What Does KMODE Exception Not Handled Error Mean?
The KMODE Exception Not Handled is a critical error that occurs when a kernel-mode program performs an invalid operation on Microsoft Windows operating systems. This crashes the entire system with a BSOD (blue screen of death) displaying the error message.
The Windows kernel is the core of the operating system, providing interfaces for programs to communicate with devices and hardware. Kernel mode refers to the privileged mode that the kernel and other low-level system components operate in.
When a kernel-mode program executes a flawed operation in memory, it raises an exception that is not handled correctly, resulting in a system crash. This brings up the infamous blue screen with the technical error name – KMODE Exception Not Handled.
This usually indicates a driver or hardware problem disrupting normal system functioning. By following some troubleshooting steps, you can diagnose and resolve the issue to prevent further system crashes.
Key Takeaways
- The KMODE Exception Not Handled error occurs when a kernel-mode program performs an invalid operation, which crashes the system.
- The main causes are faulty drivers, corrupt system files, malware, hardware issues like bad RAM, and incorrect registry settings.
- Solutions include disabling/updating drivers, running SFC and DISM scans, installing pending Windows updates, and repairing corrupted system files.
- For hardware issues, test components like RAM for faults and replace them if necessary. Also, update the BIOS and chipset drivers.
- Repairing the Windows registry, restoring to a recent restore point, and startup repair can also fix the error.
- As a last resort, you can repair, install, or clean install Windows to fully resolve the software issues causing the error.
What are Causes the KMODE Exception Not Handled Error?
There are several potential causes behind the KMODE Exception Not Handled error, including:
Faulty Device Drivers
Device drivers that are outdated, corrupted, or incorrectly installed can trigger this error. Faulty drivers contain bugs that cause the kernel to perform illegal operations. Updating drivers and uninstalling recently added drivers can fix driver-related issues.
Corrupted System Files
Critical system files like Ntoskrnl.exe, Hal.dll, and Win32k.sys can get corrupted and cause this BSOD. Running the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools helps replace damaged files.
Malware/Virus Infection
Malware and viruses often try to inject malicious code into system processes. This can crash the kernel and trigger the error. Run antimalware scans to remove any infections.
Hardware Issues
Defective hardware, such as bad RAM, failing hard drives, and faulty CPUs, can cause system instability. Test hardware components like memory for errors.
Registry Problems
Registry corruption and invalid entries can cause system file and driver conflicts, leading to errors. Registry repair tools can fix issues by removing bad entries.
Windows Update Issues
Outdated Windows system files can trigger errors. Install pending Windows updates and service packs.
14 Easy Steps to Fix KMODE Exception Not Handled Error in Windows
Here are the detailed steps to troubleshoot and resolve the KMODE Exception Not Handled BSOD:
- Disable or Update Faulty Drivers
- Run SFC and DISM Scans
- Install Windows Updates
- Clean Boot Windows
- Scan for Malware
- Check RAM for Errors
- Update BIOS, Chipset & Hardware Drivers
- Check Hard Disk for Errors
- Repair Windows Registry
- Run Startup Repair
- Perform a Repair Install
- Update or Rollback Graphics Drivers
- Test and Replace Faulty Hardware
- Clean Install Windows
Step #1. Disable or Update Faulty Drivers
As faulty drivers are the main culprit, first disable or update any recently added or problematic drivers:
- Press Win + R and type “devmgmt.msc” to open Device Manager
- Expand nodes like Network adapters, Sound cards, etc, and locate problematic drivers marked with yellow exclamation.
- Right-click on the driver > Select Disable to disable it temporarily
- If that stabilizes your system, leave it disabled or uninstall and delete the driver
- Alternatively, right-click on driver > Update driver software to update it
- Visit the device manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver versions
Step #2. Run SFC and DISM Scans
System File Checker (SFC) verifies system file integrity and replaces corrupt files. Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) cleans up the Windows image. Run these commands as admin:
- Type “sfc /scannow” and hit Enter to run the SFC scan
- Once the SFC scan finishes, run the DISM scan with: “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth”
- Restart your PC after the scans are complete. This resolves system file corruption issues.
