Solved: INTERRUPT EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED (0X0000003C) BSOD Crash on Windows 10/11

The INTERRUPT EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED (0X0000003C) Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is a critical error that can suddenly freeze your Windows 10 or 11 system, displaying a stop code and restarting automatically. This issue often occurs due to hardware conflicts, corrupted system files, outdated drivers, or problematic software. While frustrating, this BSOD is usually fixable with the right troubleshooting steps. Below, well explain what causes it, how to diagnose it, and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve it.

What Does INTERRUPT EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED (0X0000003C) Mean?

The error code INTERRUPT EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED (0x0000003C) indicates that Windows encountered an interrupt request (IRQ) or hardware-related issue that it couldnt process properly. This typically happens when:

A driver, application, or hardware component sends an interrupt signal that Windows doesnt recognize.
System files are corrupted or missing critical components.
Outdated or incompatible drivers (especially graphics, network, or storage drivers) cause conflicts.
Faulty RAM, a failing hard drive, or overheating hardware triggers instability.

The BSOD may appear with additional details in the error message, such as:

Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. Well restart for you.

If you see no response, hold the power button for at least 5 seconds or press the reset button.

How to Fix INTERRUPT EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED (0X0000003C) BSOD

###

Method 1: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files are a common cause of 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: Type the following command and press Enter:
```
sfc /scannow
```
Wait for the scan to complete (this may take several minutes). Restart your PC afterward.
Run DISM Repair: If SFC doesnt work, open Command Prompt as admin again and run:
```
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
```
This may take longer (1530 minutes). Restart your PC when done.

###

Method 2: Update or Roll Back Drivers

Outdated or conflicting drivers often trigger this BSOD. Focus on these key components:

Update Graphics Drivers:
- Press Win + X, then select Device Manager.
- Expand Display adapters, right-click your GPU, and choose Update driver. Select Search automatically for drivers.
- If the issue persists, try rolling back the driver:
  - Right-click the GPU entry again and select Properties.
  - Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver. Restart if prompted.
Update Other Critical Drivers:
- In Device Manager, check for outdated drivers under:
  - Network adapters
  - Storage controllers (e.g., SATA/RAID)
  - Universal Serial Bus controllers

###

Method 3: Check for Hardware Issues

Faulty RAM or a failing hard drive can cause this BSOD. Test your hardware:

Run CHKDSK to Check Disk Errors:
Open Command Prompt as admin and run:
```
chkdsk C: /f /r
```
(Replace C: with your system drive if needed.) Restart afterward.
Test RAM for Errors:
Use Windows Memory Diagnostic:
- Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and hit Enter.
- Select Restart now and check for problems. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Check Hard Drive Health:
Use third-party tools like CrystalDiskInfo to monitor SMART status. Replace the drive if errors are detected.

###

Method 4: Uninstall Problematic Software or Drivers

Recently installed software (e.g., games, antivirus, or driver updates) may conflict with Windows:

Uninstall Recent Installs:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
- Sort by Install date, then uninstall the most recent additions one by one.
Use Safe Mode:
If the BSOD persists, boot into Safe Mode to check for driver conflicts. If the error doesnt appear, a recently installed driver is likely the culprit.

###

Method 5: Check for Overheating or BIOS/UEFI Updates

Overheating or outdated firmware can cause instability:

Monitor Temperatures: Use tools like HWMonitor to check CPU/GPU temps. Clean dust from fans and reapply thermal paste if needed.
Update BIOS/UEFI: Check your motherboard manufacturers website for firmware updates (e.g., ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte). Follow their instructions carefully.

###

Method 6: Reset Windows or Clean Install

If all else fails, perform a clean install of Windows:

Back Up Data: Save important files to an external drive.
Create Installation Media: Use Microsofts Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB.
Reinstall Windows: Boot from the USB, select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced), and choose your system drive. This preserves files but removes apps/programs.

FAQ About INTERRUPT EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED (0X0000003C)

Why does this BSOD happen randomly?

Random crashes often indicate hardware instability, such as faulty RAM or a failing storage drive. Run diagnostics (e.g., chkdsk or MemTest) to rule out physical issues.

Can I prevent future BSODs?

Yes! Regularly update drivers, monitor hardware health, and avoid overclocking components without proper cooling. Use Windows Update and third-party tools like Windows Update to stay current.

Is this error related to my GPU?

Yes, often. Graphics drivers are a top cause of 0x0000003C errors. Rolling back or updating your GPU driver (NVIDIA/AMD/Intel) usually resolves it.

Should I replace my RAM if this happens?

Not always. Test RAM with mdsched.exe, but a single faulty stick can cause intermittent crashes. If tests pass, the issue may lie elsewhere (e.g., drivers or storage).

Will a clean install fix it permanently?

A clean install resets system files and drivers, which often resolves persistent BSODs. However, if hardware is failing, the error may return over time.

Final Notes

The INTERRUPT EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED (0X0000003C) BSOD is usually fixable with targeted troubleshooting. Start with system file repairs (sfc /scannow, DISM), then move to driver updates, hardware checks, and software removals. If the issue persists, deeper diagnostics (e.g., RAM testing) or a clean Windows install may be necessary. For ongoing problems, consult manufacturer support for hardware-specific guidance.

If youve tried these steps and still face crashes, share details in the commentswere here to help!

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

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