The “Unexpected Store Exception” error in Windows 10 is a common issue that can lead to system crashes and Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors. Here are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix this error:
1. Check for Windows Updates
Ensure your system is up to date:
- Open Settings:
- Press
Windows + I
to open the Settings app.
- Press
- Go to Update & Security:
- Click on “Update & Security”.
- Check for Updates:
- Click “Check for updates” and install any available updates.
2. Update Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause this error. Focus on updating critical drivers like graphics, network, and storage drivers.
- Open Device Manager:
- Press
Windows + X
and select “Device Manager”.
- Press
- Update Drivers:
- Expand the categories and right-click on each device you want to update, then select “Update driver”.
- Search Automatically:
- Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software”.
3. Check Disk for Errors
Run a disk check to ensure your hard drive is functioning properly:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Press
Windows + X
and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
- Press
- Run Check Disk:
- Type
chkdsk /f /r
and press Enter. You may need to restart your computer for the scan to start.
- Type
4. Run System File Checker (SFC)
Corrupted system files can cause this error. Use the SFC tool to repair them:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Press
Windows + X
and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
- Press
- Run SFC:
- Type
sfc /scannow
and press Enter. Wait for the process to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.
- Type
5. Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot helps determine if background programs are interfering with your system:
- Open System Configuration:
- Press
Windows + R
, typemsconfig
, and press Enter.
- Press
- Disable Startup Programs:
- Go to the “Services” tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services”, and then click “Disable all”.
- Disable Startup Items:
- Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager”. Disable all startup items.
- Restart Your Computer:
- Restart your system and see if the error persists.
6. Check for Hardware Issues
Hardware issues, especially with your hard drive or RAM, can cause this error.
- Test RAM:
- Run Windows Memory Diagnostic:
- Press
Windows + R
, typemdsched.exe
, and press Enter. - Choose “Restart now and check for problems”.
- Press
- Run Windows Memory Diagnostic:
- Test Hard Drive:
- Use built-in or third-party tools to check the health of your hard drive (e.g., CrystalDiskInfo).
7. Disable Fast Startup
Fast Startup can sometimes cause issues on certain systems:
- Open Control Panel:
- Press
Windows + X
and select “Control Panel”.
- Press
- Go to Power Options:
- Click “Hardware and Sound” > “Power Options”.
- Change Settings:
- Click “Choose what the power buttons do” and then “Change settings that are currently unavailable”.
- Disable Fast Startup:
- Uncheck “Turn on fast startup” and click “Save changes”.
8. Check for Malware
Malware can cause various system issues, including this error. Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or a third-party antivirus program.
9. Update BIOS
10. Restore System
If the error started recently, you might be able to fix it by restoring your system to a previous state:
- Open System Restore:
- Press
Windows + R
, typerstrui.exe
, and press Enter.
- Press
- Choose Restore Point:
- Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system to a previous state.
11. Reset or Reinstall Windows
If all else fails, you may need to reset your PC or perform a clean installation of Windows:
- Open Settings:
- Press
Windows + I
to open the Settings app.
- Press
- Go to Update & Security:
- Click on “Update & Security” > “Recovery”.
- Reset this PC:
- Click “Get started” under “Reset this PC” and follow the instructions.
By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and fix the “Unexpected Store Exception” error in Windows 10. If the problem persists after trying all these solutions, it may indicate a deeper hardware issue that requires professional assistance.