The
"KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED" is a common Windows Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error. It occurs when a kernel-mode program or device driver encounters an error the system cannot identify or handle. [
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The quickest ways to resolve this stop code are to update or reinstall faulty device drivers and disable Fast Startup. [
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1. Identify and Update Problematic Drivers
Often, Windows will display the specific name of the driver causing the issue (e.g., nvlddmkm.sys for Nvidia, or something related to your network/audio) right on the blue screen. [
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- Boot into Safe Mode if you cannot reach your normal desktop.
- Type Device Manager in the Windows search bar and open it.
- Locate the hardware component tied to the error message (or look for devices with a yellow warning triangle).
- Right-click the device and select Update driver -> Search automatically for drivers.
- Alternatively, go directly to the manufacturer's website (e.g., Intel, AMD, Nvidia) to download and install the latest versions. [1, 2, 3]
2. Disable Fast Startup
This Windows feature can sometimes cause kernels to fail to reload properly, resulting in a BSOD loop. [
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- Press Windows Key + R, type control and hit Enter to open the Control Panel.
- Go to Power Options and click Choose what the power buttons do.
- Click Change settings that are currently unavailable at the top.
- Uncheck Turn on fast startup and click Save changes. [1]
3. Run System File Checker (SFC)
Corrupted Windows system files can trigger this exception. [
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- Type cmd in the Windows search bar, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
- Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press Enter.
- Once that finishes, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
- Restart your PC after the scan is complete. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
4. Check for Bad RAM or Hardware
A faulty RAM module that gives read/write errors is a frequent cause of this error. [
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