How to fix SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED BSoD error in Windows 11/10

What is SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED error

Encountering the SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED error on your Windows 11 or 10 PC can be alarming, as it often leads to the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSoD). This error typically means that a system thread in Windows generated an exception that the error handler did not catch. Most commonly, this problem arises due to corrupted, outdated, or incompatible drivers, but it can also be triggered by faulty hardware, system file corruption, or excessive memory load. The error can cause your computer to enter a restart loop, making it difficult to access Windows normally. It may be accompanied by a specific driver file name (such as atikmdag.sys, nvlddmkm.sys, or igdkmd64.sys), which hints at the device causing trouble. Malfunctioning graphics or network drivers are frequent culprits, especially after recent updates or hardware changes. In some cases, incompatible or faulty RAM and even malware infections can contribute to the issue. This error can interrupt your workflow, and if left unresolved, it can potentially lead to data loss. That’s why it’s crucial to address the error promptly and thoroughly. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to fix this error and get your system running smoothly again. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can resolve the issue and help prevent future occurrences.

Step-by-step instructions to fix SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED error

1. Boot into Safe Mode

If your PC is stuck in a restart loop due to the BSoD, you need to boot into Safe Mode to perform repairs. Safe Mode loads only essential drivers and services, helping isolate and fix problems.

1. Restart your computer. As soon as Windows starts loading, press F8 (or Shift + F8 on some systems) repeatedly until you see the recovery menu.
2. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
3. Click Restart.
4. After your PC restarts, select Enable Safe Mode (press 4 or F4).

2. Identify the Faulty Driver

Knowing which driver is causing the problem will help you apply the right fix. Windows Event Viewer can help you pinpoint the culprit.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type eventvwr and press Enter.
3. Navigate to Windows Logs > System.
4. Look for entries related to the SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED error and note the driver (e.g., nvlddmkm.sys).

3. Update, Reinstall, or Roll Back Drivers

Corrupted or outdated drivers are the most common cause of this error. Update your drivers to the latest version or roll back if the issue started after an update.

• To update or reinstall drivers:
  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the category of the faulty driver (e.g., Display adapters).
  3. Right-click the problematic driver and choose Update driver. Select Search automatically for drivers.
  4. If updating doesn’t help, right-click and choose Uninstall device. Restart your PC to let Windows reinstall it automatically.
• To roll back a recently updated driver:
  1. In Device Manager, right-click the problematic driver and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver (if available).

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.

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4. Rename the Faulty Driver File

If a specific driver file is identified, renaming it can force Windows to replace it with a fresh copy, potentially solving the error.

1. Open File Explorer and go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers.
2. Find the problematic driver file (e.g., nvlddmkm.sys).
3. Right-click the file, press F2, and change its extension to .old (e.g., nvlddmkm.old).
4. Restart your PC to let Windows replace the file.

5. Run DISM and System File Checker (SFC) Scans

Corrupted system files can trigger the SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED error. DISM and SFC are built-in tools to repair Windows images and system files.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth and press Enter.
3. After the scan, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
4. Once completed, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

6. Perform a Windows Update

Windows updates may include critical driver and system fixes that resolve BSoD errors. Keeping your system up to date is highly recommended.

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
3. Restart your computer if prompted.

7. Scan for Malware and Viruses

Malware infections can corrupt system files and drivers, leading to BSoD errors. Scan your system to rule out malicious software as a cause.

1. Open Windows Security and go to Virus & threat protection.
2. Click Quick scan (for a quick check) or Full scan (for a thorough check).

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8. Restore Your System to a Previous Point

If the error started recently, restoring your system to a previous restore point can revert the changes that caused the problem.

1. Press Windows + S and type “Control Panel”. Open it.
2. Search for Recovery and open it.
3. Click Open System Restore > Next.
4. Select a restore point from before the error appeared and click Finish.