At times, due to an outdated device driver or a problematic Windows update, you might come end up with UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error in Windows 10. There’s no denying that this error is quite annoying as it does now allow you to operate the system smoothly. When it occurs, your computer screen turns blue and results in UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error, and you’re stuck. However, on its occurrence the following error message appears on your screen: 

“A problem has been detected and Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.” 

There is a stop code associated with this error, that further is read as 0x0000007F (0x0000000000, 0x0000000000). Whenever, you end up with the issue, make sure if all the cables are connected properly. If not, this may result in the error as well. Moreover, if you fail to resolve this issue immediately, then the BSOD error can restrict you from accessing your system files and may even lead to data loss. Before you jump to the troubleshooting solutions, let’s explore some of the common causes that result in this issue.

Why Am I Stuck With UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP Error? 

Below we have mentioned some of the common reasons that result in UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error:

• Faulty RAM Module
• Outdated Device Drivers
• Windows Upgrade Issues
• Missing or Corrupted File System
• Low Disk Space or Memory Errors
• Outdated Antivirus Protection
• Issues with Graphics Card Driver

Note: Before you begin troubleshooting the UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error, make sure to log into your Windows 10 using safe mode. It will help you keep your crucial data secure in worst of the scenarios.

How To Fix UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP Error In Windows 10?

Below we have mentioned some of the effective troubleshooting methods by implementing which you would surely be able to fix 

Method 1: Repair Faulty RAM Module

You may end up with the UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error, boot failure, and other memory errors due to a slight damage in your system’s RAM.  To repair a faulty RAM, all you have to do is figure out which RAM module is corrupt or damaged. For doing this, test each memory slot to find which slot is faulty and then replace it accordingly. If required, you may have to replace your motherboard to fix this issue. 

Important: If you aren’t sure of the process of doing it, then we would suggest you to reach out to an expert. 

An alternative to fix a faulty RAM is to run the built-in BSOD troubleshooter program available in Windows 10. For doing so, you may follow the below-given steps:

• At first, go to the Settings menu, and from there, select Update & Security option.
• After that, click on the Troubleshoot option available on the left side of your screen.
• Further, click on Blue Screen on the right and then, select Run the troubleshooter option.
• At last, follow the screen instructions that appear on your screen. It surely helps you fix the UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error.

Method 2: Update the Outdated Device Drivers

You may end up with the UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error due to an outdated, faulty, or incompatible driver. If so, you can try updating your device drivers or remove a problematic one. Follow the below given steps to update or uninstall a device driver:

Update the device driver

• In the first place, you have to type device manager in the search box on the taskbar, and then, select Device Manager.
• After that, select a category to see the names of devices, and then, right-click (or press and hold) the one that you want to update.
• Further, click on the search automatically for updated driver software.
• Now, select Update Driver.
• In case, Windows fails to find a new driver, you can begin searching for the one that is available on the device manufacturer’s website and follow the instructions that are provided by them.

Uninstall the device driver

• Again, enter device manager in the search box on the taskbar, and then, select Device Manager.
• Right-click (or press and hold) the name of the device, and select the Uninstall option.

Method 3: Fix the Windows Upgrade Issues

At times, a simple Windows upgrade can fix many types of BSOD errors. You can various hardware and software bugs just by upgrading your Windows to the latest update. To check the latest Windows updates, proceed with the below-given steps:

• In the search box, enter Windows Update and click on Check for updates in the Windows Update information box.
• If available, the updates will appear on your screen. 
• Follow the instructions as displayed on your screen and install any available update.

Alternatively, to ensure if the error has occurred due to improper installation of Windows, you may also try resetting your Windows 10. Further, you may follow the below-stated steps:

• At first, click on the Windows icon.
• Then, press and hold the Shift key on keyboard, and then click on Restart.
• Now, go to Troubleshoot in the Advanced Start up options.
• After that, select the Reset this PC option and click on Remove everything. 
• Now, install Windows 10 again on the system.
• Further, select the Only the drive where Windows is installed option and click on Just remove my files.
• Reset the system, after seeing the changes the reset will enable.    
• At last, proceed with the instructions that appear on your screen to complete the reset process.  

Note: When you reset the PC, it will delete all the existing files that are available on your system. Thus, to avoid any impending data loss make sure to create a backup of your data. If in case, you don’t have the backup, and you lost all the crucial data, the best option would be to use a reliable data recovery software to recover the data.  

Method 4: Run SFC and DISM scan to fix Missing or Corrupted File System

One of the causes behind UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error is a missing or corrupted file system. To fix this issue, you have to run two types of scans on your system i.e., SFC and DISM.

