Fatal Error on Windows 10: Quick Fixes and Solutions

Encountering a fatal error on your Windows 10 computer can be incredibly frustrating. Here are some quick fixes and solutions to help you resolve the issue.

How to Fix a Fatal Error on Your Computer: A Comprehensive Guide​

1. Search for the Error Code​

• Write down the error code: When a fatal error occurs, you’ll usually see a code like "A fatal exception 0E has occurred at xxxx:xxxxxxxx."
• Open your web browser: Go to your preferred search engine.
• Enter the error code: Type the error code in the search bar to find specific solutions.

This step helps identify the specific issue causing the fatal error, allowing you to find targeted solutions.

2. Update Software​

• Open the software: Launch the program that is causing the error.
• Check for updates: Look for an option like Check for Updates in the settings or help menu.
• Download and install updates: Follow the prompts to update the software.

Updating the software can fix bugs and other issues that may be causing the fatal error.

3. Update or Roll Back Drivers​

• Press Win + X: This will open a menu.
• Click on Device Manager: This opens a list of all hardware components.
• Expand the categories: Find the hardware related to your error.
• Right-click and select Update driver: Follow the prompts to search for updates.
• If issues continue, roll back: Right-click and select Properties -> Driver tab -> Roll Back Driver.

Driver updates can resolve compatibility issues that lead to fatal errors.

4. Uninstall Recently Installed Programs​

• Press Win + R: This opens the Run dialog.
• Type appwiz.cpl: Press Enter to open the Programs and Features window.
• Find recently installed programs: Scroll through the list to find newly installed software.
• Select and uninstall: Click the program and select Uninstall.

Removing conflicting programs can eliminate the source of the fatal error.

5. Disable Unnecessary Background Programs​

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc: This opens the Task Manager.
• Go to the Startup tab: It shows all programs that start with Windows.
• Right-click and disable unnecessary programs: Only disable programs you recognize.
• Reboot your computer: This will apply the changes.

Disabling unnecessary programs ensures they’re not causing conflicts that lead to fatal errors.

6. Delete Temporary Files​

• Press Win + R: This opens the Run dialog.
• Type temp and press Enter: This opens the temp folder.
• Select all files: Press Ctrl + A.
• Delete the files: Press Shift + Delete to permanently remove them.

Deleting temp files can resolve corruption that might be causing fatal errors.

7. Repair your registry​

• Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
• Go to the location below and copy the DEFAULT, SAM, SECURITY, SOFTWARE, and SYSTEM files to a different location.
  C:\Windows\System32\config
• Go to the folder below:
  C:\Windows\System32\Config\Regback
• Paste the copied files.
• After doing that, check if the issue is resolved.

A few users reported fixing this issue simply by repairing their registry. Windows creates a backup of your registry, and you can replace it by following these steps:

8. Run CHKDSK​

• Press Win + X: Select Command Prompt (Admin).
• Type chkdsk /r C:: Press Enter to scan and repair hard drive issues.

CHKDSK can fix disk errors that lead to fatal errors.

9. Perform SFC Scan​

• Press Win + X: Select Command Prompt (Admin).
• Type sfc /scannow: Press Enter to scan for and repair corrupted system files.

The SFC scan identifies and fixes corrupted system files that may be causing fatal errors.

10. Use DISM Command​

• Press Win + X: Select Command Prompt (Admin).
• Type dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth: Press Enter to repair the Windows image.

DISM can fix issues with the Windows image, resolving fatal errors.

11. Restore Windows to an Earlier State​

• Press Win + S: Type "Create a restore point" and press Enter.
• Click System Restore: Follow the prompts to restore Windows to a previous state.

Restoring to an earlier state can undo changes that caused the fatal error.

12. Check for Overheating​

• Check your computer's fans: Ensure they are working and not clogged with dust.
• Clean the fans and heat sink: Use canned air or a vacuum, but be careful not to damage components.

Overheating can cause fatal errors, so keeping your system cool is crucial.

13. Test RAM for Problems​

• Download a memory test tool: Tools like MemTest86 are reliable.
• Create a bootable USB drive: Follow the tool’s instructions.
• Boot from the USB drive: Run the memory test.

Faulty RAM can cause fatal errors, and testing it helps identify the issue.

14. Disable driver signature enforcement​

• Restart your computer a few times during the boot phase to start the Automatic Repair process.
• Choose Troubleshoot, then Advanced options.
• Select Startup Settings.
• Press F7 to select Disable driver signature enforcement.

One potential solution to fix the BSoD problem is to disable driver signature enforcement. To do that, you need to follow the steps above.

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15. Check Other Hardware Components​

• Inspect hardware components: Look for visible damage.
• Replace faulty components: If you identify a faulty component, replace it.

Hardware faults can cause fatal errors, and replacing defective parts can resolve the issue.

16. Reset Windows 10​

• Restart your PC: Do this several times to enter Automatic Repair.
• Choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC: Follow the prompts.
• Select Remove everything: This will reinstall Windows 10.

Resetting Windows 10 can resolve persistent fatal errors by starting fresh.