How to Fix a Kmode Exception not Handled Error in Windows 10
The KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED error is a common bluescreen error that usually arises because of a damaged driver. In some cases, users can also get stuck in a boot loop. In a word, the Kmode Exception not handled error is the result of memory-related clashes between two or more applications. This article explains how to fix a Kmode Exception Not Handled Error in Windows 10.
Read more to find out more on this and how to fix it:
1. Disable Fast Startup
Fast Startup is a default program on Windows 10 that allows your computer to boot faster from sleep. This can result in improper booting of the system.
Here is how to disable it:
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- Right-click on the Start button and select Power Options.
- On the menu tab, click on Additional power settings.
- Select “what power buttons do”
- Navigate to Shutdown settings and uncheck the Turn on fast startup box.
- Make sure you save changes before exiting
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2. Update Your Drivers
It is most likely that the Kmode Exception Not Handled error is caused by a driver error. Find the affected driver and clean it up.
To find the driver, you will normally see “Error: Kmode_Exception_Not_Handled,” followed by a name in brackets. That name is the driver that’s causing the problem and the one you should update.
Run a search for that driver to find out what hardware it relates to and then follow the steps below.
- Search for “Device Manager” in the Windows search bar and click the corresponding entry.
- Navigate to the hardware that corresponds to the driver error and right-click it. Select “Update driver” from the drop-down menu.
- A menu appears, select “Search automatically for updated driver software,” and wait for the process to complete.
If this fails, you can always survey your motherboard manufacturer’s website to see if there is a fresh driver release there, or Google the hardware if the driver belongs to an add-in card or other hardware.
If that is the case, download it, and perform the driver update manually by selecting “Browse my computer for driver software” instead during the third step.
The process can take a little bit of time, but once complete, you should have a system that no longer throws up Kmode Exception blue screen errors.
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3. Disable Your Antivirus Software
Some Antivirus programs are infamous for deleting or quarantining essential system files. That’s why it’s proposed that users temporarily disable their antivirus when installing new software(downloaded from a trusted site) or drivers.
- Locate the antivirus icon on the right side of the taskbar
- Right-click on it and select disable
Sometimes, the in-built Windows Security may also falsely flag safe programs and files. To disable Windows Security, follow these steps:
- Search for “Windows Security” in the start menu and open it
- In the menu dashboard, select Virus and threat protection.
- Click on Manage settings and switch-off Real-time protection.
Note: This is a temporary switch off. As soon as the program or driver completes the installation, switch your antivirus program back on.
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4. Remove External Hardware
When booting your computer, make sure that all external hardware is disconnected. This encompasses your keyboard, mouse, storage devices, and video game controllers. Check for any glitch while booting or re-appearance of the error after booting.
If the computer works smoothly, it means that the drivers related to those external devices were not installed properly.
5. Check Your RAM
If you’re still in a fix after the above fixes, you’re either having a hard-luck, or you may have a hardware problem that’s causing the driver corruption.
If it turns out to be the latter, the most likely cause is your RAM. To find out if that’s the case, you can use Windows’ memory diagnostics tool.
- Type in “Memory Diagnostic” in the Windows search bar and select the corresponding result.
- Click “Restart now and check for problems.” Or alternatively, “Check for problems the next time I start my computer,” if you need to save any existing work.
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6. Update the BIOS
Although it is rare, the Kmode exception error could be caused by outdated BIOS software. To update:
- Log on to the motherboard manufacturer’s website
- Find the downloads section
- Select the appropriate motherboard, then download and install the latest BIOS.
If your BIOS has options to enable or disable caching and shadowing, make sure that both of these options are disabled. Modern systems do not have these settings, but it’s important to rule these out.
Bottom Line
The aforementioned techniques will resolve the kmode_exception_not_handled BSOD. But if worse comes to worst, and the error doesn’t resolve, your last resort is to reset Windows 10.
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