How to Fix the WHEA Uncorrectable Error

The Windows Hardware Error Architecture (WHEA) uncorrectable error is a Windows stop code displayed on a blue screen. When this error occurs, your computer will typically compile some diagnostic data then reset. If the root problem persists, your computer will eventually crash again with the same WHEA uncorrectable error message.

WHEA uncorrectable errors are usually associated with faulty hardware, but they can also be caused by driver conflicts, missing Windows updates, and even overclocking.

When this error occurs, you'll usually see a message like one of these:

The WHEA uncorrectable error is a stop code displayed during blue screen crashes and is usually due to hardware failure. A failing hard drive, defective memory, improperly seated CPU, and a variety of other hardware issues can all result in a WHEA uncorrectable error.

In addition to faulty hardware, this error message can also result from driver conflicts and missing Windows updates that cause hardware to work or not work in unexpected ways.

In some cases, overclocking can also cause this error to appear due to the extra strain overclocking puts on your CPU.

Since most WHEA uncorrectable errors are caused by hardware failure, fixing this error usually involves tracking down the problem component and replacing it. However, the best place to start is on the software end because that's easier and less expensive.

In general, you'll want to start by checking for Windows and driver updates, then running checks on components like your hard drive and memory.

Use Windows Update to make sure that your system is up to date. If you don't have automatic updates turned on or an automatic update failed for some reason, you might be missing a crucial patch. To make sure you're all up to date, type "Windows Update" into your taskbar search field.

If you require any updates, you'll have the option to install them. You can also select Check for updates to be sure.

Physically inspect your computer hardware. You may have a physical defect or failure in one of your hardware components. Some things to look for include whether your cooling system is hooked up and functional, your RAM is securely seated in place, components like your CPU haven't come loose, and everything is securely connected.

Don't touch anything inside your computer unless you're using an anti-static bracelet.

Make sure your drivers are up to date. Driver conflicts represent one of the most common causes of the WHEA uncorrectable error. If you're having a driver problem, it can be challenging to track down exactly which driver needs an update.

Use this list of free driver updater tools for some much-needed assistance.

Use System Restore to undo any recent changes to your computer. If you cannot track down the change that causes your system to start experiencing WHEA uncorrectable errors, a system restore may fix the problem. It's a utility that allows you to restore your system to an earlier state, which effectively undoes any changes made in the meantime.

If you try steps 1 & 2 above before you try this step, you may lose any updates you may have installed since, presumably, the restore point you use will be before these updates.

Check for hard drive 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.

You can also use chkdsk if you prefer. It doesn't have a graphical interface like the Error Checking utility, but it does provide a lot of additional 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 bad memory, replacing your RAM may eliminate your WHEA uncorrectable error.

Disable overclocking in BIOS or UEFI. To easily access your system BIOS or UEFI to undo any overclocking changes you've made, type "Settings" into your taskbar search field, then navigate to Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now.

The restart process will start. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings. If your computer uses BIOS instead of UEFI, these options will be slightly different.

Your computer will restart and automatically open UEFI or BIOS. Navigate to the overclocking section, and disable all overclocking.

This fix only applies if your system has been overclocked. If you bought your computer new and never overclocked it, this fix doesn't apply.

Reset Windows as a last resort. When all else fails, reset Windows. It's an irreversible process that essentially reinstalls Windows from scratch and gives you a clean slate.

If you reset Windows and still experience the WHEA uncorrectable error, you have a hardware issue. Carefully inspect your hardware again, and seek professional assistance if you can't determine which piece of hardware has failed.

The WHEA uncorrectable error is just one of many errors that can cause Windows to display the blue screen of death. If you're experiencing blue screen issues, we have a complete list of blue screen error codes that can help you get to the bottom of your problem.

We also have a general guide to fixing the blue screen of death that may be some assistance.

You'll need to boot into safe mode and use the Windows log to find a faulty driver. Press Windows key + R and type eventvwr in the Run dialog box. In the Windows Logs menu, select System. Find a log labeled system_thread_exception_not_handled. Select it to find the faulty driver.

Win 10 and 11: Go to the taskbar, select the date and time, and choose Date and Time Settings. Turn on Set Time Automatically. In older Windows versions, choose the date and time on the taskbar and click Internet Time > Change Settings. Check Synchronize with an Internet time server and click time.windows.com > Update Now > OK.

To fix error 0x80004005 in Windows 10, try running the Windows Update troubleshooter. If this doesn't work, manually delete the files in the Windows Update folder, and run Windows Update again. You can also try deleting temporary files, disabling Windows Defender, and disabling Outlook mail notifications.