How to Fix Page Fault in Nonpaged Area Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Experiencing the “Page Fault in Nonpaged Area” error on Windows 11 can be frustrating. This error often causes your computer to crash or restart unexpectedly. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix it without needing advanced technical knowledge.

This guide will walk you through simple, step-by-step solutions to resolve this error. Each step is explained clearly, so you can follow along with ease. By the end, you should have a clearer idea of how to fix this issue and prevent it from happening again.

Whether you’re a beginner or someone familiar with Windows troubleshooting, these solutions cover both basic and more advanced methods. Let’s get started and help your PC run smoothly again.

Remember, patience and careful following of each step is key to successfully fixing this error.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before diving into the fixes, there are a few quick things you should check and prepare:

Backup Important Data: Always save your important files somewhere safe, like an external drive or cloud storage. Some fixes may require system changes or restarts.
Note Recent Changes: Think about any recent hardware or software changes you made before the error started. This can help identify the cause.
Keep Your Windows Updated: Sometimes, Microsoft releases fixes through Windows Updates. Make sure your system is up to date.
Check Your RAM: Memory issues are a common cause of this error. You may want to test your RAM using built-in tools.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

This might sound simple, but restarting can solve many temporary issues. When you restart, Windows clears temporary files and resets system processes which may fix the error.

How to restart:

Click the Start button (Windows icon) on the bottom-left corner.
Select Power and then click Restart.

After your PC restarts, check if the error appears again.

Step 2: Check for Windows Updates

Windows frequently releases updates to fix bugs and improve system stability. Installing the latest updates might resolve the “Page Fault in Nonpaged Area” error if it’s caused by a software glitch.

How to check for updates:

Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
Click on Windows Update from the left panel.
Click Check for updates.
If updates are found, click Download & install and wait for the process to finish.

Restart your PC after installing updates and see if the error persists.

Step 3: Run the Memory Diagnostic Tool

Faulty RAM (Random Access Memory) can cause the “Page Fault in Nonpaged Area” error. Windows includes a tool to check your memory for problems.

How to run the Memory Diagnostic Tool:

Press Windows + S and type Windows Memory Diagnostic.
Click on Windows Memory Diagnostic from the search results.
Choose Restart now and check for problems.
Your PC will restart and the tool will scan your RAM for errors. This may take some time.
Once done, Windows will restart again and show the results.

If errors are found, you may need to replace your RAM or seek professional help.

Step 4: Update or Reinstall Device Drivers

Outdated or corrupt device drivers often cause system errors including this one. Updating or reinstalling drivers can fix compatibility issues.

How to update drivers:

Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Expand the categories and look for any device with a yellow exclamation mark.
Right-click on the device and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.

If updating does not work, you can try uninstalling the driver and then restarting your PC. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.

Step 5: Check Your Hard Drive for Errors

Hard drive issues can also trigger this error. Windows has a built-in tool to scan and repair disk errors.

How to check your hard drive:

Open File Explorer by pressing Windows + E.
Right-click on the C: drive (or the drive where Windows is installed) and select Properties.
Go to the Tools tab and click Check under the Error checking section.
If prompted, click Scan drive and wait for the process to finish.

Repair any errors found and restart your PC.

Step 6: Disable Third-Party Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes, third-party antivirus programs interfere with system processes causing errors. Temporarily disabling your antivirus can help identify if it’s the cause.

How to disable antivirus:

Find your antivirus icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner).
Right-click it and look for an option like Disable, Pause protection, or similar.
Choose to disable protection temporarily.
Check if the error still appears while the antivirus is off.

If disabling fixes the problem, consider updating or reinstalling your antivirus software.

Step 7: Adjust Virtual Memory Settings

Virtual memory is a portion of your hard drive used as RAM when your physical RAM is full. Incorrect settings can cause this error, so resetting virtual memory to automatic might help.

How to adjust virtual memory:

Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl and press Enter.
In the System Properties window, go to the Advanced tab.
Under Performance, click Settings.
Go to the Advanced tab and click Change under Virtual memory.
Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
Select the C: drive and choose Custom size.
Set both Initial size and Maximum size to the recommended value shown at the bottom.
Click Set, then OK on all windows.
Restart your PC.

Step 8: Perform a System Restore

If the error started after installing new software or drivers, restoring your system to an earlier state might help.

How to perform a system restore:

Press Windows + S, type Create a restore point, and open it.
Click on System Restore.
Choose a restore point dated before the error began.
Follow the prompts to restore your system.
Your PC will restart after the process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes the “Page Fault in Nonpaged Area” error?

This error is usually caused by faulty RAM, corrupted system files, outdated or incompatible drivers, or disk errors.

Is this error serious?

Yes, it often leads to system crashes and data loss if not fixed, so addressing it promptly is important.

Can I fix this error without technical skills?

Yes, many of the steps here are designed for beginners and explained in detail. However, if unsure, seeking professional help is recommended.

Does updating Windows always fix this error?

Not always, but many times updates include fixes for known bugs that might be causing the problem.

When should I replace my RAM?

If the memory diagnostic tool detects errors, or if the error persists after all software fixes, faulty RAM might be the cause and replacement is advised.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still face the error, it might be time to consider more advanced options. These include:

Resetting Windows 11: This reinstalls Windows without affecting your personal files, but will remove installed apps.
Contacting Microsoft Support: Official support can guide you through more advanced troubleshooting or hardware diagnostics.
Professional Repair Services: If hardware issues are suspected, a certified technician can help diagnose and fix the problem.

For resetting Windows, go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC and follow the instructions.

Conclusion

The “Page Fault in Nonpaged Area” error on Windows 11 can disrupt your workflow, but with the right approach, it’s fixable. Starting from simple restarts and updates, moving through memory and disk checks, and finally to system restore or reset, you have a clear path to troubleshooting.

Always remember to back up your data before making significant changes, and proceed one step at a time. Most users find success by carefully following these steps. If problems persist, professional help is the safest choice.

By understanding the causes and solutions, you can keep your Windows 11 PC running smoothly and avoid unexpected crashes in the future.