In computing, Memory management is the process that controls and organizes computer’s memory resources, including RAM (Random Access Memory) and virtual memory. Windows Stop Code Memory Management BSOD error usually occurs when something is wrong with how Windows manages or allocates the memory on your PC. Several factors can contribute to triggering this error, faulty RAM modules, incorrect virtual memory settings, corrupted system files, outdated drivers or hardware failure are common. This article explores few effective solutions that you can try to resolve the stop code memory management error on Windows 10.
Windows Memory Management Error
The “Memory Management” error is a type of blue screen of death (BSOD) error, usually occur when the operating system encounters a critical system error related to memory management.
One of the primary causes of this error is defective or improperly seated RAM modules. Corruption within critical system files can also disrupt memory management functions and trigger Windows blue screen errors.
Sometimes Outdated or incompatible device drivers can interfere with memory operations. Again Problems with other hardware components, such as the hard drive or motherboard, can indirectly affect memory management.
Disconnect External Devices and Reboot Windows
Whenever you experience Blue screen error, the first thing you need to disconnect external devices and restart windows. External devices such as USB drives, external hard disks, or peripherals may introduce compatibility issues or driver conflicts that trigger BSoD errors like “stop code Memory Management.” Disconnecting these devices eliminates potential sources of interference and allows the system to boot without external dependencies.
In addition, Rebooting Windows after disconnecting external devices provides a clean startup environment and reduces the likelihood of encountering memory-related errors.
- Shut down your computer and disconnect all external devices, including USB drives, external hard disks, printers, and peripherals.
- Press the power button to turn on your computer and allow it to boot without any external devices connected.
- If the computer boots successfully without encountering the “Memory Management” error, reconnect the external devices one at a time to identify any problematic hardware.
Boot into Safe Mode if Memory Management Error Trigger Frequently
Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode that loads only essential system services and drivers, bypassing potentially problematic software or drivers that may trigger blue screen memory management. If the error occurs frequently during normal startup, booting into Safe Mode can help isolate the cause by ruling out third-party software or drivers.
- Press Windows key + I to open settings, Go to the system then Recovery.
- Locate the “Advanced Startup” option and click the “Restart Now” button next to it.
- Choose “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Settings.”
- Click “Restart” to restart your computer and access the Startup Settings menu.
- Press the appropriate function key (usually F4 or F5) to select “Enable Safe Mode” or “Enable Safe Mode with Networking” from the list of options.
Note: If Windows crashes at startup, you need to access Advanced options using Installation media to boot into safe mode.
Run Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
As the name suggests, the memory management error relates to the computer’s memory and that can be a physical problem with the RAM installed, too. Running Windows’ own Memory Diagnostic Tool can help discover if this is the root of the problem. If it tells you that your memory is the problem, you can change it. Here’s how to run a Windows Memory Diagnostic tool:
Press the Windows key + R, type mdsched.exe and press Enter to open the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool.
Here you will see two options, “Restart now and check for problems (recommended)“: This option will restart your computer and immediately begin the memory diagnostic process. “Check for problems the next time I start my computer“: This option allows you to schedule the memory diagnostic to run the next time you restart your computer.
Select the first option to restart Windows and scan the computer’s memory for errors.
When Windows restarts, it will tell you if there is something wrong with your memory. If there is, then you’ll have to either replace the RAM yourself or send back your computer if it’s under warranty. You can read more details about the memory diagnostic tool here.
In addition, you can run third party free utility MemTest86 to perform an in-depth memory test.
Adjust Virtual Memory Settings
Virtual memory serves as an extension of physical RAM, allowing the system to allocate additional memory space when needed. Increasing the size of virtual memory provides more room for memory operations, reducing the likelihood of memory-related errors like the “Memory Management” BSoD.
- Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl and hit the enter key to open System Properties
- Navigate to the “Advanced” tab, click on the “Settings” button in the “Performance” section.
- Again in the “Advanced” tab, Click on the “Change” button under the Virtual Memory section.
- Uncheck “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.”
- Select your system drive (usually C:) and choose “Custom size.”
Set the initial size (MB) and maximum size (MB) according to the recommended values (usually listed below). Click “Set” and then “OK” to apply the changes.
By adjusting virtual memory settings, you optimize system performance and ensure adequate resources for memory-intensive tasks, mitigating the risk of system instability.
Update Device Drivers
Outdated or incompatible device drivers can disrupt communication between hardware components and the operating system, leading to memory management issues. Updating drivers ensures compatibility with the latest Windows updates and resolves known bugs or issues that may contribute to BSoD errors
- Press Windows + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
- This will display all installed driver lists, expand the categories to locate the devices with outdated drivers (marked with a yellow exclamation mark).
- Right-click on the device and select “Update driver.” We recommend updating the most important drivers (display driver, Network adapter, and Audio driver ).
- Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.
Repeat this process for all devices with outdated drivers. Alternatively, you can visit the manufacturer’s website for each device to download and install the latest drivers manually.
It optimizes system performance and stability by ensuring all hardware components operate seamlessly with the operating system.
Repair System Files using SFC and DISM
Sometimes Corrupted system files can disrupt memory management functions and contribute to Blue screen errors like “stop code Memory Management.” Running SFC scans the integrity of system files and repairs any detected issues, In addition DISM command resolves component store corruption.
- First, you need to open the command prompt as administrator. Press Windows key + S and type cmd, right-click on the command prompt select run as administrator.
- Type the command sfc /scannow and press Enter.
The utility will start scanning for missing corrupted system files. If found any the SFC utility restores them from a special folder located on %WinDir%\System32\dllcache. Wait until 100% complete the scanning process after that restart Windows.
Once the scan is complete, Run the DISM command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to check for component store corruption and repair them. Once the DISM repair is complete, restart your computer and check if this help fix blue screen memory management error.
Verify Disk Integrity
Disk errors can affect the system’s ability to read and write data, impacting memory management processes. You can run CHKDSK utility to scan and resolve disk errors and prevent potential data loss, system crashes, and BSoD errors caused by corrupted system files or damaged disk sectors.
- Again open the command prompt as administrator, type the command chkdsk /f /r and press Enter.
- You may be prompted to schedule the disk check for the next system restart. Type “Y” and press Enter.
- Restart your computer to initiate the disk check process.
- Allow CHKDSK to scan and repair any disk errors. This process may take some time, depending on the size and health of your disk.
It promotes overall system stability and performance by maintaining a healthy storage environment.
Sometimes, Malware infections can corrupt system files, including those responsible for memory management. Also Malicious software may consume system resources, interfere with memory operations, or exploit vulnerabilities to cause system instability. Perform a full system scan with Windows security (Defender) or third-party antivirus helps detect and remove threats, safeguarding the system’s integrity and reducing the risk of encountering memory-related errors like the “Memory Management” BSoD
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