Fixing SYSTEM THREAD EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED (0X0000007E) Stop Code on Windows 10 & 11 – Step by Step

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Fixing SYSTEM THREAD EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED (0X0000007E) Stop Code on Windows 10 & 11 Step by Step

The SYSTEM THREAD EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED (0x0000007E) error, also known as the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), is a critical system failure that can occur on Windows 10 and Windows 11. This stop code indicates that an exception occurred in a system thread that Windows could not handle properly, often leading to an immediate crash. While frustrating, this issue is usually fixable with the right troubleshooting steps. Below, well guide you through identifying the cause and resolving it effectively.

What Causes the SYSTEM THREAD EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED (0x0000007E) Error?

The 0x0000007E error typically appears due to hardware or software issues, including:

  • Faulty or incompatible drivers, especially graphics, audio, or network drivers.
  • Corrupted system files or Windows updates that conflict with existing components.
  • Overheating or failing hardware (RAM, hard drive, or GPU).
  • Malware or virus infections affecting critical system processes.
  • Incompatible software or recent driver updates.
  • Memory (RAM) issues, such as bad modules or incorrect settings in BIOS/UEFI.

This error can happen during normal operation, while gaming, or after installing new hardware/software. If you see this stop code, your system will restart automatically unless you disable automatic restarts in Windows settings.

Step-by-Step Fixes for SYSTEM THREAD EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED (0x0000007E)

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1. Check for Recent Changes

The error often appears after installing new software, drivers, or Windows updates. If the issue started recently:

  • Uninstall any newly installed programs via Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  • Roll back or update graphics, audio, or chipset drivers using Device Manager.
  • If the issue started after a Windows update, consider temporarily pausing updates to see if it resolves the problem.

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2. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files can trigger this error. Use these 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):
    • sfc /scannow

    Wait for the scan to complete and restart your PC if prompted.

  • Run DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management):
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

    This may take several minutes. Restart your computer afterward.

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3. Check for Hardware Issues

Hardware problems, especially with RAM or storage, can cause this error:

  • Test your RAM:
    • Use Windows Memory Diagnostic to check for errors.
    • Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and run the tool. Select Restart now and check for problems.
  • Check your hard drive:
    • chkdsk /f /r

    Run this in Command Prompt (Admin). If prompted, confirm to fix errors on the next startup.

  • Inspect physical connections: Ensure RAM sticks and storage drives are securely seated. Test with one RAM stick at a time if possible.

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4. Update or Reinstall Drivers

Outdated or conflicting drivers (especially GPU, audio, or chipset) often trigger this error:

  • Update drivers via Device Manager:
    • Press Win + X, then select Device Manager.
    • Expand categories like Display adapters, Sound, or System devices and right-click each to Update driver.
  • Reinstall problematic drivers:
    • Right-click the driver (e.g., under Display adapters) and select Uninstall device. Check Delete the driver software for this device.
    • Restart your PC to force Windows to reinstall the driver automatically.
  • Use manufacturer tools: Download the latest drivers from your GPU (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD) or motherboard manufacturers website.

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5. Check for Overheating and BIOS/UEFI Settings

Overheating can cause system instability. Ensure:

  • Your CPU and GPU fans are working properly (clean dust from vents).
  • No software is overclocking your hardware unintentionally.
  • Check BIOS/UEFI settings for XMP/DOCP profiles if using high-speed RAM. Disable them temporarily to test stability.

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6. Scan for Malware

A virus or malware can corrupt system files and trigger this error:

  • Run a full scan with Windows Defender (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Quick scan).
  • Use third-party tools like Malwarebytes for additional scanning if needed.

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7. Perform a Clean Boot to Isolate the Issue

A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and services, helping identify conflicts:

  • Press Win + R, type msconfig, and go to the Services tab.
  • Check Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all.
  • Go to the Startup tab, click Open Task Manager, disable all startup items, then close Task Manager.
  • Restart your PC. If the error doesnt occur, a third-party program or service is likely the cause.
  • Re-enable services/startup items one by one to identify the culprit.

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8. Use Windows Recovery Tools (Last Resort)

If the error persists, reset or reinstall Windows:

  • Reset this PC:
    • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, then select Get started under Reset this PC.
    • Choose Keep my files or Remove everything based on your needs.
  • Reinstall Windows:
  • Check hardware: If the issue persists after reinstalling Windows, test your RAM, GPU, or storage with diagnostic tools like MemTest86.

FAQ About SYSTEM THREAD EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED (0x0000007E)

Why does this error happen randomly?

Random occurrences often indicate hardware instability, such as faulty RAM or overheating. Run memory tests and monitor system temperatures to diagnose.

Can I prevent future BSODs like 0x0000007E?

Yes! Keep drivers updated, avoid overclocking without proper cooling, and use reliable antivirus software. Regularly run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to maintain system integrity.

Is this error related to my graphics card?

Yes, often. If the error appears during gaming or graphic-intensive tasks, update your GPU drivers and ensure proper cooling. Test with a different monitor or output (HDMI/DisplayPort) to rule out display issues.

Will a factory reset fix this permanently?

A factory reset can resolve deep-seated issues, but if hardware is faulty (e.g., bad RAM), the problem may return. Test hardware after reinstalling Windows to confirm stability.

How do I check the error details for more clues?

After a BSOD, Windows logs the error in the Event Viewer. Open it by searching for Event Viewer, navigate to Windows Logs > System, and look for Error entries with the timestamp of the crash.

Final Notes

The SYSTEM THREAD EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED (0x0000007E) error is usually fixable with systematic troubleshooting. Start with driver updates, system file repairs, and hardware checks before resorting to a clean install. If the issue persists, suspect hardware failure or seek professional help for diagnostics. By following these steps, you can stabilize your system and prevent future crashes.

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

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

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