Solved: INTERRUPT UNWIND FAILED (0X0000003E) BSOD Crash on Windows 10/11

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Solved: INTERRUPT UNWIND FAILED (0X0000003E) BSOD Crash on Windows 10/11

The INTERRUPT UNWIND FAILED (0X0000003E) Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is a critical error that can suddenly appear on Windows 10 or 11, causing your system to crash and restart. This stop code typically indicates an issue with the kernel during execution, often related to hardware conflicts, corrupted system files, or driver problems. While frustrating, this error is usually fixable without advanced technical skills. Below, well explain what causes it, how to diagnose it, and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve it.

What Causes the INTERRUPT UNWIND FAILED (0X0000003E) Error?

The error occurs when Windows fails to properly handle an interrupt request during system execution. Common causes include:

  • Faulty or outdated drivers, especially those related to hardware devices like graphics cards, network adapters, or storage controllers.
  • Corrupted system files due to incomplete updates, malware, or improper shutdowns.
  • Hardware issues, such as failing RAM, overheating components, or loose connections (e.g., GPU or CPU).
  • Conflicting software, including third-party security tools or overclocking utilities.
  • Windows updates or driver conflicts introduced during recent system changes.

The error may appear with a blue screen displaying the stop code INTERRUPT UNWIND FAILED (0X0000003E), often accompanied by a memory dump file. If you see this, your PC will restart automatically unless disabled in settings.

How to Fix INTERRUPT UNWIND FAILED (0X0000003E) BSOD

Follow these methods in order, starting with the simplest and progressing to more advanced solutions.

Method 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches. If your system is stuck on the error screen:

  • Hold the power button for 510 seconds to force a shutdown.
  • Wait 30 seconds, then press the power button to reboot.
  • Check if the issue persists after logging in.

Method 2: Update or Reinstall Problematic Drivers

Outdated or conflicting drivers are a leading cause of this error. Update them manually:

  • Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  • Expand categories like Display adapters, Sound, video, and game controllers, or System devices.
  • Right-click any device with a yellow exclamation mark (if present) and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
  • If no issues are flagged, update all drivers in Device Manager by right-clicking each category and selecting Update device software.
  • For graphics drivers (e.g., NVIDIA/AMD), download the latest version from the manufacturers website instead of Windows Update.

Method 3: 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 (search for “cmd,” right-click, and choose Run as administrator).
  • Run the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:


    sfc /scannow
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

  • Restart your PC after both commands complete (this may take 1020 minutes).
  • Check if the error persists.

Method 4: Check for Disk Errors with CHKDSK

Bad sectors on your hard drive or SSD can cause this BSOD. Run CHKDSK to scan and repair disk issues:

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Type the following command and press Enter:


    chkdsk C: /f /r

  • If prompted, type Y to confirm and restart your PC. The scan runs on the next boot.
  • After rebooting, check for improvements.

Method 5: Test Your RAM

Faulty RAM can trigger this error during system execution. Use Windows Memory Diagnostic:

  • Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
  • Select Restart now and check for problems (recommended).
  • Follow the on-screen instructions. If errors are found, note them down and consider replacing your RAM.

Method 6: Uninstall Recent Updates or Drivers

If the error started after a Windows update or driver installation:

  • Press Win + I, go to Update & Security > View update history.
  • Click Uninstall updates and remove the most recent ones (especially optional updates).
  • For drivers, open Device Manager, right-click the problematic device, and select Uninstall device. Restart your PC to reinstall automatically.

Method 7: Check for Overheating or Hardware Issues

Overheating can cause kernel-level errors. Monitor temperatures using tools like HWMonitor (download from the manufacturers site). If CPU/GPU temps exceed safe limits:

  • Clean dust from fans and vents.
  • Reapply thermal paste if needed.
  • Ensure proper airflow in your case.

Method 8: Perform a Clean Boot to Identify Software Conflicts

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

  • Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  • Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
  • Switch to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager. Disable all startup items.
  • Restart your PC. If no BSOD occurs, re-enable services/items one by one to identify the culprit.

Method 9: Reset Windows (Last Resort)

If all else fails, reset Windows while keeping files:

  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
  • Under Reset this PC, choose Keep my files and follow the prompts.
  • This reinstallation preserves personal data but removes apps and settings.

FAQ About INTERRUPT UNWIND FAILED (0X0000003E)

  • Is this error hardware or software-related?

    It can be either. Hardware issues (e.g., RAM, overheating) often cause it, but corrupted files or drivers are also common culprits.

  • Will a Windows update fix this automatically?

    Not always. While updates may address driver issues, manual steps (like SFC/DISM) are more reliable for this specific error.

  • Can I prevent future BSODs after fixing it?

    Yes! Regularly update drivers, monitor hardware health, and avoid overclocking unstable settings. Use tools like Windows Update to stay current.

  • Should I replace my RAM if the error persists?

    Only if memory tests (like Windows Memory Diagnostic) confirm faults. Otherwise, focus on drivers and system files first.

  • Does this error delete or corrupt data?

    No, but frequent BSODs can cause unsaved work to lose progress. Save your work regularly to avoid data loss.

Final Notes

The INTERRUPT UNWIND FAILED (0X0000003E) error is usually resolved by addressing driver issues, system corruption, or hardware instability. Start with simple fixes like restarts and updates before progressing to deeper troubleshooting. If the problem persists after trying all steps, consult a professional technician, as it may indicate failing hardware.

For more Windows troubleshooting guides, explore our BSOD solutions or driver update tips. Share your experience in the comments if youve encountered this error!

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

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

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