How to Resolve the KMODE EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED Blue Screen Error on Windows – 2024

How to Resolve the KMODE EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED Blue Screen Error on Windows

The KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED error is a common Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) issue encountered by Windows users. This error typically occurs when a kernel-mode program causes an exception that the error handler fails to catch. In simpler terms, it’s often linked to faulty or corrupted drivers, memory issues, or conflicts with software.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to troubleshoot and fix the KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED error on Windows, ensuring your system runs smoothly once again.

Common Causes of KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED

Before diving into the fixes, it’s important to understand the root causes of the KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED error:

• Corrupted or outdated device drivers.
• Memory (RAM) issues.
• Driver conflicts after a system update.
• Malfunctioning hardware components such as hard drives or network adapters.
• Antivirus software conflicts.

Method 1: Update or Reinstall Faulty Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are one of the most common causes of the KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED error. Identifying and updating the problematic drivers may resolve the issue.

Steps to Update or Reinstall Drivers:

1. Open Device Manager:
   • Press Windows + X and select Device Manager from the list.

   

2. Identify Faulty Drivers:
   • Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark, indicating a faulty driver. Common drivers that cause this issue include network adapters, graphics drivers, and sound drivers.

   

3. Update the Driver:
   • Right-click on the problematic driver and select Update driver.
   • Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
4. Reinstall the Driver (if necessary):
   • If updating the driver doesn’t fix the issue, you can uninstall the driver by right-clicking it and selecting Uninstall device. Then, restart your computer to allow Windows to automatically reinstall the driver.

Method 2: Run Memory Diagnostic Tool

Memory-related issues can also trigger the KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED error. Running the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool can help you detect any problems with your RAM.

Steps to Run the Memory Diagnostic Tool:

1. Open the Tool:
   • Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and hit Enter.
2. Restart and Check for Problems:
   • Select Restart now and check for problems. Your computer will restart and begin scanning your RAM for any issues.
3. Wait for Results:
   • The diagnostic process will take a few minutes. Once the scan is complete, Windows will display any issues found with your memory.
4. Replace Faulty RAM (if needed):
   • If any memory errors are detected, you may need to replace your faulty RAM sticks.

Method 3: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files can cause critical system errors like KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED. Running the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools will help repair corrupted files.

Steps to Run SFC:

1. Open Command Prompt as Admin:
   • Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run SFC Command:
   • Type the following command and press Enter:
     bash

     sfc /scannow

3. Wait for the Scan to Complete:
   • The scan may take some time. If any corrupted files are found, they will be repaired automatically. Restart your PC after the scan.

Steps to Run DISM:

1. Open Command Prompt as Admin:
   • Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
2. Run DISM Command:
   • Type the following command and press Enter:
     mathematica

     DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

3. Restart Your PC:
   • Once the process completes, restart your computer and check if the issue has been resolved.

Method 4: Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup in Windows can sometimes lead to driver conflicts and BSOD errors like KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED. Disabling Fast Startup may help resolve the issue.

Steps to Disable Fast Startup:

1. Open Control Panel:
   • Press Windows + S and type Control Panel. Select the Control Panel from the search results.
2. Go to Power Options:
   • In Control Panel, click on Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do.
3. Disable Fast Startup:
   • Click Change settings that are currently unavailable, then uncheck the box for Turn on fast startup. Click Save changes.
4. Restart Your PC:
   • Restart your computer and check if the error still occurs.

Method 5: Perform a Clean Boot

A Clean Boot allows your system to start with only essential services running, helping you identify if a background program is causing the KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED error.

Steps to Perform a Clean Boot:

1. Open System Configuration:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
2. Disable Non-Essential Services:
   • In the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
3. Disable Startup Programs:
   • Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager. Disable all non-essential startup programs.
4. Restart Your PC:
   • Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved. If it is, you can re-enable services and startup programs one by one to identify the problematic one.

Method 6: Update Your BIOS

Outdated BIOS settings can cause the KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED error, especially if your system has hardware components that are incompatible with the current BIOS version.

Steps to Update BIOS:

1. Check Your BIOS Version:
   • Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and hit Enter to open System Information.
   • Look for your BIOS version/date.
2. Download the Latest BIOS Update:
   • Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website and download the latest BIOS update for your model.
3. Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions:
   • Follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer to update your BIOS safely. BIOS updates vary by manufacturer, so it’s essential to follow their guidance carefully.

Conclusion

The KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED blue screen error can be caused by a variety of issues, including faulty drivers, memory problems, and corrupted system files. By following the methods outlined in this guide—updating drivers, running memory diagnostics, repairing system files, and performing a clean boot—you should be able to resolve the issue and prevent it from happening again.

If none of these methods work, you may need to seek professional assistance, especially if hardware components like the RAM or hard drive are malfunctioning.