How to Fix Unexpected Store Exception in Windows 10/11

By Sruthy

By Sruthy

Sruthy, with her 10+ years of experience, is a dynamic professional who seamlessly blends her creative soul with technical prowess. With a Technical Degree in Graphics Design and Communications and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics and Communication, she brings a unique combination of artistic flair…

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Updated February 20, 2026
Edited by Kamila

Edited by Kamila

Kamila is an AI-based technical expert, author, and trainer with a Master’s degree in CRM. She has over 15 years of work experience in several top-notch IT companies. She has published more than 500 articles on various Software Testing Related Topics, Programming Languages, AI Concepts,…

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This tutorial will guide you through the step-by-step process for solving the “UNEXPECTED_STORE_EXCEPTION” (0x00000154) Blue Screen of Death error on Windows 10 and 11 with screenshots.

If you are facing the “Unexpected Store Exception error on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 device, then this guide will help you understand its reasons and provide the step by step solution to fix it. I know how frustrating it can be to see the Blue Screen of Death error because I went through it multiple times and decided to write this post to assist anyone who faces this annoying error.

In this guide, I will walk you through the exact reasons behind the Unexpected Store Exception error on your Windows 10 and 11 and the exact solutions to fix the error quickly and safely.

Unexpected Store Exception Error in Windows 10/11 – Fixed

Unexpected Store Exception Error Fixed

   The ‘Unexpected Store Exception Error’ in Windows 10 and Windows 11 is a Blue Screen of Death error. This error crashes the system and restarts the computer unexpectedly. This error often arises when there are corrupted system files, hard drive problems, outdated drivers, anti-virus issues, etc.

When the system crashes with the ‘Unexpected Store Exception Error,’ the user might be in the middle of something important. This error might cause data loss if the user doesn’t take action to resolve the problem.

In the sections that follow, we will discuss the various methods to troubleshoot the error.

What is the exact meaning of Unexpected Store Exception Error in Windows

The Unexpected Store Exception error is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) issue that occurs when the Windows operating system, either 10 or 11, encounters a critical problem. 

This error indicates problems related to your hard drive or SSD, corrupted system files, outdated or incompatible drivers, or antivirus software conflicts.

In this error, your computer screen turns blue, and a message appears on your computer screen as:

“Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We’re just collecting some error info, and then we’ll restart for you.” 

This chain of restarting your computer goes on and may create trouble and corrupt the data, so identifying the reason behind this error will help you to prevent data loss and restore system stability.

Further Reading => Mouse Frozen in Windows 10 – Quick Fixes

What Causes the Unexpected Store Exception in Windows 10/11?

The Blue Screen of Death and unexpected store exception is considered one of the most harmful errors, thereby making a great name in the list of errors.

The primary reasons for such errors are driver bugs, and there are even more reasons for this error as mentioned below:

  • A glitch in the hardware or loose connections of the hardware.
  • Error in the driver that might cause abnormal functioning of the system.
  • Error in the installation of any software or incomplete installation.
  • Malicious files in the system disrupt boot files.
  • Corrupt files in memory.
  • Bad memory sector in the hard disk.

Types of Unexpected Store Exception Error Messages

Numerous other errors come under BSoD errors and are rectified using similar methods which we will discuss in the article. The BSoD errors are caused due to hardware errors and driver errors.

  1. Unexpected Store Exception No bootable device: This error points to a hardware error in which the bootable device loosely fits in the slot.
  2. Unexpected Store Exception critical process died: This error occurs when a system file gets corrupted and thereby hinders the boot process.
  3. Unexpected Store Exception SSD and hard drive: This error occurs due to corrupt or loosely fitted hardware devices.
  4. Blue Screen Error Unexpected Store Exception: This error mainly occurs due to corrupt drivers and drivers need to be updated or reinstalled.
  5. Unexpected Store Exception while gaming: This error occurs while gaming when there is some driver issue, and then the system restarts all over again.

Further Reading => Simple Solution for Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer

Ways to Fix Unexpected Store Exception in Windows 10 and 11

The BSoD is considered fatal, but there are some ways to quickly fix this error. Read all the methods carefully and follow the steps to implement the strategies.

#1) Check Your Hardware

The main reason for the unexpected store exception in Windows is the hardware problem, so the user must first check the hardware. Check that all hardware and peripheral devices are connected to the system. Power off your system, check all the connections carefully, fix any changes in the connections if needed, and restart the system.

Check Your Hardware

[image source]

#2) Check Your BIOS Configuration

BIOS settings are the main reason for any BSoD errors, and handling the BIOS configuration is a task of sheer dedication.

It also requires a bulk of technical knowledge, so it is best advised to read the motherboard manual to make the changes in the BIOS settings. Please read the manual carefully and do not make changes to the settings related to the bootup sequence.

