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NMI Hardware Failure on Windows: Expert-Tested Solutions
Try out software dedicated to fixing BSOD errors
10 min. read
Updated onMarch 21, 2024
updated onMarch 21, 2024
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Key notes
Blue Screen of Deatherrors, such as NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE, can cause many problems on Windows 10.
These types oferrorswill frequently restart your computer in order to prevent hardware damage. Therefore it’s crucial to know how to fix them.
But, being able to understand what NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE is and what triggers it as well as knowing the most likely places to stumble across it are also essential for the troubleshooting process. So, here goes.
What is NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE?
The NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE error code manifests as a Blue Screen of Death, and it can lead to system crashes and other grave errors.
There are many potential culprits that can trigger this error, but the most common ones include:
You can encounter the stop code NMI Hardware Failure error on most Windows platforms (from Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 to Windows 11 and even on the Windows Server 2012) as well as on most major laptop brands such as HP or Dell. Users mostly reported the following cases:
NMI stands for Non-Maskable Interrupt and it indicates a hardware-related issue that requests immediate attention on your part.
Here are the versions of Windows Server on which users reported encountering the error:
Can hardware failure be fixed?
The answer is that it can be repaired. Failures in hardware can be remedied in a variety of ways, including utilizing third-party software, operating a specialized troubleshooter, or performing system scans.
In this article, we will walk you through a thorough list of options that you may use in order to solve the NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE (80) that occurs in Windows 10 and 11.
How can I fix NMI HARDWARE FAILURE?
1. Use a third-party BSOD fixer
With this kind ofspecialized tool, you prevent and fix BSOD errors and you can also replace damaged .dll files and clean your operating system from any side effects.
2. Run theBSODtroubleshooter
1.Open theSettingsapp.
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Go to theUpdate & Securitysection.
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SelectTroubleshootfrom the menu on the left.
4.SelectBSODfrom the right pane and clickRun the troubleshooter.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooter.
Your Windows PC has a built-in BSOD troubleshooter that you can use to fix the nmi_hardware_failure BSOD.
This is a command-line tool that goes through your system searching for potential issues. Of course, if resolving these issues is possible, the SFC scan will do it automatically.
3. Make sureWindows 10and all drivers are up to date
BSODerrors are often caused by certain hardware or software issues, and if you want to keep yourWindows 10system error-free, it’s highly advised that you updateyour OSon a regular basis.
By using Windows Update, you’ll download the latest security patches along with some new features. But most importantly, you’ll download many bug fixes that improve system stability.
These bug fixes often fix issues with certain hardware or software, therefore, if you wish to preventBSODerrors such as NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE, be sure to updateWindows 10/11.
In addition to downloading Windows updates, it’s just as crucial to keep your drivers up to date. Drivers allowyour OSto recognize and utilize your hardware, and if a certain driver is outdated.
If that driver doesn’t supportWindows 10/11,that can causeBlue Screen of Deatherrorsto appear.
To fix these types oferrorsit’s crucial toupdate your drivers. To do that you just need to visit your hardware manufacturer’s website and download the necessary drivers for your device.
This solution can help you solve the NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE on your Windows 10/11 and it is efficient for any type of device, especially a Dell PC.
To completely fixBlue Screen of Deatherrors, be sure to update as many drivers as you can.
4. Update drivers automatically
Searching for drivers on your own can be time-consuming. So, we advise you to use a tool that will do this for you automatically.
Using an automatic driver updater will certainly save you from the hassle of searching for drivers manually, and it will always keep your system up to date with the latest drivers.
Thanks to an amazing database that includes over 18 million drivers and advanced scanning technology, you won’t have to confront those critical update errors.
Your PC will be running smoothly at all times and in addition, you can even back up all your drivers by compressing them into a single file.
We also recommended this solution for solving the BSOD NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE error. After several tests, our team concluded that this is the best-automatized option.
⇒Get Outbyte Driver Updater
5. Run the SFC scan
If the unifiedtroubleshooterfailed to resolve the problem, we’re going to run the SFC scan in Windows 10/11.
This tool scans your computer for potential issues, and delivers a solution, if possible, so, it might be helpful with solving the stop code NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE error, as well.
6. Run DISM
Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is a tool that reloads the system image, and possible issues may get resolved along the way. So, running this tool may fix the NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE error.
7. Check the hard drive
BSODerrors can be caused by corrupted files on your hard drive. In order to fix this issue, it’s advised to run thechkdskscan.
8. Uninstall problematic software and antivirus
Software tools can often cause these types oferrors, especially if the respective software isn’t fully compatible with your computer.
Programs such asVPN clients, or even antivirus programs can cause NMI_HARDWARE_FAILUREerrors, so be sure to uninstall any problematic software.
It’s worth mentioning that recently installed software can cause these types oferrorsas well. If you installed or updated certain software before thiserrorstarted appearing, be sure to uninstall it.
As we briefly mentioned, antivirus software can be the common cause of these types oferrors, therefore be sure to uninstall all third-party antivirus software that you have installed.
Many antivirus programs will leave certain registry entries and files behind after you remove them, and those files can still causeBSODerrors to appear.
To completely remove antivirus software, it’s advised that youuse a dedicated uninstaller toolfor it. Many security companies offer these tools for their software, so be sure to download one for your antivirus program.
9. Use the bcdedit command
Few users reported that they have issues with theKaspersky antivirus, and according to them, the only way to fix the NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE error in Windows 10/11 is to usebcdeditcommand.
10. Disable early launch anti-malware protection
First, you need to turn onNo execution protectionin BIOS. To do that, simply enter BIOS, locate the setting and turn it on.
Since there are many different versions of BIOS, be sure tocheck your motherboard‘s manual to see how to enter BIOS and enable No execution protection.
After doing that, you need to turn on DEP for essential Windows programs and services only.
Few users claim that they fixed the NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE error by disabling the early launch anti-malware protection.
Before disabling early launch anti-malware protection, there are a few other settings that you need to change.
11. Check for faulty hardware
Faulty hardware can often causeBSODerrors, but sometimes recently installed hardware can cause the NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE error to appear as well in Windows 10 or 11.
If you installed any new hardware recently be sure to remove it or replace it and check if your PC works well without it.
If the problem isn’t recently installed hardware, the cause may be a faulty hardware component. Users reported that a faulty sound card or PSU can cause these types oferrors, so check these components.
In addition, check other major components such as your RAM, motherboard, graphic card, andhard drive.
How do I know if my hardware is failing Windows 10?
The NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE error can cause certain problems onWindows 10/11, but it can be easily fixed by using one of our solutions.
We’d like to hear more from you so drop us a comment in the dedicated section 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.