Machine check exception

The Machine Check Exception (MCE) is a hardware-level error encountered in computing systems. Unlike software-related issues, the MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION on Windows 11 usually occurs due to Faulty Hardware Or corrupted Software installation. These errors can stem from various sources, including problems within the CPU, memory errors, bus issues, or cache problems. Most of time you notice this error after install a new hardware device such as a printer, or scanner. When the Machine check exception error occurs, windows shut down its operation to prevent future damage and “Blue Screen of Death” (BSOD) is displayed. Let’s find out the common reason behind Windows 11 Machine check exception error and solutions to fix it.

Machine check exception Windows 11

The Machine Check Exception error can be caused by various factors, but some of the most common reasons behind this error include:

Hardware Failures: It can be due to a range of issues including faulty CPU, memory module, motherboard, or other hardware components. Again if the computer’s cooling system is not functioning properly or if the CPU is overclocked without adequate cooling, it can lead to overheating, and trigger such blue screen error on Windows 11.

Memory Issues: Faulty RAM modules or issues with the memory subsystem can lead to blue screen errors. This might include problems like inconsistent or incorrect data being written to or read from memory. Again Issues in the processor’s cache memory, which is responsible for rapid data access, can also be a source of Machine Check Exception error.

Outdated drivers: Outdated, incompatible, or corrupted device drivers or firmware can lead to MCE errors. This is particularly common after a system update or hardware change. certain software can indirectly cause or exacerbate the issue, particularly if it heavily stresses the hardware.

Overclocking: Overclocking refers to running a component (like the CPU) at a higher speed than its manufacturer’s specifications. This can lead to instability and BSOD errors, especially if not done with proper cooling and voltage adjustments.

Check Hardware Connections

Checking hardware connections is an important step in troubleshooting Machine Check Exception (MCE) errors. It ensures that all critical components within your computer system are properly and securely connected.

Shut down your computer and unplug it from the power source. Remove the side panel to access the internal components. Take a close look at the various hardware components. Focus on components like RAM modules, graphics cards, CPU, and any connected cables.

If any components appear loose or not properly seated, gently push them back into their slots. This is particularly important for components like RAM, which can sometimes become partially dislodged.

Check all cables connecting various components to the motherboard, including power connectors, data cables, and any other peripherals. Ensure they are firmly connected and not damaged.

Once you’ve ensured all connections are secure, carefully close the computer, Plug in the power cord, turn on the computer, and observe its behavior.

Power Reset Your Laptop Computer

Performing a power reset on your laptop computer can be a helpful step in troubleshooting various issues, including the Machine Check Exception error.

First Check if any Hardware device for loose connection or causing the problem. Next, shut down your windows, then remove all attached devices including the keyboard and mouse. This includes unplugging the power adapter if it’s currently connected.

Press and hold down the power button on your laptop for about 15-20 seconds. This discharges any residual power in the system. Now only attach the power code, VGA cable, keyboard and mouse and check Windows starts normally.

If you are Laptop Users simply Showdown windows, Remove the battery then press and hold the power button for 30 Sec. Now normally attach the battery And try to start Windows normally.

Note: Due to this machine check exception BSOD Windows 11 fails to start normally we recommend boot into safe mode to perform feature solutions.

Safe Mode Boot

Perform Startup repair

If due to this BSOD error you cannot boot into your PC normally, you might need to use an installation media. A series of options in the Windows Recovery Environment can fix the Machine Check Exception on Windows 11. One excellent option is the Automatic Repair tool. This will fix the components that might be causing the problem.

  • Create a media installation tool on another PC and insert it into your computer.
  • Boot your PC from the media tool, select your language, fill in the required information and click Next.
  • Now, click Repair your computer on the Install Windows page.
  • Next, select Choose an option in WinRE, Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options
  • Finally, select the startup Repair option and follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process.

Startup repair windows 11

Install Latest Windows updates

Microsoft regularly pauses Windows updates with the latest bug fixes and security improvements. Check for and install the latest Windows updates that may have a bug fix for machine check exception Windows 11.

  1. Open the settings app using the Keyboard shortcut Windows + I
  2. Click on Windows Update then hit Check for updates
  3. If new updates are available allow them to download and install on your PC
  4. Finally, restart Windows to apply the updates.

Windows 11 update download

Update the Display driver

Outdated drivers can indeed be a significant factor leading to various Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, including the Machine Check Exception error on Windows 11. Keeping drivers up-to-date is crucial for system stability and performance optimization. This practice not only resolves potential errors but also ensures that hardware components function smoothly with the operating system.

  1. Press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc and then click OK.
  2. This will open Device Manager and display all installed device driver list
  3. In Device Manager expand Display adapters.
  4. Right-click the display driver and click Update Driver Software.
  5. Select Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software.
  6. This will automatically check and install if the latest driver updates are available there.

Update display driver windows 11

Reinstall the Display driver

If the issue persists, uninstall and reinstall the Display driver. Reinstalling the display driver helps resolve issues related to graphics and display, which can sometimes be a contributing factor to errors like the Machine Check Exception.

  • Open Device Manager.
  • Expand Display adapters.
  • Right-click the display card driver and click Uninstall.
  • Windows will prompt you to confirm the device’s removal. Click OK to remove the driver.
  • After the uninstallation is complete, reboot your computer as soon as possible.

On the next start, the computer will load the generic display drivers. Now, go to the manufacturer’s website, download and install the compatible display card drivers for your computer, and check.

Run System file checker Tool

Corrupted missing system files also cause different blue screen errors include machine check exceptions on Windows 11. Run the build system file checker utility that helps with detect and restore missing files with the correct one.

  • Open Command prompt as administrator 
  • Type the command sfc /scannow and hit the enter key.
  • This will start the scanning process for Windows corrupt system files
  • If found this will restore them from a specific folder located on C drive.
  • Now, wait until 100% complete the scanning process.
  • Also, you can check how to Run DISM command to repair corrupted windows.
  • After that, Restart Windows and check problem is fixed.

Run system file checker

Run the Memory Diagnostic tool

Again Memory Errors Can Cause Different Blue Screen Errors. As we are trying to find out the solution for machine check exception BSOD Error We strongly Recommend running an inbuilt Memory Diagnostic Tool Which helps to find memory Errors.

To Run the Memory diagnostic tool press Windows + R type mdsched.exe and hit enter key. This will open the memory diagnostic Tool. you will find two options there.

  1. Restart now and check for problems
  2. Check for problems the next time I start my computer

Memory diagnostic tool

We recommend to save your working data and choose option 1 Restart now and check for problems. This will restart Windows and check for memory errors. Wait until 100% complete the scanning process, after that windows will Restart itself. you can check memory Diagnostic Test result Details Here.

Perform System Restore

If after performing All the above methods still getting the same machine check exception blue screen Error? Then its time to use the Windows system restore Feature. Which will transfer your PC’s environment in a previous stage when you had not faced this problem. You can Read How To perform System Restore on a Windows 11 computer.

If you are unable to access Windows normally you can either perform a system restore on Windows 11 safe mode or you can access Windows Advanced options to perform a system restore.

Windows Advanced Options

Did these solutions help to fix the machine check exception on Windows 11? let us know on the comments below, also read:

Robeg
I am Robeg founder of this blog. My qualification. completed Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). With a strong background in computer applications love write articles on Microsoft Windows (11, 10, etc.) Cybersecurity, WordPress and more.