How to fix KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED

When Windows runs into KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED It's not just a blue screen with the code 0x0000001E that appears: it also means that a low-level component has thrown an exception that the system couldn't handle. If it's happening sporadically or even in a boot loop, don't panic.

Here we've compiled all the verified information from technical sources and real-life cases: what the error means, how to identify the culprit, repair steps from the simplest to advanced debugging, as well as practical tips for minimizing risks and recovering data if you've lost files in the process.

What is KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED (0x0000001E)

The bugcheck 0x0000001E It is triggered when a kernel-mode program (driver, system service, or kernel component) generates an exception that isn't caught by the error handler. The typical result is a BSOD, sometimes accompanied by reboot loops or random shutdowns.

The on-screen label usually appears as KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED (sometimes with the name of a driver involved). In practical terms, It is usually related to faulty drivers, incompatible firmware/BIOS, hardware conflicts or memory (RAM) failures, although the presence of malware or system corruption can also trigger it.

Common exception codes

Identify the type of exception greatly narrows the search. Among the most common:

• 0x80000002 (STATUS_DATATYPE_MISALIGNMENT): There is a misaligned data reference.
• 0x80000003 (STATUS_BREAKPOINT): A breakpoint or assertion was reached without a debugger connected to the kernel.
• 0xC0000005 (STATUS_ACCESS_VIOLATION): memory access violation; this is usually the most common in driver failures.

For a complete list For NTSTATUS codes, you can refer to the values ​​defined in ntstatus.h (Windows Driver Kit). This is a standard resource for developers and helps interpret exactly what happened at the kernel level.

Most common indicators and causes

In practiceThese are the triggers we see most frequently in KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED:

• Faulty, outdated, or incompatible device drivers (network, storage, graphics, antivirus, peripherals, etc.).
• hardware conflicts (Outdated BIOS/UEFI, IRQ, memory, incompatibilities with new hardware).
• Faulty or unstable RAM (XMP profiles, incompatible or damaged modules).
• System file corruption or incomplete installations.
• Malware that interferes with system components.

If the BSOD message mentions a driver By name (e.g., .sys), it's a direct clue: disable, uninstall, or update it from the manufacturer. If your computer won't boot, Safe Mode will allow you to remove the driver from Device Manager.

Solutions for the KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED error (user level)

Before starting any of the processes we indicate, if the error prevents you from using Windows normally, boot in Safe ModeOn some computers, you can do this by pressing F8 repeatedly during startup; if not, use the recovery environment (WinRE) to access Advanced Boot and choose Safe Mode with Networking.

Method 1: Disable Fast Startup

The quick start It saves seconds of boot time, but can cause driver and hardware incompatibilities. To disable it:

1. Win + R, type “Control Panel” and press Enter.
2. Opens Energy options.
3. On the side, enter Choose the behavior of the on / off buttons.
4. Click on Change currently unavailable settings.
5. Uncheck Activate fast startup and save the changes.

Reboot and test if the BSOD disappears. If it persists, continue with the other methods.

Method 2: Update problematic drivers

Drivers are the number one cause. Check and update manually from Device Manager, or use your motherboard or GPU manufacturer's utility to detect new versions. If you have graphics issues, see specific solutions for VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE.

1. press Win + X and open Device administrator.
2. Locate devices with warning or in Other devices, right click and Update Driver.
3. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

If Windows can't find anything, download the driver from the manufacturer's website and use Search for driver software on my computerThere are also third-party automatic updaters (for example, tools like "Driver Booster") that scan and update in one go, although it's best to prioritize official drivers.

Method 3: Uninstall recent software/drivers

If the error appeared after installing something (peripheral, application, antivirus, overclocking utilities), try removing it:

1. Win + R → type “Control Panel”.
2. En Programs → Uninstall a program, sort by date.
3. Uninstall what was added just before the failures and restarts.

In Safe Mode You can also disable added services and drivers if the system does not boot normally.

Method 4: Install missing drivers (from Safe Mode)

If driver files are missing or corruption, Safe Mode with Networking makes reinstalling them easier. Repeat the steps in Device Manager and force install from the downloaded official package.

