Critical Operating Systems ✓ Solution Verified by Community (0+ upvotes)

How to fix error kmode-exception-not-handled in Windows 11

Kernel-mode program generated an exception the error handler didn't catch. Usually a driver issue.

✅ 65% success rate
👥 0+ users verified
📅 Updated: 2026-08-12
⏱️ 60 min read
Fix based on community reports and expert analysis. Last verified: 2026-08-12 · How we verify fixes
Error Codekmode-exception-not-handled
Affected SystemWindows 11 (Microsoft)
DifficultyCritical
Estimated Time60 min
Requires Admin Rights⚠️ Yes
Requires Reboot🔄 Yes

Solution Steps

  1. 1 Boot into Safe Mode. Press Windows key + I to open Settings, go to System → Recovery, and under 'Advanced startup' click 'Restart now'. After your PC restarts, choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, then press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode. Safe Mode loads minimal drivers, so if the error doesn't occur, it's driver-related.
  2. 2 Once in Safe Mode, open Device Manager by pressing Windows key + X and selecting 'Device Manager'. Expand categories like 'Display adapters', 'Storage controllers', and 'Network adapters'. Right-click each device and select 'Update driver'. Choose 'Search automatically for drivers'. For critical drivers, visit the manufacturer's website to download the latest version.
  3. 3 If you recently installed a new driver, roll it back. In Device Manager, right-click the device, select 'Properties', go to the 'Driver' tab, and click 'Roll Back Driver'. This reverts to the previous version that worked.
  4. 4 Run System File Checker. Open Command Prompt as administrator (Windows key + X → Terminal (Admin)). Type 'sfc /scannow' and press Enter. This repairs corrupted system files that might be causing the error.
  5. 5 If SFC finds issues, run DISM. In the same Command Prompt, type 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth' and press Enter. This fixes the system image.
  6. 6 Check for incompatible software. Uninstall recently installed programs that might install kernel drivers, such as certain antivirus tools or system utilities. Press Windows key + I to open Settings, go to Apps → Installed apps, sort by install date, and uninstall any suspicious software.
  7. 7 If the error persists, use Windows Memory Diagnostic. Press Windows key + R, type 'mdsched.exe', and press Enter. Choose 'Restart now and check for problems'. Faulty RAM can cause this error.
  8. 8 As a last resort, perform a System Restore. Press Windows key + R, type 'rstrui.exe', and press Enter. Follow the wizard to restore your PC to a point before the error started.

Alternative Solutions

Method 2 (0 upvotes)

  1. Boot into Safe Mode: Restart your PC and press F8 (or Shift + Restart) to access Advanced Startup Options. Choose 'Safe Mode'. This loads only essential drivers, which helps you uninstall problematic drivers without the system crashing.
  2. Uninstall recently installed drivers: Press Windows key + X and select 'Device Manager'. Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark. Right-click the device and select 'Uninstall device'. Check 'Delete the driver software for this device' if available, then restart. This removes the driver that might be causing the conflict.
  3. Run the System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as administrator (right-click Start, select 'Terminal (Admin)'). Type 'sfc /scannow' and press Enter. This repairs corrupted system files that might be causing the issue.
  4. Run the DISM tool: In the same Command Prompt, type 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth' and press Enter. This repairs the Windows system image, which SFC relies on. It can take up to 30 minutes.
  5. Update your drivers: In Device Manager, right-click each device and select 'Update driver'. Choose 'Search automatically for drivers'. Pay special attention to graphics, network, and storage drivers. Outdated or buggy drivers are the most common cause of this error.
  6. Check for Windows updates: Press Windows key + I to open Settings, go to 'Windows Update', and click 'Check for updates'. Install all pending updates. Microsoft often releases fixes for known driver issues.

Method 3 (0 upvotes)

  1. Press Windows key + X and select 'Device Manager'. Expand categories and look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark. Right-click each and select 'Update driver'. Choose 'Search automatically for drivers'. This ensures you have the latest drivers, as outdated ones are the top cause of this error.
  2. If updating doesn't work, uninstall the driver: right-click the device, select 'Uninstall device', and check 'Delete the driver software for this device' if available. Restart your PC. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically. This removes corrupted driver files.
  3. Press Windows key + R, type 'sfc /scannow', and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to run as administrator. This scans and repairs corrupted system files. It may take 15-20 minutes. If it finds issues, it will fix them.
  4. After SFC, run DISM: type 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth' in the same Command Prompt and press Enter. This repairs the Windows system image. It can take up to 30 minutes.
  5. If the error persists, check for Windows updates: press Windows key + I, go to Windows Update, and click 'Check for updates'. Install all pending updates, including optional driver updates.
  6. If the error started after a recent update, use System Restore: press Windows key + R, type 'rstrui', and press Enter. Choose a restore point before the error and follow the prompts.

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