Full Fix: UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error in Windows 10

by Ivan Jenic

Troubleshooting Expert

Last update:March 31, 2021

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Although many users have switched to Windows 10, it doesn’t mean that these users aren’t experiencing issues on Windows 10.

One of the issues that users are experiencing on Windows 10 is UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error so let’s see if we can fix this issue.

This is a Blue Screen of Death error that is caused by hardware failure or by the incompatible driver. If you didn’t have any of these issues on previous versions of Windows, then the issue is probably the incompatible driver.

In some cases, this error can be caused if your component connectors are covered in dust, so you’ll need to remove them and clean them properly before connecting them again.

If your PC is under warranty or you don’t know how to fix it, it’s best to hire an expert to do the job for you.

But if this issue started appearing after you’ve switched to Windows 10, it’s most likely a driver issue, so let’s see how to fix it.

UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP can be an annoying error, and users reported the following issues as well:

• Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap wdf01000.sys, win32kfull.sys, usbxhci.sys, nvlddmkm.sys, ntfs.sys, ndu.sys, netio.sys – In most cases, this error comes followed by the name of the file that is causing it. The most common cause is a certain driver or third-party software.
• Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap overclock – This error can also appear when overclocking your PC. To fix it, it’s advised to remove all overclock settings.
• Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap ESET Smart Security, AVG, Avast, McAfee – According to users, this error can be caused by your security software. Many users reported this issue while using AVG, Avast, and McAfee.
• Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap RAM – Hardware issues can also cause this problem to appear. In most cases, the cause for this error is your RAM.
• Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap after Windows update – In several cases, users reported this problem after a Windows update. To fix this problem, you’ll need to uninstall the problematic update.
• Virtualbox Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap – This issue can appear on your PC, but it can also appear while using virtualization software. Users reported this issue on both Virtualbox and VMWare.
• Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap BSOD – This error is always followed by a Blue Screen of Death and a restart. Even though this is an annoying problem, you should be able to fix it with our solutions.

How do I fix the UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error?

1. Use a repair tool
2. Run the BSOD Troubleshooter
3. Remove the problematic driver
4. Run the a scan
5. Run DISM
6. Disable uninstall your security software
7. Install the latest updates
8. Use chkdsk command
9. Remove your graphics card driver
10. Check if your cables are properly connected
11. Check your RAM
12. Reset Windows 10

1. Use a repair tool

When the UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error occurs in Windows 10, the best solution is to use a specialized repair tool.

Restoro is powered by an online database that features the latest functional system files for Windows 10 PCs, allowing you to easily replace any elements that can cause a BSoD error. This software can also help you by creating a restore point before starting the repairs, enabling you to easily restore the previous version of your system if something goes wrong. This is how you can fix registry errors using Restoro:

1. Download and install Restoro.
2. Launch the application.
3. Wait for the software to identify stability issues and possible corrupted files.
4. Press Start Repair.
5. Restart your PC for all the changes to take effect.

As soon as the fixing process is completed, your PC should work without problems, and you will not have to worry about BSoD errors or slow response times ever again. ⇒ Get Restoro Disclaimer: This program needs to be upgraded from the free version in order to perform some specific actions.

2. Run the BSOD Troubleshooter

1. Open the Settings app, and go to the Update & Security section.
2. Select Troubleshoot from the menu on the left.
3. Select BSOD from the right pane, and click on Run the troubleshooter.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooter.

The Windows 10‘s own troubleshooting tool can be used for dealing with various system problems, including BSOD issues. So, it might help with the UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP issue, as well.

3. Remove the problematic driver

1. Go to the Start Menu, and click the Restart button while holding Shift on your keyboard.
2. In Advanced Startup select Troubleshoot.
3. Go to Advanced Options, and choose Startup Settings.
4. You should see an option to enter Safe Mode.
5. When you enter Safe Mode, go to Device Manager.
6. Locate the problematic driver, right click and choose Uninstall.
   

This issue can be caused by all sorts of drivers, but some users claim to uninstall your Bluetooth, Wireless, & Intel RST(Intel Rapid Storage Technology).

We have to warn you that this issue can be caused by another driver, it doesn’t have to be related to Bluetooth or Wireless drivers, but they are often the main causes of this issue.

Searching for drivers on your own can be time-consuming. So, we advise you to use a tool that will do this for you automatically.

Using an automatic driver updater will certainly save you from the hassle of searching for drivers manually, and it will always keep your system up to date with the latest drivers.

A professional tool will help you update drivers automatically and prevent PC damage caused by installing the wrong driver versions.

⇒ Get DriverFix

4. Run a SFC scan

1. Right-click the Start Menu button, and open Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Enter the following line, and press Enter: sfc/scannow
3. Wait until the process is done (it may take a while).
4. If the solution is found, it will automatically be applied.
5. Now, close the Command Prompt and restart your PC.

The SFC scan is another troubleshooter we’re going to try here. This is a command-line tool that scans your system for potentially broken files and repairs them (if possible).

Repairing corrupt system files can resolve BSOD issues like the UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error. So, running the SFC scan is definitely worth trying.

5. Run DISM

• Standard way

1. Right-click Start and open Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Paste the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. Wait until the scan is finished.
4. Restart your computer and try updating again.

• With the Windows installation media

1. Insert your Windows installation media.
2. Right-click the Start menu, and choose Command Prompt (Admin).
3. In the command line, type the following commands and press Enter after each: dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
4. Now, type the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.wim:1 /LimitAccess
5. Make sure to change an X value with the letter of the mounted drive with Windows 10 installation.
6. After the procedure is finished, restart your PC.

Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is a tool that re-deploys the system image all over again. This can resolve various issues, including BSOD errors.

6. Disable uninstall your security software

Sometimes third-party antivirus software can cause this problem to appear. Your antivirus can interfere with your Windows installation, and in order to fix the problem, you need to disable your antivirus.

If disabling the antivirus doesn’t fix the issue, you might have to uninstall it. To completely remove your antivirus, it’s recommended to download a dedicated removal tool for it from the developer’s website.

If removing the antivirus fixes the issue, you can reinstall your antivirus or switch to a different antivirus solution. You can also use Windows Defender instead of a third-party antivirus.

Several users reported that Avast was the problem on their PC, but keep in mind that almost any antivirus software can cause this problem to appear.

Editor’s Note: Continue reading the article on the next page for more solutions to fix UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP error in Windows 10.

Still having issues? Fix them with this tool:

1. Download this PC Repair Tool rated Great on TrustPilot.com (download starts on this page).
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