How to Fix the “SYSTEM THREAD EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED” BSOD Stop Code in Windows 10?

How to Fix the SYSTEM THREAD EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED BSOD Stop Code in Windows 10
How to Fix the SYSTEM THREAD EXCEPTION NOT HANDLED BSOD Stop Code in Windows 10

The Windows 10 error “SYSTEM THREAD Exception Not Handled” is a very common one. It’s usually caused by an incompatible or outdated driver.

It is more difficult to fix than other BSODs because multiple drivers can be the cause and sometimes your computer might not recognize them all. This is why users need to identify the driver that is causing the error.

Here’s how to fix Windows 10’s system thread exception not managed error

1. Boot Into Safe Mode

Before trying to resolve this issue, users need to turn on Safe Mode. There are many ways to do this, depending on what you prefer and whether your computer is able to get to the sign-in screen.

Boot Into Safe Mode via Settings

  1. Click on the Startbutton and then choose Settings.
  2. Navigate to Security and then click on Recover.
  3. Click on Restart Now.
  4. After your computer restarts, the Choose an Optionscreen will appear.
  5. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings. Next, click on Start
  6. To boot your computer in Safe mode with Networking, when your PC reboots, hit F5.

From the Sign-In Screen

  1. Hold down Shift and select the Powerbutton, followed by Start.
  2. Follow the steps 4, 5 and 6 in the section.

Start with a Blank Screen

  1. These steps will help you reach the sign-in screen if you are unable.
  2. To turn it off, hold down the power button for 10 seconds.
  3. To turn it on, press the power button once more.
  4. Once your computer starts, i.e. the manufacturer’s logo appears on the screen, you can press the power button for another 10 seconds.
  5. To start your device, press the power button.
  6. If you do it correctly, your computer should be able to boot into the Windows Recovery Environment.
  7. Continue to the second section and follow steps 5, 6 and 4.

2. Find the Responsible Driver

The Windows Log can be used to determine which driver is responsible for the error.

These are the steps to follow:

  1. Use Windows Key + to open the Rundialog window. Type eventvwr.
  2. Navigate to the Windows Logsmenu, expand it, and then choose System.
  3. Look for a log named system_thread_exception_not_handled and click on it to find out which driver is causing the issue.

BSODs are usually caused by either a display driver, or a network driver. provides some simple ways to fix BSODs if the associated file is nvlddmkm.sys.

3. Rollback the driver or update it

You may need to update the drivers that are responsible for the system thread exceptions not handled error depending on which driver you have.

The driver should be updated if it hasn’t been updated in a while. It is possible to rollback the driver or reinstall updates if the driver was last updated.

How to update drivers on Windows 10

  1. To open the Device Manager, press WindowsKey + R.
  2. Expand the menu by navigating to the device. If the error is caused by a display driver you will need to expand the Display adaptersoption.
  3. Right-click the driver and click update driver.
  4. Click on Search automatically to download the latest driver software in the dialog box.
  5. Windows will automatically search the internet for the most recent drivers and then install them.

How to rollback drivers on Windows 10

  1. Navigate to the driver by opening Device Manager.
  2. Expand the menu, and right-click the driver.
  3. Click on Property.
  4. Click on Rollback Driver under the Drivertab.
  5. Windows will automatically restore the most recent driver version.

4. Name the Faulty Folder

Users should rename the file after retrieving the file name that is associated with the system thread error not handled error. This will prompt Windows to create a copy of the file and reinstall it. Driver files can be found at C. WindowsSystem32 drivers

These steps will allow you to rename your file.

  1. Open File Explorer and go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers
  2. You should look for the affected driver
  3. Click it and hit F2
  4. Replace filename extension by .old.
  5. Press Enter to restart your computer.

5. SFC and DIM to repair system files

Windows users have two powerful tools at their disposal: DISM and SFC. They can be used together to find and fix nearly any system-related error. They are also very easy to use.

These commands can cause system files to be modified so make sure you create a system backup point.

How to use DISM

  1. As Administrator, Run Command Prompt
  2. Type DISM/Online/Cleanup/Image/ScanHealth in the console and press Enter.
  3. Wait for Windows’s scanning to complete. Next, type DISM /Online/Cleanup/RestoreHealth
  4. Windows will fix all problems found during scans.

How to Use SFC

  1. Type cmd in the Start menu search box. Then right-click Command Prompt and run it as administrator.
  2. Enter sfc in the console /scannow
  3. Windows takes time to scan corrupt files and will take patience.

6. System Restore can be used to restore your PC

If the problem persists, you can use System Restore as a last resort. System Restore allows you to restore Windows to an earlier time. These restore points are created when new software is installed.

How to use System Restore

  1. Type Control Panel into the Start menu search box and click Open.
  2. Enter Recovery in the Control Panel search box and click Open from the Results.
  3. Click on Open System. Restore.
  4. Click on Next to choose a restore point from this list.
  5. Click on Finish.

Handled exception

The tips listed above provide an easy fix for the nuisance that BSODs like system_thread_exception_not_handled cause. It’s also possible to use many of these tips to diagnose other Blue Screen of Death (BSODs) issues in Windows.

Mark Funk
Mark Funk is an experienced information security specialist who works with enterprises to mature and improve their enterprise security programs. Previously, he worked as a security news reporter.