If you recently updated your Windows 10/11 and encountered the MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION BSOD error, you’re not alone. Many users have faced this issue. Let’s explore what this error message signifies and how it can be resolved.
About the Blue Screen Error: MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION
The MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION error is a type of BSOD error. When Windows detects a possible hardware issue, it immediately halts the boot up process, hence the error message.
However, the MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION BSOD error on Windows 10/11 is not always associated with your hardware components. It can sometimes be caused by software glitches and issues that make the Windows operating system think that a hardware component is faulty.
What Causes the MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION Blue Screen Error
There are many potential causes that trigger the MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION BSOD error to appear. It can be a faulty hardware component, such as a RAM, hard drive, or CPU. It could also be issues with software or drivers, particularly those associated with Intel hardware devices.
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How to Fix the MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION Blue Screen Error
Is the MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION BSOD error keeping your productivity rate low? Here are some solutions that can fix the problem;
Solution #1: Disconnect all external peripheral devices
Before trying other solutions on this article, disconnect any external peripheral device such as USB flash drives, external hard drives, speakers, and printers, that are connected to your computer. And then, restart Windows. If this helps Windows boot normally, then one of the devices is at fault.
Solution #2: Boot into Safe Mode
If disconnecting all external peripheral devices does not work, then try to boot Windows into Safe Mode. This mode starts Windows in its most basic state with only a limited set of drivers, system processes, and files. By running Windows in this mode, you can easily identify and troubleshoot issues.
Solution #3: Update your computer’s display driver
While your Windows 10/11 computer is in Safe Mode, reinstall or update the display driver. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows + X keys to open the Device Manager.
- In the Device Manager, click Display Adapters to expand the options.
- Right-click on the Display Driver section and select Update Driver Software.
- Choose Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software.
- Follow the on-screen prompts and wait as Windows installs the latest display driver software.
Solution #4: Check for any corrupted system files
Corrupted or missing system files, especially after updating Windows 10/11, can cause random blue screen of death problems at startup. To fix this, run the DISM Restore Health command, as well as the system file checker utility.
The steps below will guide you on what to do:
- Into the search bar, input Command Prompt.
- In the search results, right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
- Into the command line, input the DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth command.
- Hit Enter.
- Wait for the scanning process to complete.
- After that, run the system file checker command by entering the sfc /scannow command.
- Press Enter.
- At this point, Windows will scan your system for any missing system files and restore a correct version.
- Restart your computer after the scanning process.
Alternatively, you can use a PC repair tool to automate the entire process of fixing broken, corrupted, or damaged system files.
Solution #5: Check your CPU and power supply fans
Often times, your PC fans may get stuck due to overheating or excessive dust. As a result, BSOD errors surface.
To fix this, open the CPU and switch on the power button. And then, check if the fans are okay. Sometimes, if the fans are problematic, they slow down or get stuck. If the fans are no longer working, you will have to replace them with a new one.
Wrapping Up
The next time you come across the MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION BSOD error, try any of the solutions above. Start by disconnecting all external peripheral devices connected to your computer. If it does not work, try other solutions we have above.
To prevent further issues and errors on your Windows computer, we suggest that you install a reliable antivirus like Outbyte Anti-Malware. This tool will keep malware entities at bay, so your computer remains secure and protected.