KERNEL_MODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
What is this error?
A kernel-mode program generated an exception that the error handler did not catch. Similar to KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED but for system-level code.
Common causes
- buggy kernel driver
- hardware failure
- corrupted system files
- driver incompatibility
- overclocking instability
How to fix it
- Check minidump for faulting driver
- update drivers
- run sfc /scannow
- test hardware
Too many steps? Crashless can diagnose this automatically — checks your drivers, temps, VRAM, and 400+ known error patterns.
Get free AI diagnosis Detailed analysis
Bug check 0x0000008E (KERNEL_MODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED) occurs when kernel-mode code generates an exception that isn't caught by any error handler. This is a generic kernel crash.
The minidump is essential for diagnosis — it tells you exactly which driver or module caused the exception.
How to fix it:
- Check the minidump (C:\Windows\Minidump) — the faulting module is the key to fixing this
- If the faulting module is a GPU driver (nvlddmkm.sys, atikmpag.sys): DDU clean install GPU driver
- If it's an antivirus driver: temporarily uninstall the antivirus
- If it's a Windows system file (ntoskrnl.exe, win32kfull.sys): run 'sfc /scannow' and 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth'
- Update all drivers from the motherboard manufacturer's website
- Disable any overclocking
- Run memtest86 — memory errors can cause exceptions in kernel code
- If the exception code is 0xC0000005 (access violation), it's likely a driver bug or hardware issue
When to seek help
If this error keeps happening after trying the fixes above, it may point to a deeper hardware or system issue. Consider professional help if:
- The crash occurs across multiple games or applications
- You see the same error after a clean Windows install
- Your PC is less than a year old (could be a warranty issue)
- You smell burning or hear unusual sounds from your PC
Or let Crashless do the deep analysis for you -- our AI checks drivers, temps, event logs, and 400+ known patterns automatically.
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