After completing the installation, exit Safe Mode and reboot into normal mode to validate.

Method 5: Repair Windows with SFC and DISM

The SFC/DISM tools Check and repair system files and the Windows image. Run the console as administrator and, one by one, execute these commands:

• sfc /scannow
• DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
• DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
• DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

When they finish, restart. If the recovery environment (WindowsRE) appears disabled and you can't access tools, try enabling it or use Windows installation media to open a console and run commands.

Method 6: Check RAM

The faulty memory This is a classic source of KMODE and 1E errors. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic:

1. Search Windows memory diagnostics from the Start menu.
2. Choose Reboot now and check for any issues.

If errors appear, test individual modules, disable XMP/EXPO, and if they persist, replace the affected module. Tools such as Memtest They also help to contrast.

Method 7: Check Disk and SMART

A disk with bad sectors or in poor condition can lead to BSOD. Run:

• chkdsk C: /f /r (it will ask you to restart).
• Check SMART with the utility of the SSD/HDD manufacturer.

If faults are detected, back up your data and replace the drive as soon as possible.

Event logging, minidumps, and remote help

• Events viewer: check out Windows Registry → System and filter by Critical y ErrorYou'll see entries like Kernel-Power associated with sudden shutdowns; they don't identify the driver at fault, but they help correlate timings.
• Minidumps: find them in C:\Windows\MinidumpIf you need help, please upload them (e.g., to OneDrive) and share the link so they can be analyzed with WinDbg. This is standard practice in technical support.
• Guided support: A typical flow recommended by technicians is to collect the minidump and then pass SFC y DISM in order (see commands above), reboot and validate if the fault persists before moving on to hardware tests.

Advanced Debugging with WinDbg (for technical users)

When there's no apparent cause for the KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED error, stack debugging will tell you which function failed. When connecting a kernel debugger and loading the minidump, these commands are key:

• kb: displays the backtrace with parameters.
• Look for the call to NT!PspUnhandledExceptionInSystemThread in the stack.
• The first parameter is a pointer to EXCEPTION_POINTERS (contains EXCEPTION_RECORD y CONTEXT).
• With dd (memory dump) at that address, get the two pointers.
• Usa .exr about the EXCEPTION_RECORD and .cxr about the CONTEXT; then again kb for the stack based on that context.

If the exception code is 0x80000003 (breakpoint) and the system started with /NODEBUG, connect a debugger and use /DEBUG to properly capture the trace. If you see 0x80000002 (misalignment), check the trap frame for more details.

Quick FAQ

• Why does KMODE appear at boot? A boot loop suggests a critical driver or hardware failure. Boot into Safe Mode or use System Restore if possible.
• How to fix the KMODE BSOD? Disables/checks problematic drivers, runs SFC and DISM, installs pending updates, performs a clean boot, runs antivirus, and diagnoses hardware (RAM, disk, CPU).
• Can it be fixed without losing data? Yes. In-place repair (startup repair, SFC/DISM) and updating drivers usually resolve this without touching your files.
• Is it a virus? No. It's a kernel bug; although malware can cause it, it's not a virus itself.
• How to prevent it? Keep Windows, BIOS, and drivers up to date, avoid unstable overclocking and questionable drivers, and don't touch the registry unintentionally.
• Can a bad disk cause it? Yes. Run CHKDSK and check SMART; if there are any reallocated sectors or warnings, replace the drive.
• Is it related to RAM? Frequently. Use Windows Memory Diagnostics; if there are errors, replace the faulty module.
• It is dangerous? It can cause data loss if repeated. Make backups as soon as you see the first BSOD.
• What about error 701? Unrelated; 701 usually points to the print spooler service, while KMODE is a kernel error.

If you've made it this far, you've mastered both quick fixes and in-depth diagnostics: from disabling fast startup and repairing system files to interpreting dumps and locating the offending driver. With a well-organized combination of these techniques, KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED goes from being a black box to a problem that can be addressed step by step.