Step #3. Install Windows Updates
Installing the latest Windows updates is essential to get bug fixes and updated drivers/files.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security
- Click on the Check for Updates button
- Install all Important/Recommended updates
- Include optional updates as well for hardware and drivers
Restart your PC after installing updates. Updates often resolve kernel and driver conflicts causing KMODE errors.
Step #4. Clean Boot Windows
Perform a clean boot to isolate the error cause:
- Press Win + R and type “msconfig” to open System Configuration
- Go to the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services
- Disable all services. Click Apply > OK
- Next, go to the Startup tab and Open Task Manager
- Disable all startup apps here. Save changes and exit
- Restart the PC and check if the error persists in the clean boot state
If the error doesn’t occur during a clean boot, it indicates conflicts from 3rd party services/software. Please enable them to find the problematic program selectively.
Step #5. Scan for Malware
Malware and viruses can sometimes trigger this error. Scan your system using Windows Defender:
- Type “Windows Security” in the taskbar search to open it
- Go to Virus & Threat Protection and click Scan options
- Run a Full scan of all files and drives
- Remove any threats or infections detected after the scan
- Reboot your PC after the scan completes
Step #6. Check RAM for Errors
Since faulty RAM is a common hardware issue causing this error, check your memory for errors:
- Type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the taskbar search to open it
- Select the Restart now and check for problems option
- Allow the PC to reboot, and the test will run automatically
- It will scan the RAM during boot-up. Wait for the scan results
- If errors are reported, your RAM module is defective. Replace it
You can also remove and reseat RAM modules to fix connection issues. To isolate errors, test each module individually in different slots.
Step #7. Update BIOS, Chipset & Hardware Drivers
An outdated BIOS and incompatible chipset drivers can trigger this error. Update them:
- Find your laptop/motherboard model and visit the manufacturer’s website
- Search for the latest BIOS update and install it
- Also, download the latest chipset driver installer for your system
- Use a program like Driver Booster to update all other hardware drivers
- Update drivers for graphics card, storage controllers, etc
- After updates complete, reboot and check if BSOD is resolved
Step #8. Check Hard Disk for Errors
A failing or corrupted hard drive can also cause the KMODE error. Check disk health using CHKDSK:
- Open the command prompt as administrator
- Type “chkdsk C: /f /r /x” and press Enter
- Replace C: with the drive letter of the Windows system drive if different
- This scans drive C: and fixes errors found
- If errors are reported, consider replacing the faulty hard drive
Step #9. Repair Windows Registry
Corruption in the Windows registry can result in system instability and BSOD errors. Repair the registry using these steps:
- Download the CCleaner utility and install it
- Open CCleaner and go to the Registry section
- Click on Scan for Issues. Let the scan complete
- After scan, click on Fix Selected Issues to repair all problems found
- Restart the PC. This resolves registry errors that can cause KMODE exception
Alternatively, use the in-built System Restore utility to restore the registry from a recent restore point.
Step #10. Run Startup Repair
Startup Repair scans and restores critical Windows system files that may be damaged.
- Access the Windows Recovery Environment by booting from the installation media
- Click on Repair your computer, located at the bottom left corner
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair
- The repair utility will now automatically diagnose and fix startup issues
Step #11. Perform a Repair Install
A repair install involves reinstalling Windows while retaining your apps and data. This can fix system files and driver issues.
