The WHEA unfixable error in Windows, as a crash error message, usually indicates a hardware failure on your computer. Even so, you should also check for a software bug, as software-related issues are easier to resolve. This guide details how to remove this problem from your system.
advice: Dealing with Windows error code 0xc000000f instead? Learn how to get rid of that blue screen of death.
What is WHEA’s uncorrectable error?
The WHEA uncorrectable error is a common blue screen problem that can appear in any version of Windows.
If you see the dreaded blue screen of death, also known as a stop code, your computer automatically shuts down to prevent further damage. The WHEA uncorrectable error message is usually accompanied by the stop code 0x0000124.
Before applying problem-specific fixes, you should make sure you’ve updated to the latest version of Windows, as this may help you resolve the problem if it’s caused by a system bug. At the same time, go ahead and run a chkdsk scan to check and fix bad sectors and other disk related issues.
1. Check your drivers
The Blue Screen of Death can be caused by outdated drivers, so it’s important to keep your drivers up to date. Device drivers can be updated through the Settings app or Device Manager. If you need to install or update multiple device drivers at once, Device Manager is the simplest tool to use.
Windows makes it easy to trace problems to their source by listing all driver updates in the Windows Update area.
- to press Win + I am to open the settings window. Select the “Windows Update” tab in the sidebar on the left.
- From the right side of the window, select the Advanced Options tile under More Options.
- On the next screen, under “More options,” click the “Optional updates” tile.
- Click on the “Driver Updates” tile to enlarge it.
- Select the required driver from the list of available drivers by checking the checkbox next to it.
advice: Learn how to install unsigned drivers on your PC.
2. Reset BIOS/UEFI firmware settings
Problems with Windows stability can also display the WHEA Uncorrectable error message.
To fix this, try resetting your BIOS settings to factory defaults to reload the stock BIOS settings on your computer.
- Turn off the computer.
- Restart the computer by pressing the power button, and then continue to press Clear key until the BIOS menu appears. (Depending on your computer model, it can be either F1, F2, F10or Output keys.)
- Continue to the “Advanced Options” menu.
- Open “UEFI Firmware Settings”.
- Click “Restart”.
- Go to the “Port” tab in the BIOS/UEFI firmware settings and select “Load optimal defaults”.
- Restore the factory BIOS settings and exit the utility.
- Try a normal boot after erasing the previous settings from the BIOS to see if the WHEA Uncorrectable Error error message still appears.
3. Reset overclocking system
CPU overclocking is a popular method of increasing performance in games and other graphically intensive software. Incorrect voltages during the overlocking process are a common cause of a WHEA Uncorrectable Error, which in turn can cause your operating system to become unstable. As a result, turning off all overclocking settings is the fastest way to get rid of this value.
You need to access the BIOS or UEFI menu on your PC. To do this follow the steps discussed above. Configurations in BIOS and UEFI may vary from one computer to another, although the names of the corresponding menu items are often consistent. The options for overclocking are usually found in the menus labeled “Performance” or “Voltage”. Reset the overclocking from there.
4. Check your RAM
When your RAM is not properly installed in its slot, it can cause a WHEA Uncorrectable error. If you have hardware troubleshooting experience, try opening your computer case to gain access to the motherboard.
warning: Do not attempt this unless you have solid technical knowledge, or you risk damaging your computer!
Carefully disconnect the RAM from the motherboard and use a cloth and alcohol to wipe the contacts, then restart the computer. Insert the memory sticks back into the motherboard’s RAM slots, then restart the computer to see if the WHEA blue screen error message still appears.
advice: Learn how to check your RAM health in Windows.
The Windows Memory Diagnostics tool is a built-in application that scans for and fixes memory-related errors. Use this tool to test and repair your RAM. This will help you figure out if faulty RAM is the root of the problem. If the blue screen of death error is related to RAM management, this tool should fix it right away.
- Type “Memory Diagnostics” in Windows Search and select the best result or click “Open” on the right.
- To check for problems, select “Restart now and check for problems”.
If none of these methods work for you, use the Windows System Restore functionality to undo recent changes to your computer and hopefully get rid of the error in the process.
As a last resort, there is an option to reset Windows. Your computer will delete all your current system files and install new ones. Most of your personal files should be fine after the reset, and any persistent WHEA Uncorrectable Error issues should be eliminated.
good to know: Can’t rename a folder in Windows? Learn how to fix it.
Common questions
What does WHEA stand for?
WHEA stands for “Windows Hardware Error Architecture”. Hardware failure is the most common source of WHEA Uncorrectable Errors, but some software-related issues can also be behind it.
Can overheating cause an uncorrectable WHEA error?
The WHEA uncorrectable error is often caused by a faulty hardware component. Thus, overheating is one of the most typical causes of this problem.
Image credit: Pixabay. All screenshots by Folami Oluwatokiloba.
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