Windows BSOD Error 0x00000143 — PROCESSOR_DRIVER_INTERNAL Fix

What Does This Error Mean?

The 0x00000143 blue screen is called PROCESSOR_DRIVER_INTERNAL. It means the driver that manages your computer's CPU encountered a fatal internal error. This is typically caused by outdated processor drivers, BIOS firmware issues, or overheating.

Affected Models

Windows 10
Windows 11
Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2019

Common Causes

The processor driver (intelppm.sys or amdppm.sys) is outdated or corrupted
Your computer's BIOS or UEFI firmware is outdated and not properly managing the CPU
The CPU is overheating due to a clogged cooling fan or dried thermal paste
CPU overclocking settings are causing instability at the driver level
A Windows update introduced an incompatibility with your CPU driver

How to Fix It

Update your BIOS firmware. Go to your PC or motherboard manufacturer's support website, find your model, and download the latest BIOS update. Follow their instructions carefully.

BIOS updates can seem scary, but manufacturers provide step-by-step guides. Do not interrupt the update once it starts. This is one of the most effective fixes for this specific error.
Check your CPU temperature using a free tool like HWMonitor or Core Temp. Download and run it while doing normal tasks and note the temperatures.

Normal CPU temperatures are 40–70°C during use and under 90°C under heavy load. Consistently higher temperatures indicate a cooling problem.
Clean the CPU cooling fan and heatsink. Turn off your PC, open the case, and use a can of compressed air to blow dust out of the fan and heatsink fins.

Dust buildup is the most common cause of CPU overheating in PCs more than two years old. Cleaning takes just a few minutes and often makes a dramatic difference.
If you have overclocked your CPU in the BIOS, reset it to default speeds. Enter BIOS at startup (usually Delete or F2) and load 'Optimized Defaults.'

Even mild overclocking can cause driver-level instability on some systems. Reverting to stock speeds is the safest approach.
Run the System File Checker to repair any corrupted driver files. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type: sfc /scannow — wait for it to complete.

This scans and repairs corrupted Windows files including CPU driver components like intelppm.sys.

When to Call a Professional

If your CPU temperature is consistently high (above 90°C under load) and cleaning the fan does not help, a technician should replace the thermal paste. Overheating CPUs can suffer permanent damage if left unchecked.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the processor driver?

Your CPU (processor) needs its own driver, just like a graphics card or printer does. On Intel systems, this is called intelppm.sys. On AMD systems, it is amdppm.sys. This driver manages power states, CPU frequency scaling, and core management. When it crashes, Windows cannot safely continue.

Can I check my CPU temperature without opening my PC?

Yes. Free tools like HWMonitor, Core Temp, or Speccy show your CPU temperature in real time without opening anything. Download one, run it, and look at the temperature readouts while your PC is doing normal work. If you see numbers consistently above 80°C, your cooling system needs attention.

How long does a BIOS update take?

A BIOS update typically takes 5 to 10 minutes from start to finish. Your computer will restart during the process and the screen may go black for a minute or two. Do not turn off your PC during a BIOS update — this is one of the few situations that can make a PC temporarily unusable if interrupted.