Fix: Kernel Mode Heap Corruption on Windows 11

If you’ve used any Windows computer for an extended period, you’ve no doubt run into the infamous blue screen of death or green screen of death as it is for Windows 11.

There are many causes of the death screen, but one of them is the KERNAL_MODE_HEAP_CORRUPTION error. You can see this error pop up on the death screen, but the question is what causes this error? And what are the ways to fix this?

What is Kernel Mode and why does it cause the screen of death?

Kernal Mode, also known as the system mode, is one of the CPU’s main operating modes. If you run your computer on Kernal Mode, you’ll pretty much have unrestricted access to every aspect of the hardware.

There are many causes of the error with the most common being problems with the drivers, issues with the hardware, or corrupted files causing havoc. You have to try multiple solutions before you find out what is the cause.

This guide will show you how to diagnose and subsequently fix the Kernal Mode issue plaguing your computer. Fixing this issue is a little complicated but follow these steps and you won’t go wrong.

How can I fix Kernel Mode Heap Corruption on Windows 11?

1. Use the built-in Verifier

1. Bring up the search bar by clicking on the magnifying glass icon in the taskbar.
2. Type in verifier in the search bar and click on the ‘verifier’ entry that appears.

   

3. Clicking it will bring up the Device Verifier Manager.
4. In this window, select Create Standard settings then click Next.

   

5. Next, click on Automatically select unsigned drivers then click Next. Doing so will narrow down the problem caused by an unsigned driver.

   

6. The Driver Verifier Manager will search for any unsigned drivers. If everything’s okay, a small window will appear telling you nothing has been found.

   

7. If there’s an issue, the Verifier Manager will tell you the source where you will then have to fix your drivers.

2. Update graphical drivers

1. One solution is to update your drivers by first opening the Settings menu.
2. Click on the Windows Update tab.

   

3. Check if there are any updates available. If there are, they will download automatically.
4. Click Restart now to finish the installation.

   

5. You can also manually update by first opening the search bar and searching for the Device Manager.

   

6. Click on Display adapters.

   

7. Right-click on your video card and select Properties from the drop-down menu.
8. Go to the Driver tab and select Update Driver.

   

9. Select Search automatically for drivers. Windows 11 will automatically download and install the driver.

   

If you’re looking for a more time-efficient way to automatically update your drivers, then you should download and install Outbyte Driver Updater.

3. Rollback on driver update

1. At times, the cause of the kernel-mode corruption may because of a malfunctioning or poorly designed driver update. So you will have to roll back the update.
2. Return to the Device Manager and open the Properties menu of the video card.
3. Select the Driver tab and locate Roll Back Driver.

   

4. Click Roll Back Driver.
5. Windows 11 will automatically install the previous version of the driver.

4. Fix corrupt files on the system using Command Prompt

1. In the search bar, type in Command Prompt to bring up the Command Prompt app.
2. Click Run as administrator.

   

3. Start by typing in sfc /scannow
4. Give your Windows 11 computer time to scan and verify the system.

   

5. Windows Resource Protection should not find any sort of integrity violations.
6. If it does, you’ll need to fix this.
7. In the Command Prompt, type in Dism /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth

   

8. Press Enter on your keyboard. Wait for Windows 11 to finish its process.
9. If everything is fine, the Command Prompt will state that no corruption has been detected.

   

10. If something wrong was indeed detected, type in Dism /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

    

11. Press Enter on your keyboard.
12. Wait for your Windows 11 computer to finish its process

5. Run troubleshooter for hardware

1. Search for the Command Prompt again and click Run as administrator.
2. Type in msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic

   

3. Hardware and Devices window appears.
4. Click Advanced.

   

5. Unclick Apply repairs automatically. Do this so you can know what the problem is before it gets automatically patched.

   

6. Then click Next.

   

7. The software will run a diagnostic scan of your computer and see if there are any problems.
8. If there’s an issue with the drivers, the troubleshooter will list them out.
9. You can select which ones you want to implement and which ones you don’t.

   

10. After making your selection, click Next.

    

11. You may have to enable the changes Windows 11 is asking for.

    

12. A window will appear asking you to attempt the fixes that are being suggested. Perform them and close the window.

    

6. Run Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool

1. Right-click the Start icon to bring up a popup menu.
2. Click Run.
3. In the Run command menu, type in mdsched.exe.

   

4. Click OK which will open up Windows Memory Diagnostic.
5. Click on Restart now and check for problems.

   

6. Check for problems the next time I start my computer is better for checking your computer’s memory later.
7. The Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool will do multiple runs as it runs its tests. If no errors appear, then your computer’s memory is totally fine.
8. If there are errors, you may need to replace some hardware components. Contact your hardware manufacturer for help on this end.

What are other methods to fix my Windows computer?

If you have a Windows 10 computer, the same problem arises there and it’s recommended that you learn how to fix that issue if it ever comes up. You still have to update your drivers manually and check your GPU for hardware issues.

Another error you may encounter is the Windows Subsystem for Linux register error that gets in the way of a Linux installation. Although this solution is mainly for developers and other people who dabble in Linux.

More common are when Windows 11 drivers become unavailable. In this instance, you may have to reinstall the driver again or outright manually do it yourself. Fortunately, it’s easy to do; much easier than fixing the kernel-mode error.

We recently covered the Invalid_Kernel_Stack_Address error, so don’t miss it for more information.

Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions on other Windows 11 apps. Also, leave comments about reviews that you’d like to see or information on other Windows 11 features.