How to Fix PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA Windows BSOD Error

If your Windows PC suddenly shows a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with the error message PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA, it can be alarming. This error typically occurs when the system tries to access a portion of memory that should always be available (non-paged area) but fails. It’s often caused by faulty RAM, corrupted drivers, antivirus conflicts, or system file corruption. In this guide, we’ll walk you through proven methods to fix this error.

1. Check Recently Installed Hardware or Software

New hardware or software can trigger memory-related errors:

• Uninstall any recently installed programs.
• Remove newly added hardware like RAM, SSDs, or graphics cards.
• Restart your computer to see if the BSOD disappears.

Keeping track of recent changes can help pinpoint the cause quickly.

2. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic

Faulty RAM is a common cause of the PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA error:

1. Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
2. Choose Restart now and check for problems.
3. Your PC will reboot and test your RAM for errors.
4. If errors are detected, consider replacing the faulty RAM sticks.

3. Update or Roll Back Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can lead to memory issues:

• Update Drivers: Press Windows + X → Device Manager → Expand categories like Display adapters or Network adapters → Right-click the device → Update driver → Search automatically.
• Roll Back Drivers: If the issue appeared after a recent driver update → Right-click device → Properties → Driver tab → Roll Back Driver.

Keeping drivers up to date ensures smooth memory management.

4. Check Disk for Errors

Disk errors can interfere with Windows memory operations:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Run the command: chkdsk /f /r
3. Restart your computer to allow Windows to scan and fix disk issues.

5. Scan for System File Corruption

Corrupted system files may trigger PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA errors:

1. Open Command Prompt as admin.
2. Run the System File Checker: sfc /scannow
3. Next, repair Windows image: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Restart your PC to apply the fixes.

6. Disable or Uninstall Faulty Antivirus

Some third-party antivirus programs conflict with memory operations:

• Temporarily uninstall antivirus software.
• Restart your PC and check if the BSOD is gone.
• If the error disappears, switch to a more compatible antivirus solution.

7. Adjust Virtual Memory Settings

Incorrect pagefile settings can lead to this error:

1. Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, Enter.
2. Go to Advanced → Performance → Settings → Advanced → Virtual memory → Change.
3. Either let Windows manage it automatically or increase the pagefile size manually.

Proper virtual memory ensures your system handles memory requests efficiently.

8. Install Windows Updates

Keeping your system updated resolves bugs and driver conflicts:

• Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
• Click Check for updates and install all pending updates

Regular updates maintain system stability and prevent BSOD errors.

9. Perform System Restore

If the issue started recently, restore your PC to a previous working state:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, Enter.
2. Follow the prompts to restore Windows to a previous restore point.

System Restore can undo changes that caused the PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA error.

10. Test RAM Manually

Persistent errors may indicate a hardware issue:

• Remove all RAM sticks and test each individually.
• Try different slots on the motherboard.
• Replace any faulty RAM or defective slots.

Quick Command Method to Check Everything

You can combine memory, driver, and system file checks with this one command sequence:

mdsched.exe && sfc /scannow && DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This automates diagnostics for RAM errors, corrupted files, and system health issues.

Conclusion

The PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA BSOD is often caused by memory issues, corrupted drivers, or software conflicts. By following the steps above—from memory diagnostics to updating drivers and adjusting virtual memory—you can resolve the error and prevent future crashes. Regular maintenance, driver updates, and careful hardware changes are key to a stable Windows system.