Windows 10 throws up a dazzling array of error messages and stop codes when things go wrong. When a bluescreen of death (BSOD) error hits, you can use the Windows 10 stop code to pinpoint and fix the issue.

At times, stop codes are linked to very specific errors. At other times, you might have to work through a range of Windows 10 fixes. The Windows 10 "Memory Management" stop code involves the latter.

In this article, we help you resolve your memory management errors, one fix at a time.

What Is Windows Memory Management?

Memory management in Windows is vital to keep your operating system ticking over nicely. Memory management is the function that manages your system memory. (I hear you say, "Duh, Gavin, it's in the title!") Properly working memory management, however, is vital to your system health.

When memory management goes wrong, your system will start showing BSODs at regular intervals. Here's why:

Memory management essentially tracks every memory location on your system, regardless of status. It manages the transition of memory and processes between your RAM and physical memory during execution, deciding how much memory to allocate (and how much is available for allocation). When you close a program, it reallocates that memory to other processes or marks it available for use.

Unfortunately, memory management isn't absolved of system errors, just like the rest of your system. And when it does crash, it takes your system with it.

The Memory Management Blue Screen Error

Simply put, a memory management BSOD means there's been a critical memory management error. The memory management BSOD stop code is 0x0000001A. There are several well-known causes for memory management errors:

  • Faulty RAM
  • Issues with new hardware, such as a graphics card
  • Faulty drivers
  • Software issues, including corrupt system and operating system files
  • Disk errors

The Windows memory management bluescreen error usually relates to your RAM over any other hardware component.

At times, your system might recover after a simple reset. If you encounter a memory management BSOD, restart your system and see if the error returns. If not, there is a chance it was a one-off.

So how do you fix the memory management bluescreen error on Windows 10? