An Uncorrectable Windows Hardware Error Architecture (WHEA) error is a Windows Stop Code that occurs on a blue screen. If this error happens, some diagnostic data will normally be processed by your computer, then reset. If the core issue continues, the device will inevitably fail again with the same WHEA error message that cannot be corrected.
Uncorrectable WHEA errors are typically linked with corrupted hardware, but can also be caused by incompatible drivers, incomplete Windows updates, or even overclocking problems.
How the WHEA Uncorrectable Error Appears
You will normally see a response such as one of these when this error occurs:
- Your machine has experienced a malfunction and needs to reboot. We’re only gathering some error information, and then we’re going to restart for you. If you want to know more, you can check for this error online: WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR
- An issue has been discovered and Windows is already shut down to avoid device disruption. WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR
Causes of the WHEA Uncorrectable Error
The WHEA unrecoverable error is a stop code that is seen when the blue screen fails and is usually triggered by a hardware malfunction of some kind. A failing hard disk, damaged memory, incorrectly seated CPU, and a host of other hardware problems can all lead to an uncorrectable WHEA error.
This error message may also be the product of driver conflicts and missed Windows changes that cause hardware to work or not to work in unusual ways, in addition to faulty hardware.
In certain situations, because of the extra pressure overclocking imposes on your Processor, overclocking will even cause this error to occur.
How to Fix a WHEA Uncorrectable Error
Because most uncorrectable WHEA errors are caused by hardware malfunction, it typically requires monitoring and repairing the problem part to repair this error. The best starting point, though, is at the tech end of things, since that’s simpler and less costly.
Put simply, you’ll like to start by looking for Windows and driver updates, and then run tests on sections such as your hard drive and memory.
- Use Windows Update to make sure that your system is up to date. If you’re not using automatic updates switched on, or for whatever reason an automatic update failed, a critical patch could be missed. Only enter Windows Update ‘ in your taskbar search area to make sure you’re all up-to-date.
You’ll have the option to install them if you need any updates. Just to be safe, you can also click Check for updates.
- Evaluate the computer hardware visually. In one of the hardware modules, you may have a physical flaw or malfunction. If your cooling system is connected and working, your RAM is firmly seated in place, components such as your CPU have not come loose, and everything is securely attached are several things to search for.
If you’re wearing an anti-static bracelet, don’t touch something inside your machine.
- Make sure your drivers are up to date. One of the most common causes of the WHEA uncorrectable error is driver clashes. If you have an issue with a driver, it can be hard to track precisely which driver needs an upgrade.
For some much-needed assistance, use this list of free driver updater tools.
- Use System Restore to undo any recent changes to your computer. A system restore may fix the issue if you are unable to track the change that causes your system to start experiencing WHEA uncorrectable errors. This is a feature that helps you to return to an earlier state your system, which in the meantime essentially undoes any improvements made.
If you follow steps 1 & 2 above before you try this stage, you will miss any updates you may have enabled, as the restore point you use is likely to be before these updates occur. Check for harddrive issues with the Error Checking utility. Since the WHEA uncorrectable error can be caused by faulty hardware, running the Error Checking utility may help point you to the root cause of your problem. This utility works a lot like chkdsk, and it will let you know if there are any problems with your hard drive.
chkdsk may also be used if you choose. It does not provide a graphical interface like the utility for Error Checking, but it does provide a number of extra options.
- Use a free memory diagnostic tool. Faulty RAM/memory is another hardware issue that can cause the WHEA uncorrectable error, and the easiest way to check for this is with a free memory diagnostic tool. If one of these tools says you have a bad memory, replacing your RAM may get rid of your WHEA uncorrectable error.
Another hardware problem that can cause the WHEA uncorrectable error is defective RAM/memory and a free memory debugging tool is the best way to search for this. If one of these methods suggests you have faulty memory, your uncorrectable WHEA mistake can be removed by replacing your RAM.
- Disable overclocking in BIOS or UEFI. Type ‘Settings‘ into your taskbar search box to quickly access your system BIOS or UEFI to reverse any overclocking improvements you’ve made, then navigate to Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now.
The process of restarting will begin. Pick Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings. These choices would be somewhat different if your machine uses BIOS instead of UEFI.
Your machine will restart and open either UEFI or BIOS automatically. Navigate to the segment on overclocking and uninstall all overclocking.
This patch works only if you have overclocked your machine. If you have bought a new machine and you have never overclocked it, this fix will not apply.
- Reset Windows as a last resort. Reset Windows after everything that fails. This is an inevitable mechanism that reinstalls Windows practically from scratch and gives you a blank slate.
If you restore Windows and you still have an uncorrectable WHEA error, this means that you have a hardware problem.
Other Blue Screen Problems Like the WHEA Uncorrectable Error
The uncorrectable WHEA error is only one of several mistakes that can trigger the blue death screen to show on Windows. We have a complete list of blue screen error codes that will help you get to the root of the dilemma if you’re having blue screen problems.
We also have a basic guide to repairing the blue death screen, which could be of some use.
Leave a Reply