Windows 11, the latest addition to Microsoft’s operating system lineup, has inherited some errors from its predecessors. One such issue is the “Kmode_exception_not_handled” error. This is a serious error and should be addressed promptly. It indicates potential problems with your computer, and it’s important to check your system for any failures to avoid further hardware damage down the line. Let’s explore the possible reasons why you might be seeing the “Kmode exception not handled” error on your Windows 11 machine.
Why do I keep getting KMODE EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED Blue Screen?
Windows is telling the administrator that something went into the machine, which has forced the software to crash to prevent further hardware-level damages. Yes, hardware or software is failing to create a communication between them, and you should address it quickly. Let me give you quick scenarios on what is causing the error in the machine.
- GPU Drivers: Windows 11 doesn’t support older motherboards because they want to move forward with the latest technology and old hardware is preventing them to do so. Find updated GPU drivers and install them in the 11th edition. You can add a cheaper discrete GPU such as GT 1030 or AMD RX 540, and they will receive newer software updates in the future.
- RAM: I had several failed memory modules lying in the attic. Yes, RAM stick fails due to several factors, including aging. You can clean the RAM and the slot, and then check if things are moving smoothly or not. In case, if the KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED persisting, then consider getting a replacement.
- USB: Almost everyone connects USB devices to the machine, and the error is triggered due to faulty USB devices or drivers
- Overclocked CPU or GPU: Yes, it is happening due to overclocking the central processor or graphics processor, try to switch back to stock clocks.
- Missing Drivers: Pick up the motherboard driver CD or visit the official page to install all drivers in the Windows 11 machine.
Fix Kmode Exception Not Handled Error Windows 11
Microsoft designed the operating system to create logs, so you can check out which file caused the error, and investigate the matter.
Update All Drivers
Windows 11 is built on new code, and it requires updated drivers to function properly.
- I recommend the users to find the driver’s CD and install them all again and let Windows Update do the job.
- Or, you can manually look for the newer drivers on the official laptop or motherboard website.
Of course, I chose manual work because you can find out the drivers faster and have more control over what’s being installed in the machine. Make sure to remove the old drivers before updating them in the machine.
Update GPU Drivers
Let me show you how you can update the display drivers manually in the machine. The instructions may differ in your case, but the concept will remain the same, and it will help you in looking for Intel, Nvidia, and AMD drivers.
- Search for drivers in the search engine. Search “Nvidia graphics drivers download” and replace “Nvidia” with the machine’s GPU vendor.
- Choose the GPU series.
- I have a GTX 1050 card, and I have selected everything according to it, and then click on “Search” to continue.
- Click on “Supported Products” to confirm the GPU compatibility with the driver and then click on “Download.”
I recommend the users uninstall the display drivers with the assistance of Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) because it will remove remnants from the system. Watch any YouTube tutorial for instructions, but I implore you to do this, and I do this personally.
Disable Elan Service in Windows 11 PC
Disable Elan Service published by Elan Microelectronics Corporation. Do not worry about the adverse effects of disabling the service because you can repeat the same instructions and enable it back again. We have to boot into Windows Safe Mode to disable the Elan Service.
Step 1: Restart Windows PC, while holding the shift key.
It will boot up the troubleshooting menu on the screen.
Step 2: Choose “Troubleshoot” to continue.
Step 3: Choose “Advanced” to continue.
Step 4: Choose “Startup repair” to continue.
Step 5: Choose “Advanced options” to continue.
Step 6: Click on the “Restart” button.
Step 7: Press the 5 key on the keyboard after the bootup.
Step 8: You have entered into Safe Mode and press Windows key + R together.
Step 9: Search for “msconfig” and click on “OK” to open it.
Step 10: Choose “Services” from the top menu.
Step 11: Unselect “Elan Service” and then click on “Apply” and then “OK” to save changes.
Step 12: Click on “Restart” to save the changes in the Windows 11 machine.
Your PC will restart and will boot you in normal mode, so you don’t have to get out of the safe mode anymore. In case, if this didn’t resolve anything, then revert the changes to normal by following the same tutorial.
Failing RAM Stick
The RAM module in the motherboard might be failing, which is causing the Windows to crash and end up with BSOD. Now, the challenge is to identify, whether the RAM slot is failing or if it is the stick itself.
Step 1: Press the Start key.
Step 2: Search for “Windows Memory Diagnostic” and press enter key to open it.
Step 3: Choose an option.
The PC will restart and launch the diagnose the memory or RAM stick for hardware failures. You can remove the RAM from the board and clean the slot with a dry cotton fiber cloth.
The memory diagnostic tool will show you, if there are any hardware errors or not.
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Conclusion
Drivers play a crucial role in the kmode_exception_not_handled error, and you can resolve it with an update. Many Windows desktops go without a proper clean for years, and dust particles are known to create problems in the machine. Let us know which solution helped you in resolving the kmode_exception_not_handled error in the comment section below.
