Windows BSOD Error 0x00000124 — WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR Fix

What Does This Error Mean?

The 0x00000124 blue screen means WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR. WHEA stands for Windows Hardware Error Architecture. This blue screen signals a serious hardware failure that Windows could not recover from — usually the CPU, RAM, or motherboard.

Affected Models

Windows 10
Windows 11

Common Causes

The CPU or RAM is overclocked and running beyond its stable limits
Your CPU or other hardware component is overheating
A RAM module is defective or incompatible with your motherboard
The CPU itself has a hardware fault or is beginning to fail
Your motherboard's BIOS or UEFI firmware is outdated and has known compatibility bugs

How to Fix It

Disable any overclocking immediately. Enter BIOS/UEFI on startup (press Del, F2, or F12 depending on your PC). Find CPU and RAM settings and reset to default/auto.

Overclocking is the number one cause of WHEA errors. Even XMP/DOCP RAM profiles can cause this — try disabling those too.
Check all temperatures. Download HWMonitor (free) and run a demanding program for 15 minutes. Note CPU and motherboard temperatures. CPU should stay under 90°C (194°F).

Clean dust from your CPU cooler. If the cooler is old, replacing the thermal paste between CPU and cooler often reduces temperatures by 10 to 20°C.
Update your BIOS/UEFI. Check your motherboard or PC manufacturer's website for the latest firmware update. Install it following their exact instructions.

BIOS updates often contain stability fixes specifically for CPU and RAM compatibility issues.
Test your RAM. Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, press Enter, and choose 'Restart now and check for problems.' Also try running with only one RAM stick at a time to isolate a faulty module.

Try different RAM slots as well — sometimes the slot itself is the problem, not the stick.
Update all drivers, especially chipset and CPU drivers from your motherboard manufacturer's website. Also check Windows Update for any pending firmware updates.

An outdated chipset driver can mismanage CPU communication and trigger hardware errors.

When to Call a Professional

WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR is one of the more serious blue screens because it points to hardware. If reverting overclocks and updating BIOS do not fix it, bring your PC to a technician. A professional can run individual component tests to determine if your CPU, RAM, or motherboard needs replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does WHEA stand for?

WHEA stands for Windows Hardware Error Architecture. It is a system built into Windows that monitors hardware for errors at the lowest level. When WHEA detects an error it cannot correct, Windows crashes rather than risk data corruption.

Can a power supply cause WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR?

Yes. A failing or underpowered power supply (PSU) can cause voltage instability to the CPU. This unstable voltage triggers hardware errors that WHEA cannot correct. If your PSU is old or you added new hardware recently, the PSU may no longer be supplying enough power.

Is WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR always a hardware problem?

Usually yes, but not always. Outdated BIOS, bad drivers, or a misconfigured overclock can also trigger it. Always start with the software fixes (BIOS update, removing overclocks) before assuming hardware failure. Only escalate to hardware diagnosis if the software fixes do not work.