14 Methods to Resolve Windows Stop Code Machine Check Exception

Recoverit Editorial Team

Oct 23, 2026 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

⚡ Quick Answer: How to Fix Stop Code Machine Check Exception in Windows 10?

Machine Check Exception is usually caused by faulty hardware or outdated drivers. Start by updating your drivers and running the BSOD Troubleshooter (Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot). Then run DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and sfc /scannow in Command Prompt (Admin) to repair corrupted system files. If the error persists, update your BIOS, disable Fast Boot, CSM, or Intel SpeedStep in BIOS, and check your RAM, CPU heatsink, and hardware connections physically. Before attempting any complex repair, secure your files with a reliable data recovery tool to protect against data loss.

Suddenly seeing the Windows Stop Code Machine Check Exception on a blue screen is frustrating. This critical error can crash your PC without warning, putting your important photos, documents, and other files at immediate risk. But don't worry, there are effective solutions to fix it.

This guide provides proven methods to troubleshoot the Machine Check Exception, addressing both hardware and software causes. Since data loss is a major concern, your first step should be securing your files. We'll show you how to use a data recovery tool before attempting any complex repairs.

Part 1: How to Fix Stop Code Machine Check Exception

🔍 14 Fixes for Stop Code Machine Check Exception — At a Glance

Method 1: Disconnect Your DVD and Additional Hard Drives

If you come across the stop code machine exception error in Windows 10 when you are installing Windows using external storage devices or Hard drives, disconnect them or any other external storage devices from your computer.

This occurs if the operating system that you installed is not compatible with the drivers of the external hard drive connected to your computer. So it is always better to disconnect the hard drive and try to install the OS and check if the error is occurring again. If it occurs you can follow the other steps mentioned.

Method 2: Update your drivers

As mentioned above outdated drivers might be the reason for this error to occur. So this can be fixed by updating your driver by following the below steps:

Step 1: Press Windows + X at the same time and select "Device Manager".

Step 2: In the drivers displayed right-click on the problematic driver and select "Update driver".

Step 3: Select "Search automatically for updated driver software".

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to update the drivers.

Step 5: Restart your computer and check whether the error is gone.

Note: Before following the above steps, it is recommended to download all the latest drivers from your hardware manufacturer website.

Method 3: Uninstall your graphics card driver

As mentioned in the above method sometimes outdated drivers may raise some unexpected and serious outcomes which include the crash of your entire computer and sometimes raise Machine Check exception Error. An important point to remember is that whatever may be the version of your graphic card whether it is the latest or outdated ensure to uninstall the driver if you face the error.

If the graphics card driver installed in your computer is not compatible with your Operating System, it may make your system slow and raise the above error. To resolve this, uninstall your graphics card driver by following the below steps:

1. Enter "Device Manager" in "Start".
2. In the device manager, under "Display Adapters" select the graphics card listed.
3. Right, Click on the driver and select "Uninstall".
4. In the prompt displayed, click "OK" to uninstall the driver.
5. Restart your computer and check whether the error is fixed or not.

Method 4: Run the BSOD Troubleshooter

Windows 10 comes with a powerful built-in feature – Troubleshoot which can be used to scan the problems that occurred on your computer. In the same way, the Machine Check exception error can also be resolved with this option. Follow the below steps:

Step 1: Click on "Start" and select "Settings".

Step 2: Under "Update& Security" select "Troubleshoot".

Step 3: Under "Find and Fix other problems", pick the option "Blue Screen" followed by "Run the Troubleshooter".

Step 4: Proceed according to the on-screen instructions to complete troubleshooting.

Step 5: Restart your computer and check whether the error is resolved or not.

Method 5: Run the SFC Scan

Missing or corrupted system files can cause the Machine Check Exception error. Use the built-in System File Checker to repair them.

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin): Right-click the Start button and choose Command Prompt (Admin), or search for it in the Run dialog.
2. Run DISM first: Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press Enter. Wait for the process to finish.
3. Run SFC: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete, then reboot your computer.

Method 6: Run DISM

Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) re-deploys the system image so the System File Checker works properly.

Standard Method

1. Open Command Prompt and type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth, then press Enter.
2. Let the scan complete, then restart the PC.

Using Windows Installation Media

1. Connect your Windows installation media.
2. Open Command Prompt and run dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth, then dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth.
3. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.win:1 /LimitAccess — replace X with the mounted drive letter.
4. Restart your computer and check whether the error is gone.

Method 7: Update your BIOS

Check for the version of the BIOS on your computer as outdated BIOS might be a reason for system crash and various other errors like the Machine check exception error. For this initially, you have to first download the latest version of BIOS and keep it ready in your external flash drive. You can check this by entering "msinfo32" in the Run box and then under "System Information" > "BIOS Version/Date" – you can find the version number of the BIOS.

