DRIVER UNLOADED WITHOUT CANCELLING PENDING OPERATIONS (0X00000064) Blue Screen Fix Guide (Windows 10/11)

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DRIVER_UNLOADED_WITHOUT_CANCELLING_PENDING_OPERATIONS (0X00000064) Blue Screen Fix Guide (Windows 10/11)

The DRIVER_UNLOADED_WITHOUT_CANCELLING_PENDING_OPERATIONS (0x00000064) blue screen error, also known as a Stop Error or BSOD (Blue Screen of Death), occurs when Windows encounters an issue with a driver that was unloaded improperly without completing pending operations. This can happen due to faulty drivers, hardware conflicts, corrupted system files, or outdated software. If you’re experiencing this error, your screen may freeze briefly before restarting automatically or displaying the BSOD with technical details.

This guide provides step-by-step solutions to resolve the issue and prevent future occurrences on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

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What Causes the DRIVER_UNLOADED_WITHOUT_CANCELLING_PENDING_OPERATIONS (0x00000064) Error?

The error typically occurs when a driver fails to handle pending operations correctly before being unloaded. Common causes include:

  • Faulty or outdated drivers, especially for hardware components like graphics cards, network adapters, or storage devices.
  • Corrupted system files due to incomplete updates, malware, or improper shutdowns.
  • Hardware issues, such as failing RAM, overheating, or faulty drivers for peripherals (e.g., printers, USB devices).
  • Incompatible software, including third-party applications or games that conflict with system drivers.
  • Windows updates or driver conflicts after installing new updates or modifying system configurations.

The error can appear during normal operation, gaming, or while using specific applications. If left unresolved, it may lead to frequent crashes, data loss, or system instability.

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How to Fix DRIVER_UNLOADED_WITHOUT_CANCELLING_PENDING_OPERATIONS (0x00000064)

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Method 1: Update or Reinstall Problematic Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a leading cause of this error. Follow these steps to update or reinstall drivers:

  • Open Device Manager:
    – Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  • Identify problematic devices (e.g., under “Display adapters,” “Network adapters,” or “Storage controllers”). Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark.
  • Update drivers:
    – Right-click the device and select Update driver.
    – Choose Search automatically for drivers to let Windows find the latest version.
  • Reinstall drivers if updating fails:
    – Right-click the device, then select Uninstall device. Check the box for Delete the driver software for this device.
    – Restart your PC. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
  • Manually download drivers from the manufacturer’s website (e.g., NVIDIA, Intel, or your motherboard/laptop brand) if needed.

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).
  • Run System File Checker (SFC) to scan and repair corrupted files: 
    sfc /scannow

    – Wait for the process to complete (may take several minutes).

  • Run DISM to restore system health: 
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

    – This may also take time. Restart your PC afterward.

Method 3: Check for Disk Errors with CHKDSK

If the error is related to storage issues, run CHKDSK to check and repair disk errors:

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Run the following command (replace C: with your system drive if needed): 
    chkdsk C: /f /r /x

    – /f: Fixes errors.
    – /r: Locates bad sectors.
    – /x: Forces volume dismounting (if needed).

  • If prompted, schedule the scan for the next reboot or run it immediately if possible.
  • Restart your PC to complete the scan.

Method 4: Roll Back or Disable Problematic Drivers

If a recent driver update caused the issue, roll back or disable it:

  • Open Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager).
  • Find the problematic device (e.g., under “Display adapters” or “System devices”).
  • Right-click and select Properties, then go to the Driver tab.
  • Click Roll Back Driver if available, then restart your PC.
    – If not, note the driver version and contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.
  • Disable the driver temporarily (if rolling back isnt an option):
    – Go to the Driver tab, click Disable device, and restart.

Method 5: Check for Windows Updates

Microsoft regularly releases updates that fix bugs. Ensure your system is up to date:

  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  • Click Check for updates and install any pending updates.
  • Restart your PC after installation to apply changes.

Method 6: Test Hardware Components

Faulty hardware (e.g., RAM or graphics card) can trigger this error. Test with these steps:

  • Test RAM for errors:
    – Use Windows Memory Diagnostic (mdsched.exe) to scan for issues.
    – Alternatively, run in Command Prompt (Admin):

    mdsched.exe
  • Check GPU health:
    – Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and monitor GPU usage.
    – Use third-party tools like GPU-Z to check for overheating or driver issues.
  • Test other hardware (e.g., remove non-essential USB devices, test with a different monitor if using an external display).

Method 7: Perform a Clean Boot to Identify Conflicts

A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers/services to isolate the issue:

  • Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
  • Go to Startup, disable all startup apps, and restart.
  • Use msconfig for a clean boot:
    – Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
    – Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
    – Go to the Startup tab, click Open Task Manager, disable all items, and restart.
  • Test for crashes. If the error doesnt occur, re-enable services/apps one by one to identify the culprit.

Method 8: Restore System to a Previous State (System Restore)

If the error started after recent changes, restore your system to a stable state:

  • Open System Restore:
    – Search for Create a restore point, click System Protection, then System Restore.
  • Choose a restore point from before the error occurred (if available).
  • Follow the prompts to complete the restoration. Your PC will restart.

Method 9: Use Safe Mode to Diagnose Further

Boot into Safe Mode to rule out software conflicts:

  • Restart your PC and hold Shift while clicking Restart (or Power).
  • Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  • Press F4 or F5 to enter Safe Mode with Networking.
  • Run the troubleshooting steps above in Safe Mode. If the error doesnt occur, a third-party driver or app is likely the cause.

Method 10: Check for Overheating

Overheating can cause random BSODs. Monitor and cool your system:

  • Use Task Manager to check CPU/GPU temperatures.
  • Clean dust from fans and vents, or use a cooling pad if needed.
  • Reapply thermal paste if your CPU/GPU is overheating (advanced users only).

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FAQ: Common Questions About DRIVER_UNLOADED_WITHOUT_CANCELLING_PENDING_OPERATIONS

Q: Will this error delete my files?

No, the BSOD itself doesnt permanently delete files. However, if your PC restarts unexpectedly, unsaved work may be lost. Always save your data regularly.

Q: Can I ignore this error and continue using Windows?

Ignoring frequent BSODs can lead to data corruption or hardware damage. Follow the fixes above to resolve the issue promptly.

Q: How do I find which driver is causing the problem?

Check the WhoCrashed tool (free download) for detailed crash logs, or review Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc) under Windows Logs > System.

Q: Is this error related to malware?

While rare, malware can corrupt drivers. Run a scan with Microsoft Defender or third-party antivirus if you suspect an infection.

Q: Will a factory reset fix this?

A factory reset (Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC) can resolve deep-seated issues but will erase all data. Use it as a last resort after backing up important files.

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Final Notes and Prevention

The DRIVER_UNLOADED_WITHOUT_CANCELLING_PENDING_OPERATIONS (0x00000064) error is usually fixable with driver updates, system repairs, or hardware checks. Start with the simplest methods (e.g., updating drivers) and progress to advanced steps if needed.

If the issue persists after trying all steps, contact Microsoft Support or a local technician for hardware diagnostics.

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

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

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