How to fix Windows 11 error reference by pointer
- The Windows 11 error reference by pointer BSoD usually occurs due to faulty drivers or files.
- One solution is to update your drivers either manually or automatically by using a specialized tool.
- Don't miss out on our articles that show you how to enter Safe Mode in different ways.
The adage nothing is perfect certainly applies to software development, as flaws may and will derail the user experience. Thus, today’s topic is how to fix Windows 11 error reference by the pointer.
Unfortunately, if your PC crashes with a Blue Screen of Death, it indicates a significant PC fault, which is usually (but not always) caused by defects in some programs, or drivers.
The reference by pointer BSOD is one of the most unusual faults to emerge. Trying to figure out what caused it is difficult, but it frequently points to problems that are simple to repair.
So, follow along as we will show you how to troubleshoot the Windows 11 error reference by pointer right after we see what are the general causes for this error to occur. Keep up with us!
Why did I get a reference by pointer BSoD?
A pointer-based reference BSoD error (also known as a reference by pointer or 0x00000018 error) typically indicates a problem with your system files or device drivers.
Windows internally refer to running elements (such as an open window) as objects with numbers indicating how many times the components are referred (or used) elsewhere to assist prioritize system resources.
This value lowers until the item is eliminated, freeing up system memory for other services that are operating.
When a reference by pointer warning is displayed, Windows detects an erroneous reference count for a running object. Because this could be a significant security concern, Windows will stop and display a BSOD, forcing your system to restart and erasing all current memory.
In almost every case, though, this is due to a faulty piece of software. The most typical source is hardware drivers, however graphics cards and other components like network devices can also trigger it. It can also be caused by other difficulties, such as faulty system files or malfunctioning hardware.
How can I fix Windows 11 error reference by pointer?
1. Start in Safe Mode
- Click on the Windows/Start icon from your Taskbar and select the Power icon.
- Hold the Shift key on your keyboard and click on the Restart now option.
- You will be redirected to the menu below from where you can choose Troubleshoot and Advanced options.
- Now, click on Startup Repair and tap on the Restart button if it shows up.
- After your computer has been restarted, hit the number 4 key on your keyboard to navigate to the relevant option on the following screen. As a result, the machine will enter the Safe Mode environment as a result of the next step.
2. Update device drivers
- Press the Windows key + I to launch the Settings interface and navigate to the left panel and select Windows Update. Now select Advanced options from the right side as we have shown below.
- Next, tap on Optional updates under the Additional options section.
- Select Driver Updates from the drop-down menu that appears, then select all of the driver updates that are displayed to you, and lastly click on the Download and install button to complete the process. It is not necessary for me to install any additional updates at this time.
Even though Windows is frequently in charge of driver updates, if you are having trouble, you can manually search for updates. We strongly advocate using a specialist program such as DriverFix to do automatic scans for out-of-date drivers and save yourself some time.
3. Run an SFC scan
- To open the Command Prompt interface you need to press Windows and S then type in cmd. Lastly, right-click on the top result and choose Run as administrator.
- Now type or copy paste the following command as we have shown below and let it run:
sfc /scannow
For more information and potential solutions to the Windows 11 error reference by pointer, check out our post on how to fix reference by pointer BSOD error [Bugcheck 0x00000018].
Alternatively, you should take a look at our article on what to do if you get a BSOD error on Windows 11, and find out how to further troubleshoot the problem.
And lastly, don’t miss out on our guide to fix the Critical Process Died BSOD error in Windows 11 and complete your set of knowledge about Blue Screens of Death.
Let us know in the comments section below which solution worked for you as well as if you have more in mind. Thanks for reading!
