Registry Filter Driver Exception Blue Screen: 6 Ways to Fix

BSOD errors are one of the worst to affect Windows, and as the name suggests, the crash is followed by a blue screen listing the error code. One such BSOD frequently encountered is the Registry Filter Driver Exception with a bug check value of 0x00000135.

Many users shared their concerns on several official and other channels. While there are a few workarounds, the complete absence of concrete solutions makes the situation particularly tricky to troubleshoot. So, let’s find out all about the error.

What is Registry Filter Driver Exception?

The Registry Filter Driver Exception occurs due to an unhandled exception in a registry filtering driver, freezes Windows for a minute or so, and subsequently leads to a crash. Here are a few reasons you get the error:

• Incompatible hardware: If you recently connected a new peripheral or device to the PC and it’s incompatible, that could be the reason you are getting the error.
• Corrupt or outdated drivers: In many cases, it was corrupt or outdated drivers that triggered the error.
• Problems with the RAM: Issues with the RAM or memory allocation to the different processes are major reasons behind the Registry Filter Driver Exception error.
• Issues with the recent Windows Update: Some users reported that the error first appeared after updating Windows, which points to a bug in the latest version.
• Third-party app conflicts: Third-party apps are often found to conflict with critical processes, thus leading to this error.

How can I fix Registry Filter Driver Exception error?

NOTE

If you cannot normally turn on the computer, boot Windows into Safe Mode (with networking in some cases) since most of the solutions here require accessing the OS.

Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, try these quick troubleshooting tips:

• Remove all non-critical peripherals connected to the PC, restart it, and verify whether you still encounter the error.
• Check for Windows updates, and if any are pending, install them.
• Make sure all the components are getting the required power supply. Any power shortage to the motherboard or the SSD can trigger the Registry Filter Driver Exception BSOD.

If these didn’t work, move to the fixes listed next.

1. Repair system files

Outdated system files and missing DLL files are the most common reasons for the Blue Screen of Death errors in Windows computers.

To resolve the Registry_Filter_Driver_Exception error, use an automatic system repair tool.

These PC performance repair and optimization utilities can detect malware threats, detect suspicious websites, improve performance, free precious disk space, and even replace damaged Windows files.

2. Uninstall conflicting programs

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
2. Locate any programs installed or updated around the same time the error first appeared, select them, and click Uninstall.
3. Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

One of the easiest ways to fix the error is to identify the program causing the problem and disable or uninstall it. In most cases, the error screen will list the file responsible for Registry Filter Driver Exception, and you can take the necessary action. Here are a few cases:

• atc.sys Registry Filter Driver Exception – BitDefender antivirus
• swin.sys Registry Filter Driver Exception – McAfee antivirus
• mfehidk.sys Registry Filter Driver Exception – McAfee antivirus

3. Update the drivers

1. Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Display adapters, right-click on the active adapter, and select Update driver from the context menu.
3. Now, select Search automatically for drivers.
4. Wait for the OS to find and install the best available drivers.

The graphics driver is one of the most critical on the PC, and issues with it are responsible for a range of BSODs, including Registry Filter Driver Exception. So, make sure you update the graphics driver. If the simpler methods don’t work, manually install the latest driver.

Also, update all the other drivers on the computer. In case Windows is unable to update one, check the manufacturer’s website for the latest driver version.

4. Test the memory

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type mdsched in the text field, and click OK.
2. Choose the Restart now and check for problems (recommended) option.
3. The PC will restart and automatically check for issues with the RAM.

Windows Memory Diagnostic is a built-in tool that automatically identifies and eliminates issues with the RAM, though it has a limited scope.

So, if it doesn’t work, run MemTest86+, an open-source tool that performs a wide array of tests on individual RAM modules, locates the problem, and, if possible, fixes it.

5. Disable Windows Security

1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Windows Security, and click on the relevant search result.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
3. Now, click on Manage settings under the Virus & threat protection settings option.
4. Turn off the toggle for Real-time protection.
5. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.

If you are getting the Registry Filter Driver Exception wdfilter.sys error, it’s due to Windows Defender, and disabling it should do the trick. Remember not to leave your PC unprotected and get the best antivirus for Windows.

6. Reinstall Windows

In case none of the fixes listed earlier helped get rid of the Registry Filter Driver Exception BSOD, another effective solution is to reinstall Windows. This will help when a software problem leads to this error.

All you have to do is create a bootable USB for Windows and then reinstall the OS using it. All the data on the PC will be wiped clean, but you can use a cloud storage solution to create a backup before starting the process to save important files.

Tip

If these solutions don’t work, you may need to replace the malfunctioning hardware, usually the hard drive or the RAM modules. Before you do, consult a professional and get these two thoroughly checked for faults.

That’s it! The Registry Filter Driver Exception error should have, in all likelihood, been fixed by now. Besides, you can always use a BSOD repair tool for easy and quick troubleshooting.

Also, before you leave, find out how to speed up the performance of Windows.

Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.