Critical
Operating Systems
✓ Solution Verified by Community (0+ upvotes)
How to fix error 0x000000c5 in Windows 11
Bug Check 0x000000C5: DRIVER_CORRUPTED_EXPOOL — A driver corrupted the system pool.
Fix based on community reports and expert analysis. Last verified: 2026-08-12
· How we verify fixes
| Error Code | 0x000000c5 |
|---|---|
| Affected System | Windows 11 (Microsoft) |
| Difficulty | Critical |
| Estimated Time | 45 min |
| Requires Admin Rights | ⚠️ Yes |
| Requires Reboot | 🔄 Yes |
Solution Steps
- 1 Boot into Safe Mode: Restart your PC and press F8 (or Shift + F8) before Windows loads. If that fails, use WinRE by interrupting boot three times. Safe Mode loads minimal drivers, so if the BSOD doesn't occur, it's driver-related.
- 2 Run Windows Memory Diagnostic: Press Windows key + R, type 'mdsched.exe' and press Enter. Choose 'Restart now and check for problems'. This tests your RAM for errors. Faulty memory can cause pool corruption.
- 3 Update or roll back drivers: Open Device Manager (Windows key + X → Device Manager). Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark. Right-click and select 'Update driver'. If the issue started after a recent update, use 'Roll Back Driver'.
- 4 Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as administrator and type 'sfc /scannow'. This repairs corrupted system files that might be causing driver issues.
- 5 Check for Windows updates: Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates. Install all updates, including optional driver updates.
- 6 If the problem persists, use Driver Verifier to identify the faulty driver: Open Command Prompt as admin, type 'verifier' and follow the prompts to create custom settings, then restart. The BSOD will name the offending driver.
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