- Boot from install media and access the Recovery Environment
- Click on Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Reset this PC
- Select Keep my files to retain personal data
- Follow the prompts to reinstall Windows system files, drivers, etc., without deleting apps and user files
- This will fix damaged Windows system files, registry issues, and driver conflicts causing the error
Step #12. Update or Rollback Graphics Drivers
Display and graphics driver issues can also sometimes trigger this error. To rule this out:
- Open Device Manager > Display adapters and right-click on the graphics driver
- Select Update driver and install the latest driver for your graphics card
- If the problem persists, rollback to the previously installed driver version
- To rollback, again right-click on the graphics driver > Properties > Driver tab
- Select the Roll Back Driver option and confirm
Step #13. Test and Replace Faulty Hardware
If the preceding steps don’t resolve the issue, faulty hardware could be the cause. Test components like:
RAM
As mentioned previously, run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to check your system memory for errors. If errors are found, replace the faulty RAM stick with a new one.
Hard Disk
Scan the disk for errors using CHKDSK. Also, check disk health using the S.M.A.R.T. utility. Replace it if your hard drive has bad sectors or is failing.
CPU
Faulty CPUs can cause freezes, crashes, and BSOD errors. Use system diagnostics or utilities like Prime95 to stress test your processor. If crashes persist, the CPU needs replacement.
PSU, Motherboard issues
Use multimeter readings and system diagnostics to isolate issues with the PSU and motherboard components. If a faulty component is diagnosed, replace it.
Testing hardware will help identify and resolve hardware faults leading to the error.
Step #14. Clean Install Windows
If you have tried all other solutions, perform a clean install of Windows as a last resort:
- Backup your data, photos, and files separately
- Boot from the Windows installation media
- Choose custom install and select Drive options > Delete
- Delete all partitions to perform a complete clean install
- This will format the drive and do a fresh Windows installation
- Install drivers and restore applications/data after installing Windows
The clean install erases any software issues and fixes damaged system files.
Final Thoughts
The KMODE Exception Not Handled is a critical error caused by the Windows kernel encountering problems and should not be ignored. This error usually indicates issues with hardware drivers, system files, RAM, hard disks, or the Windows registry.
Carefully go through the troubleshooting steps outlined, such as scanning for malware, testing hardware, and repairing system files using Startup Repair and SFC. Update faulty drivers and the BIOS. If the error persists, consider resetting Windows or doing a clean install.
Identifying and resolving the specific hardware or software issue causing kernel instability will help fix the error. This will prevent future system crashes along with data loss.
Common KMODE Exception Error FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the KMODE Exception Not Handled error:
Why does my PC display a KMODE Exception Not Handled error?
This error occurs when a kernel-mode program performs an invalid operation, resulting in a system crash and BSOD. The main causes are faulty drivers, corrupted system files, malware, hardware issues, and registry problems.
How do I troubleshoot the KMODE Exception BSOD error?
Disable problematic drivers, run SFC and DISM scans, install pending Windows updates, clean boot into safe mode, and scan for malware. Use diagnostic tools to check hardware like RAM, hard drive, and CPU for faults.
Can I fix the KMODE error without losing data?
Yes, solutions like repair installing Windows and using recovery tools like Startup Repair can fix software issues without deleting your files and data.
Is the KMODE Exception error a virus?
While malware and viruses can cause this error, it is not a virus itself. It is a Windows kernel error that occurs when low-level system components become unstable.
How do I prevent KMODE BSOD crashes?
Regularly update your drivers, Windows system, and BIOS to the latest versions. Don’t install faulty drivers. Use antivirus software. Also, avoid overclocking, and don’t modify the Windows registry unless you know what you are doing.
Can a hard disk error cause KMODE Exception BSOD?
Yes, a failing or damaged hard drive can lead to crashes and KMODE errors. Check disk health using CHKDSK and an S.M.A.R.T. utility and replace the hard drive if it has developed bad sectors.
Is the KMODE Exception error related to RAM?
Faulty or incompatible RAM often causes this error. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to check your RAM for errors. If errors are detected, replace the defective memory module.
Priya Mervana
Verified Web Security Experts
Priya Mervana is working at SSLInsights.com as a web security expert with over 10 years of experience writing about encryption, SSL certificates, and online privacy. She aims to make complex security topics easily understandable for everyday internet users.
