The PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA error is a common Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) that causes Windows to crash and restart unexpectedly.
When this error occurs, your computer may display a message like:
“Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart.”
Stop Code: PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
This error usually occurs when Windows tries to access invalid memory addresses that should always be available.
The issue often affects computers running:
- Windows 10
- Windows 11
In this guide, you will learn what causes PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA and how to fix it step by step.
What Causes PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA?
This blue screen error can be triggered by several system issues.
Common causes include:
- Faulty RAM (memory errors)
- Corrupted system files
- Incompatible or outdated drivers
- Antivirus conflicts
- Disk errors or bad sectors
- Malware infections
Because this error is related to memory management, troubleshooting usually focuses on checking RAM and repairing system files.
Method 1: Restart Your Computer
Sometimes the error happens due to a temporary system glitch.
Restart your PC and see if the blue screen appears again.
If the issue continues, proceed with the next solutions.
Method 2: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic
Faulty RAM is one of the most common causes of PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA.
Use the built-in tool:
- Windows Memory Diagnostic
Steps:
- Press Windows + R
- Type:
mdsched.exe
- Select Restart now and check for problems
Windows will restart and test your memory for errors.
Method 3: Run System File Checker
Corrupted Windows system files can also cause blue screen errors.
Use the built-in repair utility:
- System File Checker
Steps:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Run the command:
sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to finish. Windows will repair corrupted system files automatically.
Method 4: Repair Windows Image Using DISM
If SFC does not resolve the issue, use the advanced Windows repair tool:
- Deployment Image Servicing and Management
Run the following command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This command repairs the Windows system image and resolves deeper system corruption.
Method 5: Check Your Hard Drive
Disk corruption may also trigger memory-related errors.
Run the following command:
chkdsk /f /r
This tool scans the disk for errors and repairs bad sectors.
Method 6: Update Device Drivers
Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause memory access conflicts.
Steps:
- Open Device Manager
- Right-click a device
- Select Update driver
Pay special attention to:
- Graphics drivers
- Storage drivers
- Network adapters
Method 7: Disable or Remove Problematic Antivirus
Some third-party antivirus programs may interfere with Windows memory management.
Temporarily disable or uninstall the antivirus software and check if the error disappears.
Windows includes built-in protection:
- Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Related Windows Error Fix Guides
If you encounter other Windows problems, these troubleshooting guides may help:
• How to Fix Kernel Security Check Failure
• How to Fix IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL Blue Screen
• How to Fix Windows Error 0xc000007b
These tutorials cover some of the most common Windows troubleshooting issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA mean?
This error occurs when Windows attempts to access memory that should always remain available but cannot be found.
Can bad RAM cause this error?
Yes. Faulty RAM is one of the most common causes of PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA.
Is this blue screen dangerous?
The error itself is not dangerous, but repeated crashes may indicate hardware or system file problems.
Final Thoughts
The PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA blue screen usually occurs due to memory problems, corrupted system files, or driver conflicts.
Most users can fix the issue by:
- Testing RAM using Windows Memory Diagnostic
- Repairing system files with SFC
- Repairing the Windows image using DISM
- Checking the hard drive for errors
- Updating device drivers
After applying these fixes, your computer should run normally without unexpected crashes.