Note: “Unexpected Store Exception” is not related to the Microsoft Store. Tip: does your Windows system crash when you try to process massive amounts of data? Get past that problem by using one of these tools to view large files.

What Is the “Unexpected Store Exception” Error in Windows?

The “Unexpected Store Exception” error is caused by various hardware and file integrity issues associated with the kernel memory module. The bug is also known as UNEXPECTED_STORE_EXCEPTION and has a value of 0x00000154, which refers to a “stop code,” a special category of blue screen errors. This kernel memory module manages the RAM used by some core components in Windows as well as device drivers. The Windows operating system uses it to talk to device hardware. You can view your device kernel memory in the Task Manager under the Memory tab. Compared to physical RAM, kernel memory is only a few hundred MB in size. It is further classified according to paged and non-paged pools. Anyway, here’s how to start tackling the “Unexpected Store Exception” error in Windows.

1. Debug With WinDbg

To debug the “Unexpected Store Exception” error, we are using a Microsoft debugging program called WinDbg. While it involves a little bit of coding, it is very easy to learn.

WinDbg Download and Installation

WinDbg, the official Windows debugger, can be downloaded from this link as part of Windows Software Development Kit (SDK). For installation, choose the “Install SDK” file based on your operating system and latest version number. Windows 11 users have it relatively easy. If you’re a Windows 10 user, it’s better to update your system first, then install the latest SDK. Tip: learn how to add “Open with Notepad” to the context menu in Windows.

Option 1: Create a User Mode Dump File

After downloading and installing WinDbg, use “Crash mode” analysis to solve the Exception error. This involves causing a fake crash and noticing the Dump file as shown below. You can also operate it as a kernel mode dump, but the procedure is different and unnecessary.

Option 2: Using the !Analyze Extension Command

To find the root cause of a “Store Exception” error, you can use another WinDbg command: “!Analyze” extension. While WinDbg is the best method to debug the “Unexpected Store Exception” problem, if you don’t want to learn the programming, Microsoft recommends a few other options.

2. Perform System Restore Based on Update History

If any blue screen errors are caused by some recent events, you can perform a simple System Restore to take your Windows device to an earlier configuration.

3. Use Windows Memory Diagnostic

You can use the Windows Memory Diagnostic app to take care of bad memory sectors behind the “Unexpected Store Exception” crash.

4. Look for Exclamation Point in Device Manager Hardware

If hardware issues are causing the blue screen problem, you may need to replace the older or outdated hardware. Trace glitchy hardware using the steps below.

5. Perform System File Checker Scan and ChkDsk

The best way to restore the integrity of your Windows system is to use the System File Checker (SFC) tool. It helps repair missing or corrupted system files.

6. Remove Temporary Files

Sometimes the cure for a store exception error is to delete the temporary files that may be clogging up your computer.

7. Disable Fast Startup

Fast startup is enabled by default on your device to start your device more quickly by using a particular hibernation option. Using fast startup can cause the store exception error, so try disabling it to see if that solves the problem. Tip: learn how Fast Startup differs from other Windows power settings.

8. Update Your Display Drivers

Another option that may solve the store exception error is updating your display drivers. First enter Safe mode so that your current display doesn’t become blank during the update process. After you have entered Safe mode: Image credit: Pixabay. All screenshots by Sayak Boral. To solve the problem, open your computer’s BIOS page. The shortcut to access it varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. (For example, on Dell laptops, you have to hit the F2 key repeatedly to get access to the BIOS screen.) On the BIOS page, ensure that the SATA configuration is set to AHCI. Also, ensure that Windows has been set as the boot device. Once you restart your device, the error should take care of itself. We’ve outlined some of the most effective methods to troubleshoot the UNEXPECTED_STORE_EXCEPTION error in Windows, which is just one example of a blue screen error. We can also help you with other kinds of blue screen issues, such as the Kernel Data InPage error and the Critical Process Died error.