How to Resolve KMODE Exception Not Handled Error in Windows?

Fix Kmode Exception Not Handled Error in Windows

Are you a Windows user who is facing the “Kmode Exception Not Handled” error? If affirmative, then this article is for you. In this article, we will explore everything there is to know about this error, as – What exactly is it? Why does it occur? And most importantly, How do we resolve it? So, why wait? Let’s start digging!

What is a Kmode Exception Not Handled Error in Windows?

The Kmode Exception Not Handled is a “System Crash” type of error mainly occurring on Windows 10 and 11. It happens when a Kernel Mode Program triggers an exception, but the “Error Handler” fails to catch that exception. In lay terms, the exception handler is unable to identify and address the problem or error.

When this error occurs, the PC generally displays an error code (0x0000001E). The Kmode Exception Not Handled error could lead to various other errors, software shutdowns, and a complete system crash in case of a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). This error is also known as the – Blue Screen of Death or Blue Screen Loop error and mainly occurs in Dell and Acer laptops.

What Causes the Kmode Exception Not Handled error in Windows?

The KMode Exception not handled error could arise for “n” reasons. Some of those reasons are mentioned below:

  • Faulty RAM
  • Bad or missing device drivers
  • Outdated or inadequate USB drive
  • Corrupt system files or programs
  • Incompatible or old graphics card
  • Increase in the voltage of the CPU, etc.

How to Resolve the Kmode Exception Not Handled Error in Windows?

There are 10 ways to fix Windows’s Kmode Exception Not Handled error. We advise starting with the first method & moving on to the next if the first one doesn’t work.

  • Disable Fast Startup
  • Update Driver(s)
  • Install Missing Driver(s)
  • Uninstall the On/Off Gigabytes Program
  • Uninstall Antivirus
  • Update BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
  • Uninstall VPN Client
  • Adjust the CPU Voltage
  • Check and replace the RAM

Disable Fast Startup

Windows 10’s Fast Startup can trigger this issue due to its quick recovery from hibernation and shutdown. This feature loads any previously present driver problems upon booting up the system. Disabling Fast Startup can increase your system’s uptime and even entirely resolve the issue in question.

Follow the steps mentioned below to disable Fast Startup:

  • Click Search, placed on the taskbar.
  • Type Control Panel and press Enter.
  • The Control Panel window will appear.
  • Click System and Security.
  • Click Power Options.
  • In the left pane, click the Choose what the power buttons does option.
  • In the right pane, click the Change settings that are currently available link.
  • Under the Showdown settings section, uncheck the checkbox in front of the Turn on Fast Startup (recommended) option.
  • Click Save changes.

Update Driver(s)

Update the outdated driver to fix the Kmode Exception Not Handled error. To know the name of the outdated driver, check the error message on the blue screen. It displays the driver’s name in brackets that are causing the issue. Once you have the name(s), download and manually install the update from the authorized (manufacturer’s) website.

Follow the steps mentioned below to update drivers:

  • Click Search, placed on the taskbar.
  • Type Device Manager and press Enter.
  • The Device Manager window will appear.
  • Click the arrowhead (>) placed before the hardware corresponding to the driver error.
  • Right-click the hardware.
  • From the drop-down list, select Update driver.
  • A new window will appear.
  • Click Search automatically for drivers.
  • Wait 2 to 5 minutes for the process to end.

Note: If you’re stuck in a Kmode Exception Not Handled error loop after Windows restart, it could be due to a faulty display driver. Download the latest driver from your graphics card manufacturer’s website (Intel, AMD, or NVIDIA) and install it in safe mode to fix the error loop.

Install Missing Driver(s)

The Kmode Exception Not Handled error can also occur if some of the drivers are missing.

Follow the steps mentioned below to install the missing drivers:

  • Press the F8 or Shift+F8 keys on your keyboard during startup.
  • From the list, select the Safe Mode with Networking option.
  • Once in Safe Mode, perform these actions:
    • Click Search, placed on the taskbar.Type Device Manager and press Enter.The Device Manager window will appear.Click the arrowhead (>) placed before any unknown devices and right-click on them.From the drop-down list, select Update driver.A new window will appear.Click Search automatically for drivers.
    • Click the “Browse my Computer for Driver” option if the ” Search automatically for drivers” option doesn’t work.
  • Install all drivers.
  • Exit Safe Mode and check if the issue is resolved.

