Faulty Hardware Corrupted Page Windows 10 Fix

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Yes, the “Faulty hardware corrupted page” Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error on Windows 10 can be solved, and most users can fix it without replacing hardware. The stop code 0x0000012B typically indicates a driver or memory issue, not necessarily a dead component. This article explains the most effective fixes, from checking RAM to updating drivers, and helps you identify the real cause.

What Does This Error Actually Mean?

Windows throws the “Faulty hardware corrupted page” stop code when the memory manager detects that a page of physical memory has been corrupted, and the system cannot recover from it. The error is often triggered by a driver writing to an invalid memory address, but it can also be caused by failing RAM, a faulty SSD, or even overheating components. The key point is that the message names hardware, but the root cause is frequently software—specifically outdated or buggy drivers.

Step 1: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic

Before changing any settings, test your RAM. A single faulty stick can cause this error repeatedly, and it also rules out the most serious cause.

Press Windows Key + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
Choose “Restart now and check for problems (recommended)”.
Windows will restart and run the memory test. Wait for it to complete; it can take 10–30 minutes.
If you see “No problems” at the end, your RAM is likely fine. If errors appear, replace the faulty stick.

If you can’t boot into Windows at all, use the Windows Recovery Environment: boot from a USB drive, select “Repair your computer”, then “Troubleshoot”, “Advanced options”, and “Windows Memory Diagnostic”.

Step 2: Update or Roll Back Drivers

Faulty drivers are the most common cause of this BSOD. The usual culprits are graphics card drivers, network adapters, and storage controllers. Follow these steps in order:

Open Device Manager (right-click the Start button).
Expand “Display adapters”, right-click your GPU, and select “Update driver”.
Choose “Search automatically for drivers”. If that finds nothing, go to the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest driver manually.
Repeat for “Network adapters” and “Storage controllers”.

If the error started after a recent driver update, roll it back instead: right-click the device, select “Properties”, go to the “Driver” tab, and click “Roll Back Driver”. If that option is greyed out, you can use System Restore to revert to a previous point.

Step 3: Check Disk and File System

A corrupted page file or a failing hard drive can also produce this error. Run the built-in disk checker to find and fix file system errors:

Open Command Prompt as administrator (type “cmd” in the Start menu, right-click, and select “Run as administrator”).
Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. This checks system files and repairs them.
After that, type chkdsk C: /f /r and press Enter. You’ll be asked to schedule it for the next restart—type Y and restart.

The /f flag fixes errors, and /r locates bad sectors and recovers readable information. This can take over an hour on a large drive, so let it run.

Step 4: Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup in Windows 10 can cause memory corruption after a shutdown, especially with older drivers. This is a known trigger for this specific BSOD. Disable it:

Open Control Panel, then “Power Options”.
Click “Choose what the power buttons do” on the left.
Click “Change settings that are currently unavailable”.
Uncheck “Turn on fast startup (recommended)” and click “Save changes”.

This doesn’t slow down your PC much—it only affects shutdown/startup, not sleep or wake. Many users report that this alone stops the error from recurring.

Step 5: Update BIOS/UEFI and Chipset Drivers

If the above steps don’t help, the problem may be a bug in your motherboard’s firmware or chipset drivers. Check your motherboard manufacturer’s support page for the latest BIOS/UEFI update. Be cautious: a failed BIOS update can brick the motherboard, so only do this if you’re comfortable and follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly. Also install the latest chipset drivers from the same page—these often fix memory controller issues.

Step 6: Test Hardware Beyond RAM

If you’ve done all the software fixes and the error persists, it’s time to suspect hardware other than RAM. The most likely candidates are:

SSD/HDD: Use the manufacturer’s diagnostic tool (e.g., Samsung Magician, WD Dashboard) to check drive health. A failing SSD can corrupt pages.
GPU: If the error occurs during gaming or graphics-heavy tasks, reseat the GPU and check for overheating.
Power supply: An unstable PSU can cause random memory errors. If you have a spare, try swapping it.
CPU: Overheating or a faulty CPU can also cause this. Check temperatures with a tool like HWMonitor.

If you have two RAM sticks, try running with just one at a time to isolate a faulty slot or stick. Also try reseating all components and cleaning dust from fans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this error always caused by faulty hardware?

No. Despite the name, it’s often a software issue. Drivers, especially graphics and storage drivers, are the primary cause. Only after ruling out drivers and OS corruption should you replace hardware.

Can I fix this without reinstalling Windows?

Yes, most fixes don’t require a reinstall. The steps above—driver updates, SFC, CHKDSK, disabling Fast Startup—resolve the majority of cases. A clean install is the last resort, not the first step.

How do I find the minidump file for this error?

Minidumps are stored in C:\Windows\Minidump. You can open them with the Windows Debugging Tools (WinDbg) to see which driver caused the crash. The command !analyze -v in WinDbg will often point to the exact faulty driver.

Does this error cause data loss?

Usually not. The BSOD stops the system before further damage, but if the underlying cause is a failing drive, you could lose data. Back up important files immediately if you suspect hardware failure.

Will updating Windows help?

Yes. Microsoft frequently releases patches that fix memory management bugs and driver compatibility issues. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install all pending updates.

What if the error happens only when I play a specific game?

That points to the game’s graphics driver or the game itself. Update your GPU driver, verify the game’s files (in Steam or the game launcher), and check that your GPU isn’t overheating. If it persists, try lowering graphics settings to reduce memory pressure.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.