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Machine Check Exception: Fix this Stop Code in 7 Easy Steps

Discover tried-and-true strategies vetted by our team of specialists

7 min. read

Updated onMarch 21, 2024

updated onMarch 21, 2024

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Key notes

Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)errors are one of the most dreaded ones since these crash the OS. And amongst these, theMachine Check Exceptionerror is complicated.

Several underlying causes often make identifying the one with the concerned device challenging.

So, we have come up with the best ways to fix theMachine Check Exceptionerror. But before we walk you through that, let’s first understand the error.

What causes Machine Check Exception?

What causes Machine Check Exception?

The dreadedMachine Check ExceptionBlue Screen of Death is displayed if your computer’s operating system cannot load or recognize any piece of hardware or software installed. But, of course, it could also be the drivers andcorrupt or missing system filesto blame.

Some of the situations you can encounter theMachine Check Exceptionerror are:

Why does the Machine Check Exception appear on Windows 10 after a fresh install?

This is a BSOD error, which appears due to hardware problems, most likely theRAM. So it’s advised to scan and replace the RAM sticks if needed.

But when it appears after a fresh install, it’s most likely an incompatible or corrupt driver to blame. And the easiest solution would be to download the latest version of the problematic driver.

How do I fix Stop Code Machine Check Exception?

How do I fix Stop Code Machine Check Exception?

Let’s first try a few things before heading to the slightly complex solutions because of these fixed things for most:

If you still see theMachine Check Exceptionerror, the following fixes would do the trick:

1. Use a dedicated Windows restoration tool

The quickest way to attempt a fix for the issue is to run afully-featured Windows restoration toolthat will scan your system.

The program will also correct all issues related to not just corrupted or missing registry files but also to performance triggers and faulty .dll files.

Such a tool will save time and effort in finding the cause of the issue and trying out various other small troubleshooting solutions.

2. Run the Startup repair

1. Enter theAdvanced Startup(Restart your computer while holding theShiftkey).

2.Next, click onTroubleshoot.

3.Again, chooseAdvanced options.

  1. Now, click onStartup Repair.

  2. Select the user account and enter the password for it on the next screen.

  3. ClickContinueto initiate theStartup repair.

The PC’s built-in Startup Repair tool is likely to solve theMACHINE CHECK EXCEPTION error. You can access it via Advanced Startup.

3. Update the drivers

For Windows 10 to recognize and use your hardware, the drivers have to be up-to-date, and if that’s not the case, your PC will crash while showing the MACHINE CHECK EXCEPTION error.

Also, you can manuallyupdate the driverin case theDevice Managermethod doesn’t work. But doing it automatically is usually the best course of action.

Update drivers automatically

Searching for drivers on your own can be time-consuming. So, we advise you to use a tool automatically to do this for you.

Using an automatic driver updater will save you from the hassle of searching for drivers manually and keep your system updated with the latest drivers.

This app will help you with precisely this job, preventing any further PC damage caused by installing the wrong driver versions.

This is yet another extremely user-friendly tool you might have to install in Safe Mode. But, with just two clicks, you can get your system up and running like brand new again.

⇒Get Outbyte Driver Updater

4. Check for issues with the RAM

RAM or memory is the most critical piece of hardware responsible for Windows’sMachine Check Exception error. Therefore, before running tests on the RAM, we recommend checking if it’s properly seated. The best way is to remove the sticks and then place them back in firmly.

If that doesn’t help, run theWindows Memory Diagnostic, a built-in tool that automatically identifies and eliminates issues with the RAM.

Also,Memtest86+ isa third-party but highly effective advanced tool that finds out even the most intricate problems with RAM. So, if the built-in tool doesn’t work, you canrun Memtest86+, which should do the trick in some cases.

5. Run the DISM and SFC scan

6. Update your BIOS

According to the users, theMACHINE CHECK EXCEPTIONerror can be caused by outdated BIOS, and if you want to fix it, you might have toupdate the BIOSin Windows.

This is one of the solutions known to fix a range of issues causing the BSOD error and improve the device’s functionality. However, remember that you have to be extra cautious during the process and ensure that there are no interruptions whatsoever.

7. Uninstall your graphics card driver

Although it’s recommended to use the latest drivers, sometimes they have specific issues, and it’s recommended to uninstall them and let Windows find and replace them with a compatible version.

If your device uses Nvidia drivers, here’s how you cansafely uninstall Nvidia drivers.

How to diagnose Machine Check Exception?

The easiest way to identify whether you are getting the Machine Check Exception BSOD is to check theStop Codelisted on the blue screen. If it reads, Machine_Check_Exception, you have completed the first step.

Now, identify any changes made to the PC in the recent while, and revert them to the previous/default state. For instance,uninstall Windows updates,remove programsinstalled recently, orroll back driver updates. Also, remove any non-critical peripherals and check for overheating to get things running.

That’s all there to fix the Machine Check Exception BSOD error in Windows. However, if the error persists, you should consult a professional since the problem likely lies with the hardware.

And once you have fixed things, discover some quick tips toimprove Windows 10 performanceand get the best experience.

If you have any other queries or know of a method not listed here, drop a comment below.

More about the topics:BSoD error codes

Milan Stanojevic

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.

Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.

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Milan Stanojevic

Windows Toubleshooting Expert

Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.