How to Fix the Windows Stop Code Memory Management BSOD

Have you experienced the Windows “Memory Management” blue screen of death? This common Windows stop code is frustrating, but there are several simple fixes for the Windows Memory Management error.

What Is Windows Memory Management?

Every Windows machine uses memory management to manage system memory. I know the clue is in the name, but properly working memory management is important to your system’s health. When the Windows memory management function stops working, your computer will start throwing out BSODs like no tomorrow.

Windows 10 and 11 memory management tracks every memory location on your system, managing the allocation, transition, and processes available to and held in your system RAM. So, when you open a program, memory management allocates RAM to it, and when you close it, it tells your system that the memory is now free for use.

4

So, why does the Windows 11 memory management BSOD happen?

In short, you’ll see the memory management BSOD screen, which means there has been a critical memory management error. Windows 11 will crash, and you may see the 0x0000001A memory management stop code (it doesn’t always appear, but the words “MEMORY_MANAGEMENT” will definitely be on your screen somewhere).

A Blue Screen of Death error appearing on a Windows laptop while a woman is using it

There are several well-known causes of memory management errors, including:

Sometimes, if it’s a one-off memory management error, a quick system restart will clear the problem, and you’ll be good to go. Sometimes, you might have to dig deeper to fix the memory management error.

memtest86-screen-showing-test-in-progress-1

1. Basic Fixes

Before getting into the detailed fixes, try running through these quick fixes. One might solve your memory management issue before you spend more time resolving it.

There is no guarantee these basic fixes will work, but they’re worth trying.

Update Graphics Driver

2. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

If your Windows memory management error persists, it’s time to run the Windows Memory Diagnostic to check for a specific error with your system’s RAM. The tool runs after you reboot Windows 11, checks for errors in your RAM, and creates an error log for analysis.

Once complete, you can check the Windows Memory Diagnostic event log for errors. The log file, however, isn’t apparent after you boot back into Windows.

dxdiag display information

Your diagnostic results will be displayed at the bottom of the window.

3. Run MemTest86

Now, while the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool scans and checks your RAM for errors, it doesn’t always catch everything. Many people swear by a different tool when it comes to RAM checking:MemTest86.

The main difference between the two tools is that you run MemTest86 froma bootable USB flash drive. Like the Windows Memory Diagnostic, MemTest86 takes a long time to complete a single pass, taking hours depending on the amount of RAM installed in your system.

Want to give it a try? Check out “Step 7: Check Your RAM Using MemTest86” in our guide tofixing the WHEA Uncorrectable Error. It has all the instructions you need!

4. Update Your Drivers

Another quick and handy potential fix for the memory management BSOD is to update your system drivers. New software or hardware may come with new drivers, and your system might not have got the message. Driver faults are less common than in the days of computing yore, especially as Windows 10 and 11 handle driver updates, by and large. But that’s not to say they don’t happen.

Windows 10

Windows 11

That said, you can use a third-party tool to update all of your system drivers simultaneously. Check out this list offree tools you can use to fix Windows problems. The first two options—IOBit’s Driver BoosterandSnappy Driver Installer—do exactly this.

5. Update Your GPU Drivers

A common theme throughout Memory Management BSOD threads and forum posts is that, at times, outdated or brand-newGPU drivers can cause the BSOD. Although the focus is on the memory management stop code, there is a video memory management-specific stop code too. The video memory management internal stop code is 0x0000010E and may indicate a faulty GPU driver.

To update your GPU drivers, go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest update. For the majority of users, that’s either Nvidia or AMD.

If you’re unsure what GPU you are using, typedxdiagin your Start Menu search bar and select the Best Match. When the DirectX Diagnostic Tool opens, select the Display tab. You’ll find your GPU listed here.

Nvidia GPU ownersalso have the option of installing the Nvidia GeForce Experience—but is it worthwhile?

6. Run CHKDSK and SFC

CHKDSK is a Windows system tool that verifies the file system and, with certain settings, fixes issues as it runs. You run CHKDSK from the Command Prompt, andit has a bunch of nifty features.

Running CHKDSK can help with several Windows errors, including theDPC WATCHDOG VIOLATION stop code.

Memory management error still occurring?System File Check is another Windows system toolthat checks for missing and corrupt Windows system files. Sounds like CHKDSK, right? Well, SFC checks for Windows system files specifically, while CHKDSK scans your entire drive for errors.

But before running the SFC command, it is best to double-check that it is completely functional.

DISMstands for Deployment Image Servicing and Management. DISM is an integrated Windows utility with a vast range of functions. In this case,the DISM Restorehealth command ensures that our next fix will work properly. First, work through the following steps.

Now, wait for the scan to complete.

7. Reset Windows (Last Resort)

Okay, still tearing your hair out? Sometimes nothing other than a Windows Reset will completely fix your problem. Windows Reset replaces your system files with a completely fresh set of files. Theoretically, this clears lingering issues relating to the memory management error while keeping most of your important files intact.

Memory management BSODs are difficult to take care of. So many variables can lead to a memory management error, and that’s exactly why diagnosing a direct issue is sometimes problematic. However, one of the above fixes will bring your system back from the brink so that you can continue your work free of any BSOD for now.

We want to hear from you! Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful.

Your comment has not been saved

Great tips! I once faced a BSOD issue, and some important files went missing after the crash. I triedStellar Data Recovery, and it worked wonders—it recovered almost everything I thought was lost. That’s why I recommend it for situations like this. It’s reliable and user-friendly.

My foolproof plan is to use Windows 10 until 2030, with the latest security updates.

Not Linux, not Windows. Something better.

Freeing up vital memory on Windows only takes a moment, and your computer will feel much faster once you’re done.

The best features aren’t the ones being advertised.

So much time invested, and for what?

Tor spoiled me forever.

Technology Explained

PC & Mobile