Buzz
Follow these quick solutions to resolve this issue on Windows 10 & 11
Seeing a blue screen with the error code "UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP"? This can be incredibly annoying, especially when the cause isn’t obvious. It's often linked to faulty RAM, though outdated drivers or deeper kernel issues can be culprits too. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical methods to resolve it. Let’s dive in.
Understanding & Solving the UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP
This error tends to stem from memory issues. Start by checking if your RAM is securely installed, and consider replacing it if it’s aging. Use built-in Windows tools like the BSOD troubleshooter, DISM, and SFC for further diagnostics. If none of these help, a full Windows reinstall may be your best option.
How-To Guide
Inspect Your Hardware
Take a closer look at your hardware—especially your RAM. Faulty RAM is a common trigger for this BSOD error. Ensure your RAM modules are firmly installed in the correct motherboard slots. If you’ve recently added new RAM, remove those sticks and check that the remaining ones are properly positioned in the designated slots.
- Even if you haven’t changed your RAM, trying out a different set can help. Components naturally wear out over time and may stop functioning reliably.
Use the BSOD Troubleshooter
Launch the BSOD troubleshooter to pinpoint the cause. Windows includes built-in tools to help diagnose issues, including blue screen crashes.
- Search for "Get help" using the taskbar search.
- Open the Get Help app.
- Look up "Troubleshoot blue screen error" inside the app.
- Select Troubleshoot blue screen error from the results.
- Follow the instructions provided to resolve the problem.
Execute DISM and SFC Commands
Run DISM and SFC to repair your system files. Windows includes two essential repair tools: Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) and System File Checker (SFC). To begin, follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt by typing Command Prompt in the taskbar search and launching the app.
Execute the following repair commands. It's best to run DISM before SFC.
- DISM: Dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
- SFC: SFC /scannow
- Once complete, restart your computer to check if the issue has been resolved.
Install System Updates
Update Windows to eliminate potential problems. An outdated OS can lead to various issues, including driver conflicts. Keeping Windows up to date ensures you receive critical patches and drivers.
- Search for "Windows update" in the taskbar, select Check for updates, and install any available updates. Afterward, verify if the issue persists.
Keep Your Drivers Up to Date
Driver updates might resolve the problem. Although this BSOD typically stems from hardware faults, a corrupted driver could also be the cause. Follow these steps to update your drivers:
- Enter Safe Mode by holding the ⇧ Shift key on the Windows sign-in screen, then click Power > Restart.
- Right-click the Start menu and choose Device Manager.
- Expand the Network Adapters and Display Adapters sections.
- Right-click each listed device and choose “Update driver.” After updating, restart your system to check if the issue is resolved.
Restore Your System to an Earlier Point
If other fixes fail, revert to a previous restore point. Your system might have created one before the issue began.
- Search for "Recovery" in the taskbar and select the Recovery option from the Control Panel.
- Click "Open System Restore".
- Choose a restore point from the list—either one you created or one made by Windows automatically.
- Let the restoration complete. Your system will reboot into the selected restore state once it's done.
Clear the CMOS Battery
Clearing the CMOS battery can reset overclocked settings. If you’ve overclocked your components, that could be the root of the UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP error. Resetting the CMOS battery restores BIOS defaults.
- Take off your PC case’s side panel.
- Find the CMOS battery—a small round silver coin on the motherboard.
- Remove the battery for a few seconds, then reinsert it to complete the reset.
Perform a Windows Reinstallation
If all else fails, consider reinstalling Windows. As a final measure, a fresh installation might eliminate persistent issues.
- Restart your system and press F8 at the boot screen to access the Windows Recovery Environment.
- On some devices, use Fn+F8 instead of just F8.
- Go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. Choose whether to keep your personal files or remove everything, then follow the prompts to reinstall Windows.
- After the installation completes, your system should boot without the error repeating.