1. SFC Scan: With the help of the SFC scan, you can detect and repair any file system corruption on your system. To perform this scan, follow the steps listed below:

• At first, open the quick-access menu by simultaneously pressing the Windows + X keys.
• There, click on Command Prompt and select the Run as Administrator option.
• Then, type sfc /scannow in the command prompt and press the Enter key.
• Once the scan completes, restart your system to ensure if the error persists or not. If not, you can try the DISM scan as described below.

2. DISM Scan: To get aware of the health of your Operating System or detect any missing or corrupted system file, you can run the DISM scan on your system. Further, you may follow the below-listed steps:

• Click on the Windows icon and enter Command Prompt in the text field. 
• Further, right-click on the command prompt windows and select the Run as administrator option.
• Then, in the Command Prompt window enter the following command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth and then press the Enter key.

Note: One needs to know that, the scan may take some time but it will effectively detect any issues with the system that needs to get fixed.

Method 5: Run memory diagnostics to fix Low Disk Space or Memory Errors

Your system may be running out of memory or there may be some corruption issues, causing the error. To find the exact issue, you may run memory diagnostics on your computer. Follow these steps:

• In the first place, open the Run dialog box by simultaneously pressing the Windows + R keys.
• Then, type mdsched.exe in the text field and click OK.
• After that, select the Restart now option and check for problems.
• Further, let Windows check the memory for any errors and wait till the scan completes.
• Once the scan is completed, Windows will restart automatically.

If required, you may also run a chkdsk scan to find whether the UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error is caused by a storage or corruption issue on your system. 

Run Chkdsk Scan

• Simultaneously press the Windows + X keys and select the Command Prompt (Admin), or PowerShell (Admin) option.
• In the Command Prompt Window, enter the command chkdsk/r c: and press the Enter key.

You can detect if there is any potential issue with the disk storage space or file system corruption by running the Chkdsk command on your PC.

Method 6: Update Outdated Antivirus Protection

There may be a possibility that the Windows Defender Antivirus protection may be expired or disabled, that is one of the reasons behind UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error. To make sure if your antivirus protection is up-to-date and running, you have to check your system and then follow the below-given steps:

• Click on the Windows icon and go to System Settings.
• From there, go to Update & Security menu followed by Windows Security and Virus & threat protection.
• The antivirus will also scan the PC to make sure if any viruses are present.
• Follow the instructions that appear on your screen to remove malware, if any. 
• Once done, restart your computer and check if the error is resolved or not.

Method 7: Fix Issues with the Graphics Card Driver

One of the reasons behind BSOD errors is an improperly installed or outdated graphics card driver. One of the reports also say that the latest Nvidia driver is causing various errors in Windows 10. And, the best way to deal with this is to go back to the previous driver. To do so, you have to remove the Nvidia driver from the Device Manager. Once you have removed the driver, restart your PC. Windows will begin to reinstall the default driver. Right after this, check whether the error reappears or not.

Method 8: Windows Data Recovery Software

Have you lost important data due to the UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error? Don’t worry! You can recover the lost data by downloading an efficient data recovery software. Of these, one is the Stellar Windows Data Recovery Software. It helps you recover your data when it has got formatted, re-formatted, corrupt, or inaccessible. Added to that, this software has a highly easy-to-use interface that makes it easy for the users to access it. Also, provides an efficient way to recover the lost data.

• At first, you have to download, install, and launch the Stellar Windows Data Recovery software on your PC/laptop.
• When you run the software, click on the What to Recover option.
• After that, select either Everything or choose the type of data you wish to recover. And then, click Next.
• From the Recover From screen, select the location or drive you formatted and then, click on Scan. It will begin the scanning process.
• Once the scanning process completes, the results will show up on the screen under three panes, i.e., Tree View, File Type, and Deleted List.
• You can select the required files and turn on the preview. It will help you look at the recoverable files.
• Once you have seen the recovered files, click on Recover.
• Moving ahead, click on Browse to select a location to store the files. 

Note: To prevent data overwriting, you must always choose a different location or storage drive.

• Once you have selected the storage location, click on Start-Saving, and the files will be stored on the selected location.
• At last, you can check the location of your recoverable files and check them.

Closing Thoughts!As mentioned, the UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error may occur due to various reasons, such as faulty RAM, outdated drivers, corrupted file system, etc. This blog points out at all the possible causes and their fixes by following which you can resolve the error. If required, you may also run the built-in BSOD troubleshooter or check Windows for any impending updates. You may also try out the other methods that further include; running system diagnostics to check for any memory or storage-related errors, keeping your antivirus updated, and uninstalling any outdated driver. If all of these fails to work, then you can download the Stellar Data Recovery Software to recover lost data due to the occurrence of this issue.