Uninstall the On/Off Gigabytes Program

Windows 11 is not compatible with the on/off Gigabyte program designed for USB stations. Therefore, it is paramount to uninstall or remove it.

Follow the steps mentioned below to remove the on/off Gigabyte program:

  • Click Search, placed on the taskbar.
  • Type Add or remove programs and press Enter.
  • The Apps > Apps & features window will appear.
  • Under the App list section, in the Search apps field, type ON/OFF Gigabyte, and press Enter.
  • Click three vertical dots on the right of the ON/OFF Gigabyte option.
  • Select Uninstall.
  • Restart the system.

Uninstall Antivirus

The Kmode Exception Not Handled error may be caused by your antivirus software. Uninstall it to check if the issue – persists or not.

Follow the steps mentioned below to remove the antivirus from the system:

  • Click Search, placed on the taskbar.
  • Type Add or remove programs and press Enter.
  • The Apps > Apps & features window will appear.
  • Under the App list section, in the Search apps field, type the name of the antivirus software installed and press Enter.
  • Click three vertical dots on the right of the name of the antivirus software option.
  • From the list, select Uninstall.
  • Restart the system.

Update BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

The Kmode_Exception_not_handled error may emerge due to an obsolete or clashing BIOS version. Therefore, updating it is necessary. But, before updating the BIOS, check the personalized user manual for updating any BIOS, as it differs from system to system.

Follow the steps mentioned below to update BIOS:

  • Open a fresh tab in Chrome.
  • In the URL bar, type the manufacturer’s website address (for your motherboard).
  • From the website, download the updated BIOS version.
  • Cut and Paste the updated BIOS version to a USB memory stick.
  • Press and hold the Shift key on the keyboard & restart the system.
  • Click Troubleshoot.
  • Under the Advanced settings section, click the UEFI Firmware Settings
  • Search for the updated BIOS version and install it from the USB stick.

Uninstall VPN Client

The Kmode_Exception_not_handled error can also pop up due to VPN clients such as OpenVPN, Cisco, Hola, Atlas, and much more. If you have a VPN client installed on your system, remove it and verify whether the issue – persists.

Follow the steps mentioned below to uninstall the VPN client:

  • Click Search, positioned on the taskbar.
  • Type Add or remove programs
  • Press Enter.
  • Under the App list section, in the Search apps field, type the name of the VPN client installed.
  • Press Enter.
  • Click three vertical dots on the right of the name of the VPN client option.
  • Click Uninstall.
  • Reboot the system.

Adjust the CPU Voltage

After trying various methods, many Windows 10 and 11 users have come to a conclusion and reported that the reason for which they were facing the Kmode_Exception_not_handled error was the wrong CPU voltage. Once they adjusted it, the issues stopped popping up.

CPU voltage can be adjusted in the Advanced Settings of the BIOS. It’s a simple and easy process, but consult an expert rather than performing or executing it yourself.

Check and Replace the RAM

The Kmode_Exception_not_handled error can also transpire due to faulty RAM. Follow the steps mentioned below to check the RAM:

  • Click the Windows icon + R buttons on your keyboard.
  • The Run window will appear at the bottom left corner.
  • In the Open field, type mdsched.exe and press Enter.
  • The Windows Memory Diagnostic window will appear.
  • Click on the Restart now and check for problems (recommended) option.
  • Follow the entire process to uncover and resolve any potential issues.

After performing all the methods stated above, if you still face the Kmode_Exception_not_handled error, it is best to replace the RAM.

Follow the steps mentioned below to replace the RAM:

  • Open the system case carefully.
  • Locate the RAM modules.
  • Remove the damaged part by pulling the hinges.
  • Place the updated module in the same position as the old one by holding it with the hinges.

Conclusion

The Kmode_Exception_not_handled error in Windows is troublesome, but it’s not that severe as it can be solved by performing techniques such as disabling Fast Startup, updating drivers and BIOS, uninstalling the On/Off Gigabytes program, antivirus software, and VPN client, adjusting the CPU voltage, and much more.

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Janki Mehta

Janki Mehta is a Cyber-Security Enthusiast who constantly updates herself with new advancements in the Web/Cyber Security niche. Along with theoretical knowledge, she also implements her practical expertise in day-to-day tasks and helps others to protect themselves from threats.