The “NMI Hardware Failure” stop code 0x00000080 Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error indicates a critical hardware issue in your computer. NMI stands for Non-Maskable Interrupt, it’s a hardware-level signal that forces the CPU to immediately stop its current operations and address the issue. It stops Windows from executing and displays a blue screen error or BSoD which states: “Your PC ran into some problem and needs to be restarted”, and includes given below error code: NMI_HARDWARE_FAILURE. Usually, this error occurs when a hardware component malfunctions or behaves unexpectedly in a way that triggers this critical interrupt. This article will help you understand the causes of the error and provide practical solutions to fix NMI Hardware Failure error.
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What does nmi hardware failure mean?
NMI stands for Non-Maskable Interrupt, a type of hardware interrupt (or signal to the processor) that prioritizes a certain thread or process. Common reasons for NMI Hardware Failures include faulty RAM modules, a failing CPU or motherboard, issues with the power supply delivering inconsistent power, overheating components (especially the CPU and GPU), and sometimes even incompatible or poorly installed hardware.
- Hardware Issues: Faulty RAM, CPU, or motherboard components can lead to this error.
- Driver Conflicts: Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause hardware communication problems.
- Overheating: Excessive heat due to poor cooling solutions or high workloads can trigger hardware failures.
- Corrupted System Files: Damaged or missing system files may lead to instability.
- Peripheral Devices: Malfunctioning external devices or peripherals connected to the computer can cause this error.
- BIOS or Firmware Issues: Outdated or misconfigured BIOS settings can lead to hardware failures.
Disconnect External Devices
As this problem mostly occurs due to faulty hardware, or incompatibility of Hardware Devices. Disconnect all unnecessary devices and check if the error persists.
- Shut down your computer.
- Unplug all external devices, including USB drives, printers, and external monitors.
- Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.
- Reconnect devices one at a time to identify the problematic peripherals.
If due to this blue Screen error windows frequently restart and don’t allow to start windows normally we recommend booting into safe mode with networking. Which start Windows with minimum system configuration and allow to perform troubleshooting steps.
Check and Test Your Hardware
As discussed, Faulty hardware components are a common cause of this error. Start by testing the key hardware components in your system.
Sometimes, components like RAM modules or expansion cards can become loose. Try reseating them (after powering off and unplugging your computer).
Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool or Memtest86 to check for errors in your RAM modules.
- Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
- Choose to restart now and check for problems.
- Wait for the diagnostic tool to complete its scan and check the results.
You may need to Replace the RAM if the tool detects errors.
Use tools like CrystalDiskInfo or chkdsk to check for hard drive or SSD issues.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type
chkdsk /f /r
and press Enter. - Follow the prompts to restart and allow the tool to scan and fix errors.
Monitor and Address Overheating
Overheating can cause hardware to malfunction, triggering this error. Ensure that your system’s cooling solutions are adequate.
- Clean Dust: Use compressed air to clean dust from fans, vents, and heatsinks.
- Check Fans: Ensure all cooling fans are functioning correctly.
- Thermal Paste: Reapply thermal paste to the CPU if necessary.
- Monitor Temperatures: Use tools like HWMonitor or Core Temp to track system temperatures. If components are overheating, consider upgrading your cooling solutions.
Update Device Drivers
Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause hardware communication failures, leading to the BSOD. Update your drivers to ensure compatibility with your hardware
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand categories such as Display adapters, Network adapters, and System devices.
- Right-click on each device and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers to let Windows find and install the latest versions.
- If a driver is not available, visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest driver.
Also, you can run Driver verifier tool that can help identify problematic drivers that might be causing conflicts. Use it with caution, as it can sometimes cause system instability.
Repair Corrupted System Files
Corrupted system files can destabilize your system, leading to BSOD errors. Use the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools to repair them
To run SFC utility Simply Open the command prompt with admin privileges. Then type the command below and hit the enter key to execute the same.
SFC /scannow
This will start scanning for missing, damaged system files on your Windows PC. If found any the utility will automatically restore them from a compressed folder located on %WinDir%\System32\dllcache. Wait until 100% complete the scanning process after that Restart windows.
If SFC scan results Windows Resource protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them That causes you need to run The DISM tool which repairs the system image and allows SFC to Do its job. After that Restart your Computer And let start Windows normally.
Check for Windows Updates
Windows updates often include bug fixes and driver updates that can resolve BSOD errors.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
- Restart your computer to apply the updates.