PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREAHighPage fault in nonpaged area
What this error means
This Windows stop code means the system tried to access memory it expected to always be available, but the data was missing or unreadable. It often shows up as a blue screen during startup, after installing a driver or update, or when opening a program that puts pressure on memory.
Most of the time, the cause is a faulty driver, bad memory, corrupted system files, or a storage problem that is affecting how Windows reads data.
Common causes
- 1A faulty or incompatible driver
- 2Bad or unstable RAM
- 3Corrupted Windows system files
- 4A disk or storage problem
- 5Recent software, update, or security tool conflicts
How to fix it
- Restart your PC. If this was a one-time blue screen, a simple restart may clear a temporary memory problem. If the same stop code returns, continue with the steps below.
- Remove any recently added hardware or software changes. If the problem started after installing a new device, driver, app, or Windows update, undo that change if possible. Unplug external devices you do not need and see whether the blue screen stops.
- Start Windows in Safe Mode. Safe Mode loads only basic drivers and services, which helps you check whether a third-party driver or app is causing the crash. If the system is stable in Safe Mode, the cause is usually software-related rather than hardware-related.
- Update your drivers and install Windows updates. Focus on display, storage, chipset, and network drivers first, because these commonly affect memory access. Install any pending Windows updates as well, since they may include stability fixes.
- Check Windows system files. Open the built-in repair tools that look for damaged or missing system files and fix them when possible. This step can resolve corruption that triggers the
page fault in nonpaged areastop code. - Test your memory and storage. Run a memory diagnostic to look for failing RAM, and check your main drive for errors. If either test reports problems, the hardware may need repair or replacement.
- Scan for malware and contact support if it continues. Some malware can interfere with system memory and drivers, so run a full security scan. If the blue screen keeps returning after these checks, the issue may need expert hardware or driver analysis.
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 the blue screen happens repeatedly, if Windows will not start normally, or if memory or disk tests report errors. Also get help sooner if the problem began after a hardware upgrade, if your PC makes unusual clicking, beeping, or overheating noises, or if you are seeing other crash codes along with page fault in nonpaged area.
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