PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA in Windows 11 (9 solutions)

The PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA error in Windows 11 is a classic Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) that can appear out of nowhere. This error signals that Windows tried to access a part of memory it shouldn't, often because of hardware issues, corrupt drivers, or faulty system files. Although intimidating, this error is usually fixable without a full system reinstall.

Below you'll find clear, step-by-step solutions for tackling this error, from basic checks to more advanced troubleshooting. Whether the problem started after a hardware change, a Windows update, or seemingly at random, these methods target the most common causes and can help you get your PC running reliably again.

Check Recent Changes and Disconnect New Hardware

The PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA error often surfaces after hardware upgrades or new device installations. Start by thinking back: did you recently add new RAM, plug in a USB device, or update internal hardware?

Shut down your PC and remove any recently added hardware. Unplug external USB drives, printers, webcams, and other peripherals, then reboot. If the error vanishes, reconnect devices one at a time to identify the culprit. For internal hardware like RAM or graphics cards, reseat them or try swapping them with known-good components if available. Loose connections or incompatible hardware can trigger this BSOD. Only reconnect one device at a time and test thoroughly after each step.

Test Your RAM for Errors

Defective or mismatched memory modules are a leading cause of PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA. Windows 11 includes a built-in tool called Windows Memory Diagnostic. To use it, type Windows Memory Diagnostic in the Start menu, open the app, and select 'Restart now and check for problems.' Your PC will reboot into the diagnostic tool and automatically run tests. Watch for error messages during or after the scan.

For deeper testing, consider using MemTest86-a free third-party utility. Download MemTest86, create a bootable USB, and run tests for at least one full pass (several hours). If errors appear, swap RAM sticks to narrow down which is faulty. Replace any problematic modules. Even a single bad RAM stick can trigger random and recurring BSODs.

Update or Roll Back Device Drivers

Driver corruption or incompatibility is another prime suspect. Outdated or buggy drivers, especially for graphics cards, storage controllers, or antivirus software, often cause this BSOD. Open Device Manager (press Win + X and select Device Manager), look for any yellow warning icons, and right-click to update those drivers.

If you recently updated a driver and the problem started afterward, try rolling back to the previous version. Right-click the device, select Properties, go to the Driver tab, and click Roll Back Driver if available. For graphics cards, download the latest stable drivers directly from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel, then perform a clean installation. Avoid third-party driver-update utilities, which are often unreliable and may introduce new problems.

Check Hard Drive Integrity and Health

Corrupt sectors or failing storage drives can trigger memory-related BSODs, especially if the system page file sits on faulty regions. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run chkdsk /f /r C: to scan and repair disk errors. If prompted to schedule a scan at next reboot, type Y and restart your PC.

For solid state drives (SSDs) or advanced diagnostics, use the manufacturer’s SSD toolbox or a third-party utility like CrystalDiskInfo to check for failing hardware. Look for values such as 'Reallocated Sector Count' (for HDDs) or wear indicators (for SSDs). Back up your data if you see warnings or high error counts-drive failure is often sudden and can lead to recurring BSODs.

Repair Corrupt System Files

Corrupted system files are a frequent cause of memory access violations. Windows 11 provides two primary tools: System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM). Open Command Prompt as administrator and type sfc /scannow. The scan will take a few minutes to complete and automatically repair basic corruption.

If problems persist, next run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in the same Command Prompt window. DISM fetches healthy system files from Windows Update and replaces damaged components. After both scans, reboot your PC and see if the error resolves. These tools are safe and won’t harm your personal files.

Adjust Virtual Memory and Pagefile Settings

This error can result from a misconfigured or corrupt pagefile (the system-managed virtual memory file on your disk). To reset it, right-click This PC, select Properties, choose Advanced system settings, then under the Performance section click Settings. Go to the Advanced tab and click Change under Virtual Memory.

Uncheck 'Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.' Select your system drive, choose 'System managed size,' then click Set and OK. Reboot your PC. Avoid disabling the pagefile entirely, as this can cause instability and recurring BSODs, especially with low RAM systems. Letting Windows manage the pagefile is usually safest unless you have a specific advanced configuration need.

Temporarily Disable or Uninstall Third-Party Security Software

Some antivirus or security suites can interfere with memory management, especially if their drivers are buggy or out of date. To test this, uninstall your third-party antivirus fully (do not just disable it), reboot, and see if the error recurs. Windows Defender will automatically take over basic protection.

If the error disappears, consider reinstalling a fresh copy of your antivirus, or switch to another solution certified for Windows 11. In rare cases, security software leaves behind low-level drivers even after uninstalling; use the vendor’s removal tool for a clean sweep. If troubleshooting resolves the issue, you can safely reinstall your preferred software later, checking for the latest versions compatible with your OS.

Restore System Stability with System Restore

If the error started after a Windows update, driver install, or software change and nothing else works, try using System Restore. Press Win + R, type rstrui, and press Enter. Select a restore point from before the error began. System Restore will revert system files, registry, and drivers without touching your documents.

This process can undo recent changes that triggered the BSOD. If System Restore fails due to corruption, consider performing a Windows repair install (using the Media Creation Tool) that keeps your files and apps intact. Always back up important data before major repairs, but System Restore is a fast and often effective fix for persistent system errors.

Frequently asked questions