BUGCODE NDIS DRIVER (0X0000007C) Blue Screen Fix Guide (Windows 10/11)

The BUGCODE NDIS DRIVER (0x0000007c) blue screen error, also known as a Stop Error or BSOD (Blue Screen of Death), occurs when Windows encounters a critical system failure related to the Network Driver Interface Specification (NDIS). This error typically appears during network operations and can cause your computer to crash unexpectedly. Below, well explain what this error means, its common causes, and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve it.

What Does BUGCODE NDIS DRIVER (0x0000007c) Mean?

The BUGCODE NDIS DRIVER error indicates that a problem has occurred in the network driver stack, often due to corrupted or incompatible drivers, faulty hardware, or issues with network-related software. The “NDIS” part refers to the Network Driver Interface Specification, which manages communication between your operating system and network devices (like Wi-Fi cards, Ethernet adapters, or VPN clients). When this error appears, Windows halts unexpectedly, displaying a blue screen with technical details.

Common Causes of BUGCODE NDIS DRIVER (0x0000007c)

This error can be triggered by several factors, including:

Corrupted or outdated network drivers: Outdated or poorly written drivers for Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or VPN software.
Faulty hardware: Issues with your network adapter (Wi-Fi card, Ethernet port) or motherboard.
Malware or driver conflicts
Windows system corruption: Corrupted system files or registry entries related to networking.

Third-party software interference: Antivirus, VPN clients, or other network-related applications causing instability.

Overheating or hardware failure: If your computer overheats or a component fails, it can trigger this error.

How to Fix BUGCODE NDIS DRIVER (0x0000007c)

Method 1: Update or Reinstall Network Drivers

The most common cause of this error is an outdated or faulty network driver. Follow these steps to update or reinstall it:

Open Device Manager: Press Win + X and select “Device Manager.”

Locate Network Adapters: Expand the “Network adapters” section.

Right-click your network adapter (e.g., Wi-Fi, Ethernet) and select “Update driver.” Choose “Search automatically for drivers.”

If no update is found, right-click the adapter again and select “Uninstall device.” Check the box for “Delete the driver software” if prompted, then restart your PC. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

Method 2: Roll Back or Disable VPN/Antivirus Software

If you recently installed a VPN client or antivirus software, it may conflict with your network drivers. Try rolling back or disabling it temporarily:

Open Device Manager as described above.

Right-click the network adapter and select “Properties.”

Go to the “Driver” tab and click “Roll Back Driver.”

If rolling back isnt an option, disable the VPN or antivirus temporarily to check if the issue persists.

Method 3: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

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

Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press Win + X, then select “Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin).”

Run SFC Scan:
sfc /scannow

Wait for the scan to complete, then restart your PC.

If issues persist, run DISM:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart your computer after the process finishes.

Method 4: Check for Hardware Issues

If the error persists, your network hardware (Wi-Fi card or Ethernet port) may be faulty. Try these steps:

Test with a different network cable or Wi-Fi connection.

Disable and re-enable the adapter in Device Manager.

Check for physical damage to your network card or port (e.g., loose connections).

If possible, test with an external USB-to-Ethernet adapter to rule out hardware failure.

Method 5: Check for Overheating or Hardware Failures

Overheating can cause random BSODs. Monitor your system temperature using tools like HWiNFO. If overheating is detected, clean dust from fans or reapply thermal paste if needed.

Method 6: Perform a Clean Boot to Identify Software Conflicts

A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and services, helping isolate the cause:

Press Win + R, type “msconfig,” and hit 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 startup items, then close Task Manager.

Restart your PC and test for the error. If it doesnt occur, re-enable services/apps one by one to identify the culprit.

Method 7: Check Disk for Errors (CHKDSK)

Corrupted files on your hard drive can trigger BSODs. Run CHKDSK to scan for errors:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Run the following command and press Enter:
chkdsk C: /f /r

If prompted, confirm to run on the next startup. Restart your PC when done.

FAQ About BUGCODE NDIS DRIVER (0x0000007c)

Can I prevent this error in the future?
Yes! Keep your drivers updated, avoid installing unstable network software, and monitor system health with tools like Windows Update or third-party driver managers.

Is this error hardware-related only?
No. While hardware issues (like a faulty Wi-Fi card) can cause it, most cases are due to driver conflicts or software corruption.

Will a Windows reset fix this?
A clean install of Windows may resolve deep system corruption, but back up your data first. Use the “Reset this PC” option in Settings > Update & Security.

Can I safely ignore this error?
No. BSODs can lead to data loss or hardware damage if ignored. Follow the troubleshooting steps above immediately.

Final Notes

The BUGCODE NDIS DRIVER (0x0000007c) error is frustrating but usually fixable with driver updates, system repairs, or hardware checks. Start with the simplest solutions (like updating drivers) and progress to deeper fixes if needed. If the issue persists after trying all steps, consider contacting Microsoft Support or a professional technician for further diagnosis.

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

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