MICROCODE_REVISION_MISMATCH

What is this error?

The CPU microcode loaded by the BIOS doesn't match what Windows expects. This indicates a BIOS/CPU firmware issue.

Common causes

  • outdated BIOS missing microcode update
  • BIOS downgrade removed microcode
  • CPU not fully supported by current BIOS
  • Intel/AMD security patch missing

How to fix it

  1. Update BIOS to the latest version immediately
  2. This is a firmware issue that only BIOS updates can fix

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Bug check 0x0000017E (MICROCODE_REVISION_MISMATCH) means the CPU microcode in your BIOS is outdated or incorrect. Microcode is low-level CPU firmware loaded during boot — if it's wrong, Windows can't trust the CPU to operate correctly.

This is critical for Intel 13th/14th gen CPUs where microcode updates prevent hardware degradation.

How to fix it:

  1. UPDATE YOUR BIOS IMMEDIATELY — this is the only real fix. Download the latest BIOS from your motherboard manufacturer's website
  2. Flash the BIOS following the manufacturer's instructions (usually through BIOS itself or a USB flash utility)
  3. After updating, reset BIOS to default settings
  4. For Intel 13th/14th gen: ensure the BIOS includes microcode 0x129 or later — this prevents CPU vCore degradation
  5. If you previously downgraded your BIOS, upgrade back to the latest version
  6. Do NOT ignore this BSOD — running with mismatched microcode can cause data corruption and hardware damage
  7. If BIOS update doesn't fix it, contact the motherboard manufacturer for support

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.

Chat with AI about MICROCODE_REVISION_MISMATCH

Describe your setup and get a personalized diagnosis in seconds. Free, no signup needed.

Get AI diagnosis

Chat with AI about this error

Describe your setup and what you were doing when the crash happened. Our AI checks against 400+ known crash patterns — free, no download needed.

or type your own question below

Paste or drop screenshots for better diagnosis

Let Crashless handle it

The desktop app scans your drivers, temps, VRAM, event logs, and 400+ known patterns — then walks you through the fix step by step.