Are you getting ‘WHEA Uncorrectable Error’ In Windows 10? If so, read this article to learn how to fix it!
If a critical Windows system element crashes, you might see a Blue Screen of Death, or BSoD, message.
Although many BSoD issues can be fixed, it’s always annoying to get this error if you aren’t sure what the diagnostic information actually means.
A BSoD normally comes with a stop-code. If you want to know what the ‘WHEA Uncorrectable Error’ means and how to fix it, read on for some handy information.
What Does WHEA Mean?
WHEA is the acronym for Windows Hardware Error Architecture, and it’s been a component of Windows since Vista.
It was an extension when introduced. The architecture uses the hardware error information found in the latest hardware devices, integrating it with the Windows system firmware.
This means it an determine the cause of hardware errors, help you to solve these errors and offer improved hardware error reporting functions.
What Can Cause WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR?
This integrated Windows tool can be beneficial, for the above listed reasons, but it can also fail sometimes, giving you the error message.
The error usually crops up if you have issues with hardware or software drivers. It can also happen with hardware failure.
There are other reasons it might show up, including the following:
- Hard drive disc isn’t responding.
- PC’s hardware is overheating.
- PC has problems after a BIOS/UEFI update.
- You miss critical Windows updates.
- RAM memory is not responding or is failing.
- Motherboard isn’t working correctly or is failing.
- PC has issues after being overclocked.
- CPU isn’t seated correctly.
How Do You Get Rid of the WHEA Uncorrectable Error?
The solution very much depends on what is causing the error.
These errors are usually caused by some kind of hardware failure though, so being able to narrow down on the issue and replace or fix it should solve it.
It’s best to begin with some simple solutions though, so let’s take a look at 9 different methods to fix the WHEA error on Windows.
Fix #1: Use Windows Updates to Update the PC
A common cause of the WHEA Uncorrectable Error is a driver or update compatibility issue.
It’s best to double- check to ensure your PC is fully up to date, especially if the last system update failed or if you have automatic updates disabled.
- Type this in the search bar at the bottom left: “Windows update“
- Now click the “Check for Updates” button.
- Install any necessary or critical updates displayed (remember installing updates can be a slow process depending on your PC and internet speed).
Restart the PC to see if the error is gone.
Fix #2: Identify Hardware Problems with a CHKDSK Scan
This is another worthwhile method to try before you begin to troubleshoot the physical hardware.
- Run Command Prompt as an Administrator
- Type-in this: “chkdsk c:/r” (replace c: with the letter of the drive containing Windows, if applicable).
Restart the PC and let CHKDSK run the scan.
Fix #3: Check the Computer Hardware
If neither of the above methods was successful in fixing the issue, you might be facing a hardware problem.
You will need to be able to access the various hardware elements to check the hardware for faults.
If you have a desktop tower you need to take off the outer casing panels. If you’re using a laptop you have to take the bottom panel off.
Important: Switch off and unplug the machine before attempting either of these!
After removing the paneling, ensure the RAM sits securely in the slots.
Ensure the CPU fan is in the right place and the cords are connected securely to the power supply, motherboard and hard drive disks.
If nothing seems to be out of place or loose, replace the paneling, boot up the computer and try the next solution.
Fix #4: Reset and Install RAM
Faulty RAM can result in a WHEA Uncorrectable Error, so you might like to reset it to see if this fixes the issue.
You need to take each memory module out of its DIMM slot and then reinstall them again.
- Power down the PC and unplug it.
- Open the panel so you can access the RAM.
- Locate the clips on either side of the DIMM slots and release them.
- Remove each RAM from its slot.
- Replace the RAMs back into their DIMM slots.
- You need to line them up well, matching the RAM notch with the DIMM slot, and then press them until they click in.
- Latch the clasps to secure the RAMs in place.
- Replace the paneling and restart the PC.
Fix #5: Update Drivers
If the above solutions have not worked, then this is the next method to try.
A WHEA error can have outdated or defective drivers as the cause.
Check whether any drivers need updating by looking for yellow error symbols next to each component on the Device Manager screen.
- Go to “Settings” and select the “Update & Security” option.
- Look at the history update part.
- Click on “Driver Updates” to see which have been updated recently.
- Type this in the search bar: Device Manager
- Look for an error symbol in the drop-down menus.
- Right-click on anything showing an error to update the driver.
- Now restart the PC.
Fix #6: Check RAM by Running Windows Memory Diagnostic
This is a way for you to check whether you have a problem with the RAM.
- Type this in the search bar: “Windows Memory Diagnostic” and click the app that comes up as the best result.
- Choose “Restart Now” and “Check for Problems” (don’t forget to close all programs and save your open work first).
If this scan shows any RAM memory problems or hard drive check issues, you might need to replace the RAM.
Fix #7: Disable any Additional Audio Components
If you’re using audio devices with your PC they might have updated or outdated drivers which aren’t compatible for some reason.
You can disable any devices not set to default to see if that fixes the WHEA error.
- Type this in the search bar: Sound
- Locate the “Sound Control Panel” in the new window and click on it.
- Click the “Playback” tab.
- Right-click then disable any non-default device in the list.
- Repeat this for all of them.
- Click “Apply” then “OK” to save changes.
It’s also possible to disable additional sound devices from the Device Manager.
Type “Device Manager” in the search bar then click on “Audio Devices“. Right-click all non-default items in the drop-down list to disable them.
Confirm them and see if the WHEA issue is gone.
Fix #8: Uninstall any Problem Windows Updates
Not every Windows Update is free from bugs. If it’s possible that a recent Update is producing the WHEA error, you might like to look the update up online to see if other users are having an issue.
If so, uninstall it and see if that clears the WHEA problem.
- Press the “Windows key + I” together.
- Find the “Update & Security” section in the Settings menu and click on it.
- Click on “View Update History“.
- Click on “Uninstall Updates” which is at the top of the screen.
- Find the one causing problems and double-click on it to uninstall.
Restart the PC to see if the error is now gone.
Fix #9: Perform a System Restore
It’s always a good idea to make regular backups of your PC.
If you have been doing so, you might be able to roll back to a time before you starting getting the WHEA error.
- Type this in the search bar: Control Panel
- Click on “System & Security” and than “System“.
- Select “System Protection” from the menu on the left side.
- Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
- Restart the PC after the system restore is finished.
In Conclusion
If none of the above 9 methods works, you might have to repair your PC with a Media Installation Disk.
If this is also unsuccessful, you can try to update your BIOS firmware or reset the BIOS. This takes some technical knowhow though and isn’t recommended unless you know how to navigate the BIOS and flash it.
If you want to go ahead with this, refer to the manual for your motherboard.
You will need to access Windows Advanced Options if you overclocked the BIOS. Next select Performance & Overclocking, then disable it.
Ensure you revert any overclocking settings directly in your BIOS. If overclocking is the issue, this ought to fix the WHEA Uncorrectable Error.