How to Fix Kmode Exception Not Handled on Windows

What Causes This?

The Kmode Exception Not Handled error usually appears when Windows hits a kernel-level error it can’t recover from. In most cases, the cause is a bad, outdated, or incompatible driver — especially graphics, network, or storage drivers. It can also be triggered by corrupted system files, faulty RAM, BIOS issues, or software that conflicts with low-level Windows processes.

Common Symptoms

• A blue screen with the message Kmode Exception Not Handled
• Windows restarts unexpectedly during startup or while using the PC
• Crashes after installing a new driver, update, or hardware device
• Boot loops or repeated blue screen errors
• System instability, freezing, or failed logins after a crash

How to Fix It Manually

1. Boot into Safe Mode if Windows keeps crashing

   • If your PC restarts before you can sign in, interrupt startup 3 times in a row to open Windows Recovery Environment.
   • Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
   • Press 4 for Safe Mode or 5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

2. Remove or roll back recently installed drivers

   • Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
   • Look for devices with a yellow warning icon, or think about any driver you updated recently.
   • Right-click the device and choose:
     • Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver if the problem started after an update, or
     • Uninstall device to remove it, then restart Windows.
   • Focus first on Display adapters, Network adapters, and Storage controllers.

3. Run System File Checker and DISM

   • Right-click Start and choose Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
   • Run these commands one at a time:

     sfc /scannow
     DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   • Wait for each scan to finish, then restart your PC.

4. Turn off Fast Startup

   • Open Control Panel and go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
   • Click Choose what the power buttons do.
   • Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.
   • Uncheck Turn on fast startup, then click Save changes.
   • Restart the PC and check if the blue screen returns.

5. Check your memory for errors

   • Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
   • Choose Restart now and check for problems.
   • Let the memory test complete. If errors appear, your RAM may need to be reseated or replaced.

6. Update Windows and your BIOS

   • Open Settings > Windows Update and install all pending updates.
   • For BIOS or firmware updates, visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s support page and use the exact model number of your device.
   • Only install BIOS updates intended for your hardware. A wrong BIOS update can cause serious problems.

7. Use System Restore if the error started recently

   • Press Windows + S, type Create a restore point, and open it.
   • Click System Restore and choose a restore point from before the crashes started.
   • Follow the prompts, then restart when finished.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

If you don’t want to track down bad drivers, repair files, and clean up crash-related junk manually, Kudu can do the heavy lifting. It helps detect common system issues, remove clutter left behind after crashes, and improve overall Windows stability so recurring errors are easier to prevent.

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