How to fix “ntkrnlmp.exe” BSoD error in Windows 11/10

What is “ntkrnlmp.exe” error?

The “ntkrnlmp.exe” file, short for NT Kernel Multi-Processor version, is a fundamental component of the Windows operating system kernel. It’s specifically designed to manage system memory and processor operations, particularly in systems with multiple processor cores. When you encounter a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) error message citing ntkrnlmp.exe, it signifies a critical failure deep within the Windows kernel, forcing the system to halt to prevent potential damage. This error isn’t caused by the file itself being malicious, but rather indicates that something else has caused a fault within this core process. Common culprits include corrupted or incompatible device drivers, particularly graphics, network, or chipset drivers, which interact heavily with the kernel. Faulty RAM modules can also trigger this error, as memory corruption directly impacts kernel operations. Additionally, corrupted essential Windows system files, overheating components like the CPU or GPU leading to instability, aggressive overclocking settings pushing hardware limits, hard drive errors, or even malware infections interfering with system processes can all lead to an ntkrnlmp.exe BSoD. Pinpointing the exact cause often requires systematic troubleshooting due to the varied potential sources of the problem. This error can manifest under different stop codes, such as KERNEL_MODE_HEAP_CORRUPTION, PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA, or SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION, further highlighting its connection to core system functions.

How to fix “ntkrnlmp.exe” BSoD Error in Windows 11/10

Experiencing a BSoD related to ntkrnlmp.exe can be frustrating, but several troubleshooting steps can help resolve the issue. Work through these solutions methodically.

Solution 1: Update Device Drivers

Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible drivers are among the most common causes of kernel-related BSoDs.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand categories like Display adapters, Network adapters, and Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click on a device (e.g., your graphics card) and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will attempt to find and install the latest driver.
5. Alternatively, visit your hardware manufacturer’s website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, Realtek, motherboard manufacturer) to download and install the latest drivers manually, especially for graphics cards and chipsets.
6. Reboot your computer after updating drivers.

Updating each driver manually is time- and energy-consuming. If you are willing to save it and update drivers faster, we recommend using a special utility called Driver Booster from IObit. It has broad databases of drivers for all of the devices you need to maintain your PC. You can download it using the button below.

Solution 2: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

These tools scan for and repair corrupted Windows system files, including those related to the kernel.

1. Type cmd in the Windows search bar.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
   sfc /scannow
4. Wait for the scan to complete. If it finds and fixes errors, restart your PC.

Windows 11 Start -> Terminal (Admin)

Windows 11 Terminal -> sfc /scannow
5. If SFC doesn’t fix the issue or encounters problems, run the DISM tool. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
6. Allow each command to complete. This may take some time.
7. Restart your computer once finished.

Solution 3: Check Your RAM

Faulty RAM modules can cause various system instabilities, including kernel errors.

Using Windows Memory Diagnostic

1. Press Windows key + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
2. Choose Restart now and check for problems (recommended).
3. Your computer will restart and perform a memory test. This might take a while.
4. Once Windows restarts, the test results will be displayed. You can also find them in the Event Viewer under Windows Logs > System (look for MemoryDiagnostics-Results source).

Using MemTest86 (More Thorough)

MemTest86 is a third-party tool that often provides more rigorous testing.

1. Download MemTest86 from its official website onto another computer if necessary.
2. Create a bootable USB drive using the downloaded tool.
3. Boot the problematic computer from the MemTest86 USB drive (you may need to change the boot order in BIOS/UEFI).
4. Let the test run for several passes (at least one full pass, but multiple are recommended for thoroughness).
5. If errors are reported, one or more of your RAM sticks may be faulty and need replacement. Test sticks individually if you have more than one to identify the culprit.

Solution 4: Check for Overheating

Excessive heat can cause hardware instability and trigger BSoDs.

1. Ensure your computer’s vents are not blocked and are free of dust. Clean fans and heatsinks carefully using compressed air.
2. Monitor your CPU and GPU temperatures using monitoring software like HWMonitor, Core Temp, or MSI Afterburner while the system is idle and under load (e.g., while gaming or running a stress test).
3. If temperatures are excessively high (consult manufacturer specs, but generally above 85-90°C under load is concerning for many components), improve cooling by cleaning, reapplying thermal paste, adding case fans, or ensuring proper airflow.

Solution 5: Run Check Disk (CHKDSK)

Hard drive errors or file system corruption can sometimes lead to kernel issues.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (see Solution 2, steps 1-2).
2. Type the following command and press Enter (replace C: with the drive letter where Windows is installed, if different):
   chkdsk /f /r C:
3. You’ll likely be prompted to schedule the scan for the next restart because the drive is in use. Type Y and press Enter.
4. Restart your computer. CHKDSK will run before Windows boots. This process can take a significant amount of time depending on the drive size and condition. Do not interrupt it.

Solution 6: Update Windows

Ensure your Windows operating system is fully up-to-date, as updates often include bug fixes and stability improvements.

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security (Windows 10) or Windows Update (Windows 11).
3. Click on Check for updates.
4. Install any available updates, including optional driver updates if they seem relevant (though manual driver updates from manufacturer sites are often preferred).
5. Restart your PC after updates are installed.

Solution 7: Disable Overclocking

If you have overclocked your CPU, GPU, or RAM, revert these settings to their default values.

1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup (usually by pressing DEL, F2, F10, or ESC during boot).
2. Navigate through the BIOS/UEFI menus to find overclocking settings (often under “Advanced,” “Performance,” or “Tweaker” sections).
3. Reset settings related to CPU multiplier/ratio, voltages, BCLK frequency, and RAM timings/frequency (XMP/DOCP profiles) to default or auto.
4. Alternatively, look for an option like Load Optimized Defaults or Reset to Default Settings.
5. Save changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI.

Solution 8: Perform a System Restore

If the error started recently, a System Restore can revert system files and settings to a point before the issue began.

1. Type Create a restore point in the Windows search bar and open the matching result.
2. In the System Properties window, click the System Restore… button.
3. Click Next.
4. Choose a restore point dated before you started experiencing the ntkrnlmp.exe error. If you don’t see suitable points, you might need to check Show more restore points.
5. Click Next and then Finish.
6. Your computer will restart and perform the restore process.

Note: System Restore does not affect your personal files but will remove apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was made.

Solution 9: Scan for Malware

Malware can interfere with critical system processes and cause instability.

1. Perform a full system scan using Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender) or a reputable third-party antivirus program.
2. Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options.
3. Select Full scan and click Scan now.
4. Follow the prompts to remove or quarantine any detected threats.
5. Restart your computer.

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Solution 10: Reset or Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)

If none of the above solutions work, the underlying issue might require resetting or reinstalling Windows.

Reset This PC

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security (Windows 10) or System > Recovery (Windows 11).
2. Under Reset this PC, click Get started (Windows 10) or Reset PC (Windows 11).
3. Choose either Keep my files (removes apps and settings but keeps personal files) or Remove everything (removes everything). Keeping files is less destructive, but removing everything has a higher chance of fixing deep-seated issues.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the reset process.

Clean Install

A clean install involves erasing the drive and installing a fresh copy of Windows using bootable media (USB/DVD). This is the most thorough option but requires backing up all your data beforehand and reinstalling all applications.

By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the ntkrnlmp.exe BSoD error on your Windows 10 or 11 system.