How to Fix Machine Check Exception Error windows PC

Windows Stop code, Machine Check Exception (MCE) usually occurs when a computer’s central processing unit (CPU) detects a problem, such as data corruption in CPU caches, memory errors, or data transfer issues on the system bus. You may experience this error during system boot, during normal operation, or even during Windows installation, particularly if the installation media or drivers are incompatible with the system’s hardware. Users report, “Every time I start up my computer, everything is fine and then wait a couple of minutes, and blue screen displays with this error code MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION”. Well, both Hardware and software problems, including Corrupted system files, Outdated or incompatible drivers, and Faulty or Overclocked Hardware, are some of the common reasons behind this error. Whatever the reason, here are effective solutions to fix and eliminate this annoying Blue Screen of Death issue.

What causes Machine Check Exception Error?

The Machine Check Exception (MCE) is a hardware error reported by your CPU’s Machine Check Architecture (MCA). It’s a built-in diagnostic mechanism that detects internal processor issues, memory access errors, or faulty hardware operations. This error can occur due to several underlying issues, including memory corruption, CPU cache failures, or other hardware faults.

• Faulty Hardware: This is the most common cause and can include a failing CPU, bad RAM, a failing or insufficient power supply, or a problematic motherboard.
• Overheating: Dust buildup or poor cooling can cause the CPU to overheat, leading to MCE errors.
• Overclocking: Unstable or aggressive overclocking settings can cause hardware to become unstable over time.
• Corrupted BIOS/UEFI: An outdated or corrupted BIOS (or UEFI) can cause hardware conflicts.
• Defective Expansion Cards: Rarely, a faulty expansion card, like a graphics card (GPU), can trigger an MCE.

Again, corrupted Windows system files, failing storage drives or controller issues can trigger BSOD errors.

Disconnect External Devices and Reboot PC

Sometimes, external devices like USB drives, external hard disks, and Bluetooth adapters can cause hardware communication conflicts during startup and trigger BSOD error. Disconnect all unnecessary peripherals, rule out hardware interference and probably bypass this error.

• Shut down your computer completely.
• Disconnect all external devices, including USB drives, external SSDs/HDDs, memory cards, printers, and smartphones.
• Leave only the keyboard, mouse, and monitor connected.
• Power on your PC and see if Windows boots normally.

If your PC starts without crashing, one of the disconnected peripherals was causing the problem. Reconnect them one at a time to identify the culprit.

Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Windows with only essential drivers and services. If a third-party driver, startup app, or overclocking utility is causing the Machine Check Exception, Safe Mode allows Windows to start with minimal components so you can safely troubleshoot the issue.

• Turn off your PC. Press the Power button, and as soon as Windows starts to load, press and hold Power again to interrupt startup.
• Repeat this three times until you reach Automatic Repair.
• Select Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
• When your PC restarts, press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode.

If the system is stable in Safe Mode, it indicates a driver or software conflict. Proceed with driver updates or uninstall recent programs.

Update or Reinstall Device Drivers

Corrupted or outdated device drivers, particularly chipset, GPU, and storage drivers, commonly cause hardware-related blue screens. Keeping drivers up to date ensures Windows communicates correctly with your hardware.

• Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
• Expand important categories like Display adapters, Storage controllers, and Processors.
• Right-click each device and choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.

For graphics drivers, download the latest version from the official websites:

• NVIDIA: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/drivers/
• AMD: https://www.amd.com/en/support/download/drivers.html
• Intel: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download-center/home.html

After updating, restart your computer and check if the issue persists.

Disable Windows Fast Startup

Windows Fast Startup (also called Fast Boot) helps boot your computer quickly. However, this feature can sometimes prevent drivers and hardware devices from initializing properly, especially after updates or hardware changes. For a few users, Disabling Fast Startup helps them fix the Windows 11 BSOD error.

• Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter to open Control Panel.
• Navigate to Hardware and Sound → Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do.
• Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
• Under Shutdown settings, uncheck the box that says Turn on fast startup (recommended).
• Click Save changes, then restart your PC.

Disabling Fast Startup may slightly increase boot time, but it ensures a cleaner and more stable hardware initialization and reduces system crashes during startup.

Disable CPU Overclocking and XMP Profiles

Overclocking pushes your CPU or RAM beyond manufacturer-rated limits. While it boosts performance, it can also cause voltage instability or overheating, leading to hardware errors like Machine Check Exception. Disabling overclocking and XMP profiles restores hardware stability.

• Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI by pressing Del, F2, or Esc during startup.
• Locate the Overclocking or AI Tweaker section.
• Set CPU multiplier, voltage, and memory settings to Default or Auto.
• Save changes and exit BIOS.

Reboot your system and check if Windows starts normally there are no more BSOD errors.

Install Windows Update

Microsoft regularly releases patches that include fixes for BSOD errors, driver conflicts, and system stability improvements. Installing the latest updates can often eliminate compatibility-related causes of the Machine Check Exception.

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to Windows Update → click Check for updates.
• Install all available updates and restart your PC.

Run SFC and DISM System Repair Commands

Corrupted or missing system files can cause crashes during Windows operations. The System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools repair and restore these critical files.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Type the following commands one by one:

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

• This will scan the System for missing files and restore them with the correct ones from %WinDir%\System32\dllcache
• Wait for each process to complete, then restart your PC.

These commands repair system integrity and restore damaged Windows components.

Run Windows Memory Diagnostic

Faulty RAM modules or memory timing issues can cause random system crashes. The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool checks your RAM for hardware faults that may be causing the error.

• Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
• Choose Restart now and check for problems.

• Windows will reboot and automatically test your memory.

If it reports errors, you likely have a defective RAM stick that needs replacement.

Update or Reset BIOS/UEFI

An outdated BIOS can mismanage hardware-level instructions between CPU, RAM, and storage devices. Updating BIOS ensures better compatibility and stability.

• Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website (ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, Dell, HP, etc.).
• Locate your motherboard model and download the latest BIOS update.
• Follow the official on-screen update instructions carefully.

Note: Ensure your system doesn’t shut down during the update, interruption can permanently damage the BIOS.

Check Physical Hardware Components

If none of the software fixes help, the error could be due to failing hardware components such as RAM, CPU, GPU, or power supply. Overheating, loose connections, or physical wear can trigger Machine Check Exceptions.

• Open your PC case and clean internal dust using compressed air.
• Reseat RAM and GPU properly in their slots.
• Check CPU and GPU temperature using tools like HWMonitor or CoreTemp.
• Test your PSU using a multimeter or PSU tester.
• Replace any faulty hardware components if identified.

FAQs: Machine Check Exception error

1. What does Machine Check Exception mean?
It’s a CPU-detected hardware error indicating your system encountered a serious issue that forced Windows to stop.

2. Is Machine Check Exception caused by hardware or software?
Mostly hardware — but outdated drivers or firmware can trigger it too.

3. Does reinstalling Windows fix this error?
Only if the cause is software corruption or driver conflict. Hardware-related causes will persist.

4. Can overheating cause Machine Check Exception?
Yes, overheating CPU or GPU can trigger this error during intensive tasks.

5. Can a bad power supply cause BSOD errors?
Absolutely. An unstable or failing PSU can lead to system-wide voltage issues and cause blue screens.