How to fix KERNEL_MODE_HEAP_CORRUPTION error in Windows 10/11

What is the KERNEL_MODE_HEAP_CORRUPTION Error?

KERNEL_MODE_HEAP_CORRUPTION error, identified by the stop code 0x0000013A, is a critical system error in Windows that indicates corruption in the kernel mode heap. This error typically results in a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD), causing the system to crash unexpectedly. The primary causes of this error include memory leaks, faulty RAM modules, and outdated or malfunctioning device drivers, particularly graphics card drivers. Additionally, software conflicts and corrupt system files can also trigger this error. The heap corruption detected by the kernel mode heap manager can manifest due to various issues such as buffer overruns, buffer underruns, and use-after-free errors. Addressing this error often involves checking for hardware issues, updating drivers, running system diagnostics, and resolving any detected software conflicts. Ensuring that the system’s virtual memory is adequately sized and that all system files are intact can also help mitigate occurrences of this error. Proper troubleshooting using tools like Event Viewer and memory diagnostic utilities is essential to identify and rectify the underlying cause of the KERNEL_MODE_HEAP_CORRUPTION error. Follow instructions below to fix this error.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Fix the KERNEL_MODE_HEAP_CORRUPTION Error

Update Device Drivers

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the categories and locate any device with a yellow exclamation mark.
3. Right-click on the device and select Update Driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

Updating each driver manually is time- and energy-consuming. If you are willing to save it and update drivers faster, we recommend using a special utility called Driver Booster from IObit. It has broad databases of drivers for all of the devices you need to maintain your PC. You can download it using the button below.

Driver Booster start screen

Driver Booster scan results

Driver Booster tools section

Run Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type mdsched.exe and press Enter.
3. Choose Restart now and check for problems.
4. Allow your computer to restart and begin the memory test.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions once the test is complete.

Scan for System File Corruptions

1. Press Win + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete and follow the instructions on the screen.

Windows 11 Start -> Terminal (Admin)

Windows 11 Terminal -> sfc /scannow

Check for Windows Updates

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Update & Security.
3. Click on Check for updates.
4. If updates are available, download and install them.

Windows 11 -> Settings

Settings ->Windows Update

Windows Update -> Check for Updates

Run DISM Tool

1. Press Win + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
3. Wait for the process to complete and then restart your system.

Check for Hardware Issues

1. Ensure all hardware components are properly connected and seated.
2. Run a hardware diagnostic tool provided by your PC manufacturer.
3. Remove any new hardware to see if the error persists.

Additional Solutions and Considerations

• Perform a Clean Boot: This will help you identify any third-party software conflicts that might be causing the error. You can perform a clean boot by disabling all startup items and non-Microsoft services.
• Check for Malware: Use a reliable antivirus program to scan your system for malware, which can often cause system corruption.
• Reinstall Windows: As a last resort, you might need to reinstall Windows to fix the error. Ensure you back up your data before proceeding with a reinstallation.

Conclusion

Fixing the KERNEL_MODE_HEAP_CORRUPTION error in Windows 10/11 involves updating device drivers, running diagnostic tools, and checking for system file corruptions and Windows updates. Advanced steps may include using the DISM tool, performing a clean boot, and checking for hardware issues. Ensuring your system is free from malware and performing a clean reinstallation of Windows may also be necessary. By following these steps, you can effectively resolve this critical error and maintain the stability of your system.