Check Your BIOS Configuration

[image source]

Suggested Reading => 8 Methods to Fix APC Index Mismatch Windows BSOD Error

#3) Disable Fast Startup and Sleep Features

Windows offers its users a feature that allows them to start the system quickly by enabling the Fast Startup feature. This Fast Startup feature loads the system with essential drivers. This sometimes results in a corrupted driver error, so it is best suited to disable the Fast Startup feature by following the steps mentioned below.

  • Click on the ‘’Start’’ button, and then click on Settings -> System -> Power & Sleep. A window will appear as shown in the image below, now click on “Additional power settings”.
Additional Power Settings
  • Select ‘’Choose the power buttons’’ (for laptops, click on Choose what closing the lid does).
Choose the power buttons
  • Click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable”, as shown in the image below.
Change settings that are currently unavailable
  • Click on “Turn on fast startup (recommended)’’ to disable it, and then click on “Save changes”, as shown in the image below.
Turn on fast startup (recommended)

#4) Update Display Drivers

An unexpected exception error occurs due to a malfunction in the display driver. If there is any bug in the display driver, it may be the reason for the blue screen death error, so the user must follow the steps mentioned below to update your display driver.

Further Reading => Simple Fix for Windows Update Not Installing

  • Right-click on the ‘’Windows’’ button and click on “Device Manager”, as shown in the image below.
Device Manager
  • Now, right-click on ‘’Display driver’’, and then click on “Update driver” as shown in the image below.
Update driver
  • Now, click on “Search automatically for updated driver software”, as shown in the image below.
Search automatically for updated driver software
  • The process will begin, as shown in the image below.
Update Drivers

The system will look for driver updates and select the updates to be installed.

#5) Update Your Windows 10

The system might experience stop code unexpected store exception errors due to corrupted files and outdated software versions, so it is crucial to keep your system updated with the latest software to enable the working and compatibility of the latest software.

Sometimes, the software requires an advanced version of the system software, but the system software is outdated, which results in corrupt system data. Therefore, the user must update the system to the latest versions of the software.

Update Your Windows 10

#6) Reinstall Antivirus Software

The possible chances of Windows 10 unexpected store exception error are the presence of malicious files in the system. The malicious files in the system may cause errors by corrupting the necessary system files resulting in even more fatal errors.

Therefore, to make the system secure and prevent these malicious files’ penetration, reinstall your antivirus software and update it to the latest version. Antivirus manufacturing websites provide users with regular patches and bug fixes, thereby making it easier to detect malicious files.

Reinstall Antivirus Software

[image source]

#7) Run System File Checker

Windows offers its users a feature to run a system scan that checks all the files in the system that may be corrupt or not completely installed. The System File checker makes this task easy for the user by checking all files in the system and fixing all the corrupt files in the system.

Follow the steps mentioned below to run the system file checker scan.

  • Click on the ‘’Start’’ button and search for ‘’Windows Powershell’’ as shown in the image below, then right-click on ‘’Run as Administrator’’.
Run an administrator
  • A blue window will be visible, type “SFC/scannow” and press ‘’Enter’’ as shown in the image below.
SFC/scannow
  • After the process is completed, a window will appear, as shown in the image below.
scannow process completed

Recommended Reading => 7 Ways to Black Screen Of Death Xbox One Error

#8) Use the High-Performance Power Plan

Windows offers its users the feature to utilize the system with various plans. If a user wants to use the system in safe mode where power is used economically, then such a feature is also available in Windows. In contrast, when users want to use the system to the best abilities, then they can also choose the High-Performance option.

Follow the steps mentioned below to use your system in the highest performance mode.

  • Click on the ‘’Start button’’, and click on Settings -> System -> Power & Sleep. A window will appear as shown in the image below; click on “Additional power settings”.
Additional Power Setting
  • Click on the “High Performance” option and then click on “Change plan settings” as shown in the image below.
High Performance
  • Now, click on the drop-down titled “Put the computer to sleep” and choose the option to “Never” as shown in the image below and click on “Save changes” as shown in the image below.
Put the computer to sleep

#9) Disable File History

Windows provides users with a feature to track down and fix all corrupted data by creating a backup of the files, and this feature is called File History, but sometimes this features the reason for fatal Blue Screen of Death error.

Follow the steps mentioned below to disable File History to fix this error.

  • Click on the ‘’Windows’’ button followed by the Settings option, and the settings window will open. Now, click on “Update & security”, as shown in the image below.
Disable File History
  • Click on the “Backup” option as shown in the image below and toggle the switch titled “Automatically back up my files”, as shown in the image below.
Backup

#10) Restore Corrupt Files

Windows provides its users with a feature to restore corrupt files from the system and then backup them safely using the feature termed System Restore. There may be a possibility that the system may malfunction due to new updates, and therefore, the user must remove these new updates.

Further Reading => How to Fix Windows Error 0x0 0x0

To restore the system to its previous image, the system image should be created so that we can break this step into two further steps as given below:

  1. How to create a System Restore point
  2. How to perform System Restore

Follow the steps mentioned below to restore the system to its earlier version.

