Fix Bad Pool Header Error Blue Screen of Death on Windows 11/10

The “Bad Pool Header” Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error in Windows 11 and Windows 10 is related to memory allocation problems and typically occurs due to corrupted system files, outdated drivers, incompatible software, or hardware failures. You may experience “BAD POOL HEADER” BSOD error when the operating system detects an inconsistency or corruption in the memory pool’s header. This header contains vital information about the memory allocation and usage, and any damage to it can trigger a system crash. If you are experiencing this BSOD error, don’t worry—there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the problem and prevent future crashes.

Bad Pool Header Blue screen of Death error

This error points to issues with memory management, specifically within the “pool” of memory used by the operating system. Several factors can trigger this error, including:

• Corrupted or outdated drivers: Malfunctioning drivers can lead to memory management issues.
• Faulty RAM or hardware failure: Defective memory modules or failing hardware can cause instability.
• Corrupt system files: Damage to Windows system files can trigger BSOD errors.
• Software conflicts: Recently installed third-party applications or security software may interfere with memory allocation.
• Malware or viruses: Infections can corrupt critical system data, causing memory pool errors.
• Faulty Windows updates: Incomplete or buggy updates may cause system instability.

When you encounter this error, You should remember what was the last thing you did before encountering bad pool header. It may be a Windows update or a driver update, maybe a hardware replacement etc. If you can find out the possible reason behind this problem, It will be easier to fix it.

Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve temporary system glitches that cause BSOD errors. Restarting your computer clears temporary cache, resets system processes, and can fix minor memory allocation issues. If the error does not reappear after rebooting, it may have been caused by a temporary system hiccup. However, if the BSOD returns, further troubleshooting is needed.

Disconnect External Devices

Faulty peripherals like USB drives, external hard drives, or printers can cause BSOD errors. Try removing all external devices and restart your computer. If the issue does not occur again, reconnect each device one at a time to determine which one is causing the problem. If you identify a faulty device, try updating its drivers or replacing it.

Boot into Safe mode

If Windows frequently restart with a blue screen and you are unable to access to perform troubleshooting steps then you need to boot Windows into safe mode.

Safe mode is a diagnostic mode of a computer that enables users of Windows 10 to enter an altered version of windows and correct any problems that may be preventing them from entering booting up normally. safe mode different from the normal operating mode in that it uses default drivers and setting upon startup and only system required software programs are loaded upon startup.

Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup helps your computer boot faster but can sometimes cause conflicts with memory allocation, leading to BSOD errors. Disabling it can help stabilize the system.

• Press Win+X at the same time. Select Power Options on the pop-up menu.
• Select Choose what the power button does in the left panel
• Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
• Uncheck the box next to Turn on fast startup (recommended) and click on Save Changes button.
• Restart your PC and check if the issue persists.

Update Drivers and Windows

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause memory-related issues. When drivers are outdated, they may not function properly with the latest Windows updates, leading to system crashes. Updating your drivers ensures that your hardware communicates correctly with the operating system, reducing the risk of BSOD errors.

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Display adapters, Network adapters, and Storage controllers.
3. Right-click each device and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
5. If Windows does not find a newer driver, visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest version manually.
6. Restart your PC and check if the issue is resolved.

Run Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

The error would also occur due to faulty RAM. The RAM may be stuck with dust. Take it out and do some cleaning. If the error still can’t be resolved, you might need to replace it with a new one. Take your PC to the repair store near you if you are not comfortable fixing RAM issue.

Sometimes, This error may be caused by a memory problem. So you should Run In build Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool to find out memory problems to fix the bad pool header. To Run the Memory Diagnostic Tool Follow the bellow.

• At first, click on the start button search and type memory.
• You will see Windows Memory Diagnostic on the start menu search 
• Click on it. This will open the memory diagnostic tool here you will see two options.

• select “Restart now and check for problems (Recommended)“. This will restart Windows and check for memory Errors
• Windows will automatically detect any memory related problems.
• Once completed, check the results in the Event Viewer under Windows Logs > System. If memory issues are detected, consider replacing your RAM modules.

Run SFC and DISM Commands

Corrupt system files can trigger BSOD errors. Running System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) commands can repair damaged files and restore system integrity.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Run the command sfc /scannow to scan and fix corrupted files
• Next, run DISM command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair Windows image health.
• Once the scanning is complete 100% Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Disable Indexing Service / Windows Search

Also Disable the Indexing Service, (if running) can fix bad pool header BSOD Error. This will Fix Issues between drivers/software and Microsoft’s Indexing Service.

• First press Windows + R type services.msc and press enter.
• Once in the Services window opens, scroll down look for Indexing Service
• Right-click on the indexing service, select properties,
• In the Windows search Properties window, change the startup type to either Disabled or Manual.
  

Now stop the service if it’s running from service status click apply and ok to make save changes and follow the below step.

Check disk Errors using CHKDSK

A failing hard drive can lead to data corruption and BSOD errors. Running the CHKDSK command can scan and repair disk-related issues.

• Open the command prompt as administrator,
• Now, Type the command chkdsk c:  /f /r /x and press Enter.

command explained: Here command CHKDSK for check hard disk, C: is your system installed drive letter /F for force /R for Repair and /x for forcefully dismount the drive.

• Type Y and press Enter to schedule a scan on the next restart.
• Restart your PC and allow the scan to complete.
• If errors are found, Windows will attempt to repair them.
• If the disk is failing, consider replacing your hard drive or SSD.

If none of the above solutions work, consider resetting Windows to its default settings. This will remove problematic files and software while giving you the option to keep your personal data.