The “KERNEL_MODE_HEAP_CORRUPTION” blue screen of death (BSOD) error in Windows is annoying and can cause your computer to crash unexpectedly. This error indicates there is a problem with the kernel mode memory heap, which is an area of memory used by the Windows kernel and device drivers.
Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to fix this error and stop the crashes:
Table of Contents
- Check Event Viewer for Error Details
- Update or Roll Back Graphics Drivers
- Run SFC and DISM Commands
- Check Memory for Errors
- Update Other Device Drivers
- Uninstall Problem Software
- Increase Virtual Memory
- Perform a Clean Boot
- Run Driver Verifier
- Check PCIe Slot Placement
- Do a System Restore
- Reset Windows
- Conclusion
Check Event Viewer for Error Details
The first step is to check the Event Viewer system log for details about the error:
- Press Windows key + X and open Event Viewer
- Expand Windows Logs > System
- Locate the “Kernel mode heap corruption” error
- Double click to open it and check the error details
This can provide clues about what caused the error, such as a recently installed driver.
Update or Roll Back Graphics Drivers
Outdated or corrupt graphics card drivers are a common cause of this BSOD error. To fix this:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand the Display adapters section
- Right click your graphics card and select Update driver
- If updating does not help, roll back to a previous driver version
Run SFC and DISM Commands
System file corruption can also cause this error. To scan for corruption and restore missing files:
- Open an elevated Command Prompt
- Run sfc /scannow to scan system files
- Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair files
Check Memory for Errors
Faulty RAM that is causing memory errors can produce this stop code. Test your RAM with Windows Memory Diagnostic.
Update Other Device Drivers
Outdated drivers for other devices can also be the culprit. Update network card, storage, motherboard etc. drivers.
Uninstall Problem Software
If the error started after installing a program, try uninstalling it. Use Programs and Features settings to uninstall.
Increase Virtual Memory
If you have insufficient paging file size set for your RAM amount, increase the minimum and maximum virtual memory in System > Advanced System Settings.
Perform a Clean Boot
Perform a clean boot in Windows, which disables non-Microsoft services and startup programs. If the error goes away, one of the disabled items is causing it.
Run Driver Verifier
Driver Verifier stresses drivers to find errors. If a faulty driver is causing the problem, it may detect it.
Check PCIe Slot Placement
If you recently changed a graphics card or added new hardware, check it is securely inserted in the correct PCIe slot as indicated in your motherboard manual.
Do a System Restore
If the error started after a Windows update or software change, do a system restore to revert your system to an earlier working state.
Reset Windows
As a last resort if nothing else has helped, reset Windows will reinstall Windows and remove third party apps and drivers. Backup data first.
Conclusion
The kernel mode heap corruption BSOD error can be tricky to pinpoint the exact cause of. Work through these methods systematically until you isolate the culprit. Check the error details, update drivers, run SFC and DISM scans, test RAM, uninstall new software, and verify hardware connections. In most cases this error can be resolved through one of these steps without needing to reinstall Windows.
