KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLEDHighKmode exception not handled in Windows
What this error means
KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED is a Windows blue screen stop code that appears when the system kernel or a driver tries to handle an exception and fails. It often shows up during startup, after installing new hardware or software, or while using a device that depends on a faulty driver.
In many cases, this points to a driver problem, a recent Windows update issue, damaged system files, or failing hardware such as memory.
Common causes
- 1A faulty or outdated device driver
- 2Corrupted Windows system files
- 3A recent Windows update or software change
- 4Problematic memory or other hardware issue
How to fix it
- Restart your PC. If this was a one-time crash, a normal restart may clear the issue. If Windows keeps looping back to the same blue screen, continue with the next steps.
- Boot into Safe Mode. Safe Mode loads only the basics, which helps you get into Windows without the driver or app that may be causing the crash. Once you are in Safe Mode, remove any recently installed software or hardware accessories you added before the problem started.
- Update Windows and your drivers. Install the latest Windows updates, then check for updated drivers for your graphics card, Wi-Fi adapter, storage controller, and other important hardware. If the crash began after a driver update, rolling that driver back may help.
- Repair Windows system files. Open an elevated Command Prompt and run Windows' built-in repair tools to check for damaged system files and restore them. This can fix crashes caused by missing or corrupted core files.
- Scan for malware. Run a full security scan with Windows Security or your trusted antivirus app. Some malware can damage drivers or system files and trigger blue screen crashes.
- Check your memory and hardware connections. If the problem keeps returning, run a Windows memory test and make sure internal components, external drives, and accessories are connected properly. A bad RAM stick or unstable hardware can cause this stop code.
- Get help if the crashes continue. If Windows still blue screens after updates, driver checks, and repair steps, contact your device manufacturer or Quickfix support. Persistent crashes may need a deeper hardware diagnosis.
Recommended fixes
Restart your device
A restart clears temporary state that often causes transient errors.
- Save your work and close open apps.
- Restart the device from the power menu.
- Reproduce the issue to check whether it persists.
Install Windows updates
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install everything available.
- Restart if prompted.
Boot into Safe Mode (Windows)
- Open Settings > System > Recovery and click Restart now under Advanced startup.
- Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- Press 4 (or 5 for Safe Mode with Networking).
Update your drivers (Windows)
- Open Device Manager.
- Right-click the affected device and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers.
Run System File Checker and DISM
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Run
sfc /scannowand let it complete. - Then run
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. - Restart your PC.
Scan for malware (Windows)
- Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
- Run a Full scan.
- Quarantine or remove anything detected, then restart.
When to seek help
Seek professional help if KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED happens repeatedly, prevents Windows from starting normally, or started right after a hardware change and does not improve after Safe Mode, updates, and system repair. You should also get help sooner if you hear unusual fan noise, notice overheating, or suspect faulty memory or storage.
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