How to Create a System Restore Point

A system restore point is the section in the memory which stores the previous image of the system and restores the system image whenever any error occurs.

Follow the steps mentioned below to create a System Restore point.

  • Click on the “Start” button and search for “Restore. Now, click on “Create a restore point” as shown in the image below.
Create a restore point
  • The Restore point window will open. Click on “System Protection” and click on “Configure…” as shown in the image below.
System Protection
  • The Configure window will now be visible, click on “Turn on system protection”. Allot the memory for system restoration by moving the slider and clicking on “Apply” and then “OK”.
Turn on system protection
  • Now, click on “Create..’’ as shown in the image below.
Click on Create
  • Enter the name for the restore point in the dialog box and click on “Create” as shown in the image below.
Create a restore point
  • The progress bar will be visible, as shown in the image below.
progress bar
  • A message will occur stating, “The restore point was created successfully” as shown in the image below.
The restore point was created successfully
  • Click on “System Restore”, as shown in the image below.
System Restore
  • A window will open, then click on “Next >” as shown in the image below.
Restore System Files and Settings
  • Select the restore point as shown in the image below and click on the “Next” button.
Click on the Next button
  • The next window will open and then click on “Finish” as shown in the image below.
Confirm your restore point
  • A dialog box will appear, then click on “Yes” as shown in the image below.
System Restore cannot be interrupted

The system will then shut down and system restoration will start. The system might take between 15 min and 1 hour of processing time.

How to Perform System Restore

If the user has previously created a system restore point then he/she can perform the System Restore by following the steps mentioned below:

  • If a BSoD error occurs, then choose System Repair. Even if the system repair fails, a screen will be visible as shown in the image below. Then click on “Advanced options” as shown in the image below.
How to Perform System Restore
  • Now, click on “Troubleshoot” as shown in the image below.
Troubleshoot
  • Further, click on “Advanced options” as shown in the image below.
Advanced options
  • Click on “System Restore” as shown in the image below, Enter the login credentials, and press Enter.
System Restore
  • Select Restore points and click on Finish to complete the process.

#11) Remove Temporary Files

Temporary files in the system may be a prime reason that can corrupt data and be the reason for BSoD error in the system. Follow the steps mentioned below to remove the temporary files from the system.

  • Click on the search column and click on ‘’Disk Cleanup’’, as shown in the image below.
Disk Cleanup
  • Select the drive and click on “OK”, as shown in the image below.
Drive Selection

Frequently Asked Questions

Q #1) How do I fix the system service exception?

Answer: There are various ways to fix system service exceptions, and some of them are mentioned below.

  1. Run System Restore
  2. Install the Official Windows Hotfix
  3. Reinstall Windows 10
  4. Update Windows 10
  5. Update System Drivers
  6. Run System File Check

Q #2) How do I fix the unexpected Kernel mode trap?

Answer: The user can easily fix unexpected Kernel mode trap errors by following the steps mentioned below.

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. Press F2 or Del key to enter the BIOS Setup.
  3. Go to the Advanced menu.
  4. Move the cursor from the keyboard and choose Cache Memory.
  5. Make sure it’s Disabled.
  6. Press F10 to Save & Exit.
  7. Click on Yes.

Q #3) Can a bad CPU cause a Blue Screen of Death?

Answer: Yes, a bad CPU can be a possible reason for the error. The Blue Screen of Death is caused by both hardware and software issues, incomplete installations are also responsible for the error.

Q #4) Can Blue Screen of Death be the cause of overheating?

Answer: The heating issue may seem like a simple physical issue but it is a problem that can have serious outcomes on the system. Overheating causes drive issues and power supply issues along with driver errors, so yes, overheating is the reason for the Blue Screen of Death.

Q #4) What causes the Blue Screen Crash dump?

Answer: The Blue Screen of Death is responsible for the crash dump of memory, and the corrupted memory is dumped in the system root folder from where it is accessed by developers to find the cause of the issue.

Also Read => Most Popular Windows Repair Tools

Conclusion

The Unexpected Store Exception error in Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems can be quite annoying, especially when the error results in system crashes and frequent restarts. This error mostly stems from issues with the storage devices, system files, and drivers. However, the error can be resolved by taking the appropriate troubleshooting steps.

In the above tutorial, we have seen various ways to fix the Blue Screen of Death error. As the problem is related to the safety of the important files on the computer, it is essential to take the problem seriously and implement the suggested fixes as soon as possible to ensure the smooth working of the computer.

Research Process:

  • To create this guide, we followed a structured research process that included analyzing common user queries related to the Unexpected Store Exception error in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
  • We also evaluated the most frequently recommended fixes, identified recurring root causes, and compared solutions.
  • Total Time Taken to research, test and publish this guide: 50 Hours (Approx)

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