Avoid overclocking unless necessary.
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Monitor hardware health and temperature.
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Run frequent malware scans.
When to Get Professional Help
If the BSOD continues after all troubleshooting steps, it might be caused by severe hardware issues like a failing motherboard or processor. In such cases:
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Contact your PC manufacturer’s support.
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Visit a certified repair center.
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Run advanced diagnostics with professional tools.
Conclusion
The KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED Blue Screen error can be frustrating, but with the right approach—updating drivers, checking hardware, scanning for corruption, and removing conflicts—it’s often fixable without replacing your computer.
By following the steps above and practicing good system maintenance habits, you can keep your Windows system stable and BSOD-free.