The “PAGE FAULT IN NONPAGED AREA” error is one of the more alarming Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) messages Windows users encounter. When this error occurs, your PC crashes instantly, forces a restart, and may even trap you in a repeated boot loop. This can be frustrating—especially if you’re in the middle of an important task.
If you’re here reading this guide, you’re likely experiencing this BSOD error on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC and want reliable solutions. Fortunately, this error is fixable, and in most cases, the root cause is related to faulty RAM, driver conflicts, corrupted system files, or misconfigured paging settings.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through five proven ways to fix the PAGE FAULT IN NONPAGED AREA error, along with step-by-step instructions for each method.
What Causes the PAGE FAULT IN NONPAGED AREA Error?
This BSOD occurs when Windows tries to access memory that should always remain in the non-paged area, but the data doesn’t exist or is corrupted.
Common causes include:
- Faulty or failing RAM
- Corrupt system files
- Outdated or problematic drivers
- Antivirus conflicts (especially McAfee, Avast, and Bitdefender)
- Faulty storage devices
- Misconfigured paging file settings
1. Check and Repair System Files (SFC + DISM)
Corrupt system files are a leading cause of this BSOD. Running SFC and DISM helps identify and fix these issues.
Run System File Checker (SFC)
- Press Windows + S and type cmd.
- Right-click Command Prompt → choose:
Run as administrator - Run the command:
sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to complete. Do not interrupt the process.
Run DISM Commands
If SFC detects corruption but cannot fix everything, run DISM.
Enter these commands one-by-one:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your computer afterward and check if the error is resolved.
2. Test Your RAM for Errors
Faulty RAM is one of the most common triggers of this BSOD.
Windows includes a built-in tool to check memory issues.
Run Windows Memory Diagnostic
- Press Windows + R, type:
mdsched - Click:
Restart now and check for problems
Your PC will reboot and run a memory test.
If errors show up, your RAM stick may be faulty.
Reseat or Replace RAM (If Needed)
If you are comfortable opening your laptop or PC:
- Remove and reinsert RAM modules
- Clean dust or dirt
- Test one RAM stick at a time
A faulty RAM module must be replaced to stop BSODs.
3. Update or Roll Back Device Drivers
A mismatched or outdated driver—especially display, storage, or network drivers—can cause this BSOD.
Update Drivers
- Right-click the Start button → choose:
Device Manager - Expand categories such as:
- Display adapters
- Network adapters
- Storage controllers
- Right-click a device → select:
Update driver
Roll Back Drivers (If The Issue Started Recently)
- Open Device Manager.
- Right-click the problematic device → Properties.
- Go to Driver tab.
- Click:
Roll Back Driver
This resolves issues when new drivers are unstable.
4. Disable or Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus Software
Some antivirus programs interfere with memory operations, causing this BSOD.
If you are using software like McAfee, Avast, or Bitdefender, temporarily remove it to test.
- Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
- Select your antivirus → click Uninstall.
- Restart your PC.
Windows Defender remains active, so you are still protected.
If the BSOD disappears, your antivirus was the culprit.
5. Check Paging File Settings (Virtual Memory Fix)
Incorrect virtual memory settings can cause Windows to crash unexpectedly.
Open Virtual Memory Settings
- Press Windows + R, type:
sysdm.cpl - Go to Advanced tab.
- Under Performance, click:
Settings - Go to the Advanced tab again.
- Under Virtual memory, click:
Change
Reset Paging File to Default
- Enable:
Automatically manage paging file size for all drives - Click OK.
- Restart your PC.
Incorrect manual settings often cause PAGE FAULT errors.
Wrapping Up
And that wraps up our guide on 5 Ways to Fix the “PAGE FAULT IN NONPAGED AREA” error on Windows. Most users can resolve this BSOD by checking their RAM, repairing system files, and fixing driver conflicts. With the methods above, you should be able to stabilize your PC and prevent future crashes.
