How to Fix the Kernel Data Inpage Error in Windows

The last thing you ever want to see on your PC is the dreaded BSoD (blue screen of death), but that’s how the kernel data inpage error appears. This serious code signals something’s wrong with your PC and should you act sooner rather than later to fix the problem.

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What Is the Kernel Data Inpage Error and What Causes It?

The name alone doesn’t really give you much to go on. The stop code “kernel data inpage error” typically refers to hardware failures, namely memory and hard drive. However, it can also appear due to corrupt system files, bad BIOS settings, motherboard issues, and even viruses. None of these are good news for your PC, so it’s necessary to start troubleshooting right after you see the error appear for the first time.

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This error can also happen if you’ve recently installed new hardware or cables. If something’s not connected properly, your system views this as a hardware failure and gives you the appropriate BSoD.

Occasionally, you’ll see the error once and it never shows up again. This is usually due to a temporary issue with your RAM, such as extreme usage for a longer period. If you were taxing your system, you might not actually have any real problems with your system. However, always back up your PC after getting the stop code: kernel data inpage error, just in case.

Error Status Codes

In addition to seeing the KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR stop code on the BSoD, you might see a status code, which helps narrow down possible causes. These codes include:

0xC0000185 – unseated or damaged cables, or an IRQ conflict
0x0000007A – file access errors (could be due to bad sectors, device drivers errors, or a virus)
0xC000016A – bad hard drive sectors
0xC000009A – lack of pool resources
0xC000009D – loose cables or hard disk failure
0xC000009C – bad hard drive sectors

If you didn’t see a code or your system rebooted before you could write down the status code, don’t worry. When your PC starts back up, press Win + X and select Event Viewer. Or, go to Start and search for Event Viewer.

Right-click each section under Windows Logs and Applications and select Find. Search for kernel data inpage. Most often, you’ll find the error under Windows Logs -> System.

How to Fix a Kernel Data Inpage Error

Whether you have a status code or not, there are a series of troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the kernel data inpage error. Before you do anything else, back up all your personal files. If it’s a hard drive failure, your system could crash again at any time.

1. Quick Fixes

If you’re lucky, fixing the error might only take a few minutes and there’s nothing serious wrong with your system. Before doing any other troubleshooting steps, try these quick fixes:

Reboot your PC – A random glitch, high resource usage, or a driver or system update could be the issue. Restarting clears the system.
Check hardware – Turn off your PC, disconnect the power cable, and move your computer to an area with low dust and static. Check that all cables are securely connected and the memory modules are seated. Look for any damage to the pins on the cables and even on your memory modules. If you have a laptop, consult the manual before opening it up.
Uninstall any recently install software and unsigned drivers – Software and drivers affect your system in numerous ways, including causing corrupted files and even BSoDs. If you get the error after uninstalling, this isn’t the problem. But, if the error disappears, the software or drivers aren’t compatible with your system.
Disconnect recently installed hardware – You should get the error within a few days after installing new hardware. However, faulty hardware, damaged cables, bad drivers, or an incorrect installation could all cause the error. Restart without the hardware, if possible. Or, disconnect and reconnect it to see if the error still occurs.
Run a virus scan – There’s very little viruses can’t do. Scan your system to see if your PC’s infected. You can even use Windows Security or any other anti-virus of your choice.

2. Enable Manage Paging File Size

If an error occurs in the page file data or virtual memory, you get the kernel data inpage BSoD. A simple, easy fix is to turn on Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.

Open File Explorer and right-click This PC. Choose Properties. Open the Advanced tab and select Settings under Performance.

Open the Advanced tab on the next window. Click Change, check Automatically manage paging file size for all drives, and click OK on each screen to exit.

Alternately, if this is already on, try disabling it to see if that fixes the problem.

3. Scan Your Hard Drive

If it’s a hard drive issue, scan and fix certain errors using either chkdsk from a command prompt or the Error Checking tool (similar to chkdsk, but in a graphical format). It’s easier to use the Error Checking tool for most users.

Open File Explorer and select This PC. Right-click your hard drive and select Properties. Select the Tools tab and click Check.

Please note that in Windows 10 and 11, drive health is monitored automatically. So you might see a message saying the drive doesn’t need to be checked. However, it’s best to run the Error Checking tool just to be safe. Click on Scan drive to begin the scan.

If you receive a message saying the scan can’t run while you’re using the drive, schedule the scan to run at the next restart when prompted and reboot your PC.

You’ll have the option to let the tool repair any errors it finds. Let it proceed.

If you prefer using the command line, you can also use chkdsk to find errors. Open Start and type cmd. Select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.

At the prompt, type chkdsk /f to find and fix any bad sectors, if possible. Use this chkdsk guide to understand other commands you may want to use.

Once again, you may have to restart your PC for the scan to run.

If either tool is successful in fixing errors, this should resolve the kernel data inpage error.

