The WHEA Uncorrectable Error in Windows, as a crash error message, usually points to a hardware malfunction on your computer. Even so, you should also check to see whether the software is at fault, as software-related problems are easier to resolve. This guide details how to remove this issue from your system.
Tip: dealing with the Windows error code 0xc000000f instead? Learn how to get rid of this Blue Screen of Death.
What Is the WHEA Uncorrectable Error?
The WHEA Uncorrectable Error is a prevalent blue screen issue that can appear in any version of Windows.
If you’re seeing the dreaded Blue Screen of Death, also known as a stop code, your computer has automatically shut down to prevent any more damage. The WHEA Uncorrectable Error message is typically accompanied by the 0x0000124 stop code.
Before applying problem-specific fixes, you should make sure you’ve updated to the latest available Windows version, as this may help you solve the problem if it was caused by a system bug. At the same time, go ahead and perform a chkdsk scan to check for and fixes faulty sectors and other disk-related problems.
1. Check Your Drivers
The Blue Screen of Death might be caused by out-of-date drivers, so it is important to keep your drivers up-to-date. Drivers can be updated through the Settings app or the Device Manager. If you need to install or update a large number of drivers at once, the Device Manager is the simplest tool to use.
Windows makes it easy to trace issues back to their source by listing all driver updates in the Windows Update area.
- Press Win + I to open the Settings window. Select the “Windows Update” tab from the sidebar on the left.
- From the right side of the window, select the “Advanced options” tile under “More options.”
- On the subsequent screen, under “Additional options,” click the “Optional updates” tile.
- Click the “Driver updates” tile to make it bigger.
- Select the required driver from the list of available drivers by marking the checkbox next to it.
Tip: learn how to install unsigned drivers on your PC.
2. Reset BIOS/UEFI Firmware Settings
Problems with Windows’s stability can also case the WHEA Uncorrectable error message.
To fix this, try resetting your BIOS settings to their factory defaults to reload the stock BIOS setup on your PC.
- Shut down your PC.
- Turn on your PC again by hitting the power button, then continue clicking the Delete key until the BIOS menu appears. (Depending on your PC model, it could also be the F1, F2, F10, or Esc keys.)
- Proceed to the “Advanced options” menu.
- Open the “UEFI Firmware Settings.”
- Click on “Restart”.
- Go to the “Exit” tab in your BIOS/UEFI Firmware Settings and select “Load Optimal Defaults.”
- Restore the factory BIOS settings and exit the utility.
- Try a regular startup after erasing the previous settings from the BIOS to check whether the WHEA Uncorrectable Error message still shows.
3. Reset System Overclocking
Overclocking the CPU is a popular method to increase performance in games and other graphically intensive programs. Incorrect voltages during the overlocking process are a common cause of the WHEA Uncorrectable Error, which in turn can cause your operating system to become unstable. As a result, turning off any overclocking settings is the quickest way to get rid of this entry.
You have to access the BIOS or UEFI menu on your PC. To do this follow the steps discussed above. Configurations in the BIOS and UEFI may vary from one computer to the next, although the names of the corresponding menu items are often consistent. The options for overclocking are usually found in the menus labeled “Performance” or “Voltage.” Reset the overclocking from there.
4. Check Your RAM
When your RAM is not properly seated in its slot, it may result in the WHEA Uncorrectable error. If you have experience addressing hardware issues, try opening your computer case to gain access to the motherboard.
Warning: do not attempt this unless you have solid technical knowledge, or you risk damaging your PC!
Carefully unplug the RAM from the motherboard and use a cloth and alcohol to wipe down the contact points, then restart your computer. Insert the memory sticks back into the motherboard’s RAM slots, then turn your PC back on to see if the WHEA blue screen error message still appears.
Tip: learn how to check your RAM health on Windows.
5. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
The Windows Memory Diagnostics tool is a built-in application that scans and fixes memory-related errors. Use this utility to check and fix your RAM. It will help you figure out whether faulty RAM is the root of the issue. If the Blue Screen of Death error relates to RAM management, this tool should fix it immediately.
- Type “Memory Diagnostics” in Windows Search and select the best result or press “Open” on the right.
- To test for problems, select “Restart Now and Check for Problems.’
If none of these methods work for you, use Windows’ System Restore functionality to undo the recent changes to your PC and hopefully get rid of the error in the process.
As a last resort, there’s the option to reset Windows. Your PC will delete all of your current system files and install fresh ones. Most of your personal files should be fine after resetting, and any lingering WHEA Uncorrectable Error problems should be eliminated.
Good to know: unable to rename a folder in Windows? Learn how to fix it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does WHEA stand for?
WHEA stands for “Windows Hardware Error Architecture.” Hardware failure is the most common source of WHEA Uncorrectable Errors, but some software-related issues could also be behind it.
Can overheating cause the WHEA Uncorrectable Error?
The WHEA Uncorrectable Error is often brought on by a defective hardware component. Thus, overheating is one of the most typical causes of this problem.
Image credit: Pixabay. All screenshots by Folami Oluwatokiloba.
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