BAD POOL HEADER (0X00000019) Blue Screen Fix Guide (Windows 10/11)

The BAD_POOL_HEADER blue screen error (STOP code 0x00000019) is a critical system failure that can occur in Windows 10 or 11, often leading to an unexpected shutdown. This error typically appears when the operating system encounters corruption in memory management, particularly with how it handles kernel-mode pool data structures. While frustrating, this issue is usually fixable without requiring advanced technical skills. Below, well walk through what causes this error and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve it.

What Causes the BAD_POOL_HEADER Error?

The BAD_POOL_HEADER error occurs when Windows detects a problem with memory allocation or corruption in kernel memory pools. Common triggers include:

Faulty or incompatible drivers, especially those related to hardware (graphics, storage, or network).
Corrupted system files due to improper shutdowns, malware, or disk errors.
Overclocked RAM or failing hardware (e.g., faulty RAM modules or overheating components).
Conflicts between recently installed software or updates.
Malware or rootkits exploiting memory management routines.

The error may appear during startup, while gaming, or when running demanding applications. If you see the blue screen with this stop code, note any additional details (e.g., driver names in the log) for troubleshooting.

How to Fix BAD_POOL_HEADER (0X00000019)

Follow these methods in order. Start with the simplest steps and proceed if the issue persists.

Method 1: Restart Your Computer

A simple restart can sometimes resolve temporary glitches causing the error. Hold down the power button for 510 seconds, wait 30 seconds, then power it back on. If the system boots normally, the issue may have been a one-time occurrence.

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

Corrupted system files can trigger this error. Use built-in tools to repair them:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Press Win + X, then select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
- If prompted, click Yes to confirm.
Run the System File Checker:
```
sfc /scannow
```
Wait for the scan to complete (this may take several minutes). Restart your PC afterward.
If SFC doesnt resolve the issue, run DISM to repair deeper corruption:
```
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
```
This may also take time. After completion, restart your computer.

Method 3: Check for Disk Errors with CHKDSK

If the error is disk-related, run CHKDSK to scan and repair bad sectors:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator (as above).
Run:
```
chkdsk C: /f /r
```
(Replace C: with your system drive if needed. Press Enter, then type Y to confirm.)
The scan will run on the next reboot. Wait for it to complete, then restart.

Method 4: Update or Remove Problematic Drivers

Outdated or conflicting drivers are a leading cause of this error:

Open Device Manager by pressing Win + X and selecting it.
Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark (problematic drivers) or right-click any device under System devices, Display adapters, or Network adapters. Select Update driver.
If no updates are available, roll back the driver:
- Right-click the device, select Properties, then the Driver tab.
- Click Roll Back Driver if available (requires a previous version).
If unsure which driver caused the issue, use Microsofts driver support tool to scan for updates.

Method 5: Test and Replace Faulty RAM

If the error persists, faulty RAM may be the culprit. Test it with Windows Memory Diagnostic:

Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
Select Restart now and check for problems (recommended). Your PC will reboot and test RAM.
If errors are found, replace the suspicious RAM module(s). Test one stick at a time if you have multiple modules.

Method 6: Uninstall Recent Software or Updates

Newly installed software or Windows updates can trigger this error:

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then click View update history.
Uninstall recent updates by selecting them and clicking Uninstall.
For recently installed programs, go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select the app, then click Uninstall.

Method 7: Check for Malware

Malware can corrupt system memory. Run a scan with:

Microsoft Defender Offline Scan (bootable tool).
Alternatively, use third-party tools like Malwarebytes or Windows Security for a full system scan.

Method 8: Reset or Reinstall Windows

If all else fails, reset your PC to factory settings (back up data first) via:

Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Get started.
Choose Keep my files or Remove everything based on your needs.

FAQs About BAD_POOL_HEADER (0X00000019)

Q: Will this error delete my data?

A: No, the blue screen itself doesnt harm your files. However, an improper shutdown may cause pending saves to be lost. Always save work before troubleshooting.

Q: How often does this happen with overclocked RAM?

A: Overclocking can destabilize memory, increasing the risk of BAD_POOL_HEADER errors. Reset BIOS settings or reduce overclocking if youve modified them.

Q: Can I prevent this error in the future?

A: Yes! Regularly update drivers, scan for malware, and avoid abrupt shutdowns. Use reliable RAM and monitor system temperatures to prevent overheating.

Q: Why does it happen during gaming?

A: Gaming stresses hardware (GPU/CPU/RAM), exposing instability. Update graphics drivers or test your GPU with stress tests like FurMark.

Q: Should I replace my hard drive if this occurs?

A: Only if CHKDSK or SMART tools (e.g., wmic diskdrive get status) report disk failures. Otherwise, the issue is likely software-related.

If none of these steps work, contact Microsoft Support or a local technician for hardware diagnostics.

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Tested on: Windows 10 (22H2) & Windows 11 (23H2)