4. Run the Memory Diagnostic Tool

If the status code refers to memory issues, try running the Memory Diagnostic tool. This built-in Windows tool scans for memory errors. Close all open files and apps before running this tool.

Open Start and type mdsched.exe and click the result. You can also type Memory Diagnostic and select the result. Choose whether to run the scan immediately or wait until the next restart.

Press F1 when the scans starts running to choose the type of scan you want. By default, the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool runs a Standard scan. However, when you’re getting the kernel data inpage error, it’s best to run a more extensive scan. Select Extended from the list.

Press F10 to apply your changes. This scan can take a while and it’s best not to interrupt it.

If any issues are found, they should appear as a message on your desktop when your computer restarts. You can also find them in Event Viewer under Windows Logs -> System. Right-click System and choose Find. Search for MemoryDiagnostic. Look through any events that say results.

There is an issue with this tool sometimes. Sometimes, you won’t receive a message or find anything in Event Viewer , especially when an error isn’t found. In this case, try third-party memory checking tools. These are also useful for more complex and varied scans.

5. Run the System File Checker

If the problem stems from corrupted or missing files, the best solution is the System File Checker tool. This built-in Windows tool attempts to automatically find and fix damaged and missing system files. Viruses, Windows update issues, software, and bad device drivers can all cause issues with system files.

Press Win + R and type cmd. Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run Command Prompt with administrative privileges. At the prompt, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter to continue. The process can take a while, so be patient. If there aren’t any errors, it should take less than five minutes to complete.

If nothing’s found, you’ll see a message saying Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations. If any errors are found, you’ll see a list of what was found and whether it can be repaired or not.

6. Check Device Drivers

Bad or corrupted device drivers often cause the kernel data inpage error, making the system see your hard drive, or other hardware, as failing. The good news is that you don’t need to replace your hardware, just update your drivers.

Press Win + X and select Device Manager. Look for error icons next to any devices. If you don’t see anything, expand Disk drives. Right-click your hard drive and select Update driver.

Choose whether to search for drivers automatically or select a file from your PC. The second option is only for when you’ve downloaded a new driver yourself. If Windows can’t find a driver, visit the hardware manufacturer’s website for the latest official driver.

If you recently installed new hardware or new drivers, you can also select Uninstall device to remove the driver from your system and let Windows reinstall it for you when you restart your PC. If you any trouble removing older drivers, try these tips.

7. Restore Your BIOS

Most users never change anything about their BIOS settings outside of adjusting the boot order. However, any incorrect settings or configurations can wreak havoc on your PC, including throwing you a BSoD with the kernel data inpage error. There’s no real way to know whether this is the cause without resetting your BIOS to its default settings. This applies whether you use the traditional BIOS or the newer UEFI.

If you have any custom settings in place, note them before you make any changes. (You can restore your customizations a few at a time to see if any of those are the issue.)

Restart your PC and press your system’s BIOS button. This varies based on your system, but is usually F2. It may also be F1, F10, or Del. To verify, look for the message that says press key to enter BIOS during startup. It flashes quickly, so it’s difficult to see, especially if you have an SSD.

Once in your BIOS, look for the Reset to Default option. (The wording might vary slightly based on your specific BIOS and version.) After you reset the BIOS, restart your PC to see if the error still exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a “kernel”?

If you think “popcorn” when you think “kernel,” you’re not alone. However, when it comes to computers, the kernel is the go-between for your physical hardware and applications. It’s a vital part of every operating system and runs in the background. Until you get a kernel error, you’d never know the kernel exists.

When do I need to replace my hardware?

That depends on the kind of glitches you encounter and also on the age of your PC’s hardware. The kernel data inpage error is not the only warning sign that shows up when something is wrong.

If you’re having frequent crashes without a BSoD, sluggish performance, files suddenly going missing or you get errors when trying to open them, or apps fail to open, it’s likely your hard drive is failing. Check your hard drive health for more details.

Likewise, if errors are found with any memory checking tools, it may be time to replace your RAM. Unless you’re constantly maxing out your resources or overheating your PC, your RAM is probably failing.

If there are numerous hard drive errors that can’t be fixed, it’s usually a good idea to back up all your files or even clone your hard drive to a new drive. Hard drives do wear out over time, which can be anywhere from 5-10 years on average, though they can last longer. Hardware defects can also reduce this timespan.

Will I see the error often?

It could happen every few minutes or it may be days or weeks between appearances. The more frequently it appears, the quicker you should take action.

It’s also important to notice if any other errors begin to appear. For instance, many of the causes behind the kernel data inpage error are also known to cause the bad system config info error. If you’re getting multiple types of BSoDs, cross reference the similar causes to narrow down the root problem.

Image credit: Unsplash

Crystal Crowder –
Staff Writer

Crystal Crowder has spent over 15 years working in the tech industry, first as an IT technician and then as a writer. She works to help teach others how to get the most from their devices, systems, and apps. She stays on top of the latest trends and is always finding solutions to common tech problems.

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