Memory_Management is one of the most unhelpful phrases that Microsoft suggests you search for if you run into a BSOD [Blue Screen of Death] error while running Windows 10. So, how do you fix the memory management issue?
The first step in fixing any computer problem is isolating the issues source so you know what to fix. With Windows ominous errors, such as this one, it may be challenging to know where to begin.
Basic troubleshooting is essential to finding your memory management error. Lets take a look at what you can do to get this fixed.
Step 1: Run Windows 10 in Safe Mode
The first thing you should do is launch Windows 10 in safe mode with only basic drivers. This action allows you to check whether you still receive the BSOD Memory Management error. Essentially, this shuts down any processes the computer doesnt need. If the memory management error ceases, youll know it isnt hardware but rather something in the software, such as a patch in an update or a driver. If the problem still occurs, you may need to replace some faulty hardware. To boot your system in Safe Mode, follow the steps below.
- Use the Win+R keyboard shortcut and type msconfig, then hit enter.
- Tap the Boot tab in the upper section of the screen.
- Select Safe Boot.
- Choose Minimal from the list of boot options.
Step 2: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic
The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool will test your SDRAM and report any problems it findsif any at all. This step should use Safe Mode to prevent the BSOD issues you experience. However, this requirement is after affirming that your PC worked correctly in Safe Mode using Step 1 above.
- Press the Windows + R keyboard combination and type mdsched, then press Enter or click OK.
- Select the option to Restart now and check for problems and run a check for SDRAM problems.
Upon restart, you will receive a report letting you know if youre having a memory issue.
As the name suggests, the memory management error relates to the computers memory, which can be a physical problem with the installed RAM. The Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool can help discover if this is the root of the problem.
When Windows restarts, it will tell you if there is something wrong with your memory. If there is, then youll have to either replace the RAM yourself or send back your computer if its under warranty.
Step 3: Run SFC Scanner
SFC Scanner is a Microsoft tool for detecting various problems with your system and running it seems to have solved some peoples memory management woes. Once again, this step should also be performed in Safe Mode like Step 1 and Step 2 above.
- In the Cortana search bar, type cmd, then click on Run as administrator in the right panel for the Command Prompt. You cant use the right-click Start Menu option anymore since Powershell replaced Command Prompt.
- Once the Command Prompt opens, type sfc/scannow without quotes and press Enter.
SFC Scanner will now run through your system, seeing if it finds any disk errors to fix. Some users have found that their computers play nicer after a complete scan, even if nothing gets found.
Note: It is best to perform two or three rounds of scanning since the process doesnt always detect anything on the first attempt or fixes something else and needs to find more issues.
Step 4: Look for Software Problems
Software problems are a little more challenging to pin down. Still, if the memory management error is a relatively new phenomenon, you could try undoing some of your recent software installations to see if it fixes the problem.
Specific pieces of software often link to memory management errors. You can try disabling and re-enabling newer software to see if that fixes the BSOD, or you can reload Windows 10 entirely [although this is a nuclear option].
Isolating and correcting a software issue or even a corrupted file can take a while, but its certainly worth it if youre not entirely sure youre experiencing a hardware failure.
Step 5: Update Your Graphics Card Drivers
One of the most common causes of the memory management error in Windows 10 is outdated or broken graphics card drivers. This scenario makes sense, especially since the graphics card has memory too. If youre not running the latest version, try installing the newest available.
If you already have the latest drivers, try the uninstall/reinstall method. Sometimes, a driver is broken or corrupt but goes undetected. The drivers you need will depend on your graphics card, of course. Windows 10 will be able to tell you what you have in your system, but its likely to be onboard Intel graphicsor something from Nvidia or AMD. External video cards have more memory than onboard graphics, and they are more prone to overheating.
Visit the website of the manufacturer and download any updates to get your system working correctly again.
Step 6: Upgrade Your PCs Hardware
Depending on the results of your troubleshooting adventures, it may be time to upgrade some of your systems hardware. As software and PC technology progress, so does hardware requirements.
Before rushing out to buy new hardware, check to ensure that everything in the case is seated correctly. Perhaps you recently moved your machine, and something came loose, or your hardware could use a thorough cleaning.
If its a machine youve built or one that is out-of-warranty, its time to look for new components to get your computer up and running again. It may be an opportunity for a new graphics card, or you may need more RAM. Whatever the case, if youve tried everything above and the issue persists, its likely hardware-related.