Method 8: Disable Fast Boot and CSM in BIOS

Sometimes fast boot options available in Windows can be a reason for the Stop code Machine Check Exception error. As the Fast boot option will increase the load on the OS, it can sometimes raise this error while starting Windows. Follow the below steps to disable Fast boot and CSM in BIOS:

Step 1: Open "Control Panel" and select "Power Options".

Step 2: In Power Options, select "Choose what the power button does" option followed by "Change settings that are currently unavailable".

Step 3: Under Shut down settings, uncheck "Turn on fast startup (recommended)" and click on "Save Changes".

Step 4: Restart your computer and check whether the error is fixed or not.

Method 9: Disable Intel SpeedStep Technology in BIOS

Intel SpeedStep Technology in BIOS is provided by the Intel for the fast processing of your computer. It is also reported that disabling this option in the BIOS may resolve the Machine Check Exception error. To disable that, follow the below steps:

Step 1: Reboot your computer and press "F10" to enter the Boot Menu.

Step 2: In the Boot Menu, check whether "Intel Speed Step" is enabled or disabled.

Step 3: If enabled, press enters and select disable.

Step 4: Save the changes and exit. Your computer will automatically restart without any errors.

Before following the above steps, we strongly recommend you to go through the Motherboard manual and follow the instructions given there.

Method 10: Check Your Hardware Physically

Faulty hardware can also be one of the main reasons behind the Machine Check Exception error. So make sure that all the hardware in your computer is properly installed or not.

1. Check whether RAM is placed properly, CPU heatsink is installed properly, and clean the dust from CPU fans.
2. If new hardware is installed and the error occurs after that, try to reinstall the hardware correctly and check whether the error has been resolved.
3. After checking all the above mentioned and ensure that there is no problem, restart your computer and check whether the error is fixed or not.

Method 11: Disable your LAN adapter

A LAN adapter is a very important part of a computer without which you cannot connect to the Internet. This makes your computer connect to the local network which sometimes might raise the Machine Check Exception Error. So it is recommended to disable the LAN Adapter by following the below steps:

Step 1: Open "Settings" in your PC and go to the "Network & Security" option.

Step 2: Click on "Status" on the left panel under "Network and Internet".

Step 3: Select "Change adapter options" and right-click on it.

Step 4: Select the "Disable" option from the menu.

Method 12: Set SATA Fast boot to All devices

Setting the SATA Fast boot option to all devices in BIOS might fix the Machine Check Exception error. As this setting varies from the motherboard to motherboard, we recommend you to follow the motherboard manual for instructions.

Method 13: Check for faulty hardware

The Stop code Machine Check Exceptions errors or death errors can be raised due to faulty hardware present in your computer. So, make sure that when you come across such errors check your RAM, processor, motherboard, and various other major hardware components.

Many users have reported that a faulty processor can be the reason behind the error, so ensure that you check your processor, and then if the error still occurs check for other hardware and try replacing them.

Method 14: Reset This PC

1. Open Settings and click Update & Security.
2. In Recovery on the left panel, under Reset this PC, click Get Started.

3. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything based on your needs.

4. Follow the on-screen prompts to reset your PC.
5. Restart your computer and check whether the error still exists.

Part 2: How to Recover Unsaved Data due to stop code machine check exception?

Stop code machine check exception error is undoubtedly a very annoying error that might make you panic. Also, your computer might contain many important files that will be lost because of this error. It is very hard to imagine what happens if all the data you needed is lost.

Don't worry as the Recoverit Data Recovery tool has many built-in features that make sure that all your lost data is recovered back in a very easy and user-friendly manner. Follow the below steps to use this tool efficiently in getting back your data:

How to Recover Unsaved Data After the Machine Check Exception Error

Wondershare Recoverit Data Recovery recovers all your lost data in an easy, user-friendly way after the stop code Machine Check Exception crashes your PC.

1. Launch Recoverit Data Recovery: Download and install the tool, then search for it and open it.
2. Select the location: Choose the hard drive or location on your computer where you want to recover data, then click Start.

3. Scan the selected location: Recoverit auto-scans the location (from minutes to hours depending on file size). Use the filters on the right to pinpoint files — Show Files, File Type, System File, File Size, and Date Modified — or use Pause / Stop to control the scan.

4. Preview and recover files: Preview files to confirm they're the ones you need (full screen, zoom in/out available), then click the Recover button and choose where to save the recovered files.

The Bottom Line

This article has provided a comprehensive list of methods that can be followed to fix the stop code machine check exception error in Windows 10. Follow any of the 14 methods discussed above and if one method doesn't work the other methods can work and fix the error and ensure the smooth working of your computer.

Once the error has been fixed by any of the above-mentioned methods, you can recover your lost data (if any) using the Recoverit Data Recovery tool. As Machine check exception error sometimes crashes your computer, there is a very high chance that your data may be lost. In such cases, the Recoverit Data recovery tool can be used to recover all the lost data easily.