How to Fix Windows Error 0x0000001E — KMODE Exception Not Handled [2026]

Windows Error 0x0000001E: KMODE Exception Not Handled

This error typically occurs when driver conflicts between installed drivers. Below you'll find 5 proven fixes to resolve it.

What Causes Windows Error 0x0000001E?

Windows error 0x0000001E (KMODE Exception Not Handled) can be triggered by several issues:

Driver conflicts between installed drivers
Faulty or incompatible RAM
CPU or RAM overclocking instability
Corrupted Windows system files
Recently installed incompatible software

How to Fix Windows Error 0x0000001E — Step by Step

Disable overclocking

Restart and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually Del or F2 at startup). Find CPU and RAM overclocking settings and set everything to default/auto. Save and exit. Overclocking instability is a leading cause of this stop code.

Run MemTest86

Download MemTest86 from memtest86.com, create a bootable USB, boot from it, and run at least 2 full passes. If errors appear, one or more RAM sticks are faulty.

Update all drivers in Safe Mode

Boot into Safe Mode with Networking. Open Device Manager > update GPU, chipset, network, and audio drivers from manufacturer websites — not Windows Update.

Run SFC and DISM

CMD as Admin:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart after each tool completes.

Perform a clean boot

Press Win + R > msconfig > Services tab > Hide all Microsoft services > Disable all > Startup tab > Open Task Manager > Disable all > Restart. If the BSOD stops, re-enable services one by one to find the conflict.

Still Getting Error 0x0000001E?

IT Cares can diagnose and fix this error remotely — usually in under 30 minutes.

Call (581) 398-1270 Book Remote Session

Frequently Asked Questions

What does KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED mean?

A kernel-mode program (driver or system process) generated an exception that the Windows error handler could not catch. Usually a bad driver or faulty RAM.

How do I know which driver is causing it?

Check the BSOD message for a filename ending in .sys. That file is usually the faulty driver. Search the filename online to identify the associated hardware.

Can overclocking cause this error?

Yes. Unstable overclocks cause memory and CPU errors that crash Windows at the kernel level. Resetting to stock speeds is the first thing to try.

Is faulty RAM dangerous?

Yes. Faulty RAM causes data corruption over time. If MemTest86 shows errors, replace the bad stick immediately.

Will a Windows reset fix it?

Possibly, if it is a software or corrupted file issue. But if the cause is faulty RAM or a driver conflict, resetting Windows will not help — fix the hardware first.

How to Fix Windows Error 0x0000001E — KMODE Exception Not Handled