7 Fixes: Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap Error

Unexpected kernel mode trap problems can occur on a PC running Windows 8.1, Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1), and also Server 2012 R2. The error is usually triggered by two events that occur in kernel mode. The CPU generated an error that the kernel is not authorized to catch, or the error is unrecoverable.

The most prevalent cause is hardware failure due to an unsuitable or faulty ram module. There may be times when you have corrupted system files on your computer that cause an error. Before Windows 8, the problem code appeared.

It was renamed UNEXPECTED _KERNEL MODE TRAP in Windows 8 and later. Sometimes blue screen error also occurs due to a lack of adequate disk space.

Methods to Fix UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP Blue Screen Error in Windows 10

  1. Update the Windows 10 Operating System 
  2. Scan with System File Checker (Command Prompt)
  3. Use Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool
  4. Reset Your New Hardware
  5. Update Device Drivers 
  6. Restore your computer
  7. Disable the cache memory from BIOS

After updating Windows 10 or installing the Windows 10 anniversary update, you must address the UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP. Here are several alternatives. If your hardware requires a BIOS update, contact the hardware vendor. Disable BIOS memory options, like shadowing and cache.

1. Update the Windows 10 Operating System 

The application programs that allow Windows to interface with your hardware are known as device drivers. Your PC will not function properly if an inappropriate or faulty driver is installed. It results in BSOD errors and crashes. You may check for the latest device drivers from the Windows Settings menu.

  • Right-click on the Windows Start menu. Select Settings. It will bring up the Windows Settings dialogue box.
open settings from start
  • Select Update & Security from the Settings menu. Choose update driver software from the Windows Update menu. After that, click Download (or Download and Install) to start downloading and installing new updates.
update and security in settings
  • Windows will install and download the latest drivers update, including automatic driver update. You may have to restart your computer to complete the process. You may shut down or restart your computer by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting Shut down or Restart.
check windows update
  • After restart, all the driver issues, outdated and faulty drivers will be replaced. 

2. Scan with System File Checker (Command Prompt)

Corrupted and faulty computer files can cause the Windows 10 UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP problem. However, you can scan for, and repair damaged files with Windows System File Checker.

  • Click on the start button and type the command prompt 
  • Select Command Prompt from the drop-down menu.
  • Right-click on the command prompt (cmd) and run it as administrator. 
open command prompt as an administrator
  • In the dialogue window, type SFC /scannow and press Enter.
type sfc /scannow
  • The SFC command will launch the System File Checker. It will look for corrupted system files causing the unexpected kernel mode trap or blue screen error.

3. Use Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool

Faulty or mismatched memory drivers could also be the reason for this unrecoverable error. Maybe you added some new hardware components that don’t work with the rest of your computer’s components.

Consider removing the faulty RAM. Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool to examine your system’s memory to boot the operating system. Proceed to the next step.

  • Open the run command window either from start or shortcut.
  • Press Windows key + R and type “mdsched.exe.” 
mdsched.exe in run
  • Choose the first option, “Restart now and check for problems (recommended).”
windows memory diagnostic tools
  • Allow the process to finish before rebooting your PC.
windows memory diagnostic tool

4. Reset Your New Hardware 

Suppose the error occurs after a recent hardware installation. That particular piece of hardware very certainly causes the blue screen death error.

Simply remove the new hardware and restart your computer to resolve the issue.

The unexpected kernel mode trap issue is related to drivers and system memory. Something inside your computer casing may have come loose.

Cleaning your computer while you’re in there is a good idea. 

Dust accumulation within your computer case might be fatal to your system. Clean the dust out of the case with an air blower, then wipe surfaces clean with a lint-free cloth. PC maintenance will extend the life of your hardware and save you money.

5. Update Device Drivers 

Update the device driver

  • Enter device manager in the taskbar’s search box, click devmgmt or Device Manager.
  • Choose a category to display device names, then right-click (or press and hold) the one you want to change.
update install or disable sound driver in windows 10
  • Select Automatically search for new driver software.
  • Click on the “update driver,” or you can disable components.
  • If Windows cannot locate a new driver, go to the device manufacturer’s website and follow their instructions.

Reinstall the device driver

  • Reinstall the device driver if necessary.
  • Enter device manager in the taskbar’s search box, then picks Device Manager.
  • Select Uninstall by right-clicking (or pressing and holding) the device’s name.
uninstall faulty driver
  • Restart your computer.
  • Windows will reinstall the driver.

6. Restore your computer

  • Open the control panel from the start. Alternatively, search the Control panel in the search box.
  • Click the Control Panel.
  • In the Control Panel search box, type Recovery and touch or click Recovery.
open control panel and search recovery
  • Follow the on-screen instructions after tapping or clicking Open System Restore.
open system restore in the recovery settings
system restore setup

7. Disable the cache memory from BIOS

  • First, restart your computer. Click Start, then the power icon, and finally, Restart.
  • Wait for the first starting screen to show on the machine. When the startup screen opens, press the setup key on your computer.
  • To enter setup, press Del or F2 until the BIOS screen appears. It’s also possible that the key you’re prompted to press is different.
  • Wait for your BIOS to load before proceeding. The BIOS will load after you successfully press the setup key.
  • Go to the “Advanced” section of the website. At the top of the screen, select Advanced.
  • Find the memory option you want to turn off.
  • Move the selection box to the “Enabled” or similar text to the right of a memory item using the arrow keys.

Conclusion 

The solutions listed above should cure your unexpected kernel mode trap error. In fact, for practically any Windows 10 issue, these remedies should be your first point of contact. The combination cleans your system, repairs file structures, and checks for faults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Unexpected kernel mode trap a virus?

Malware or virus-infected files might trigger the UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP blue screen errors. So start your malware protection program and run a scan on your PC to find and remove any harmful files.

What is an unexpected kernel mode trap?

The UNEXPECTED KERNEL MODE TRAP error means that the CPU generated a trap. The kernel was unable to capture or that the system is in an unrecoverable state. It is a problem that affects Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1. Hardware issues are a common source of this oddity.

Can RAM cause unexpected kernel mode trap windows 10 ?

There are multiple possible causes for unexpected kernel mode trap problems. The most typical cause of this issue is a defective new RAM that causes the read or write problem at random intervals. You will need to run a system scan and replace the damaged RAM module.

What causes a kernel error?

A hardware failure or PC crash can cause a kernel error code. If your graphics card fails, it can provide incorrect data to the graphics device driver, resulting in a kernel error. If your hard drive fails, it can corrupt Windows files, causing programs that rely on those files to crash.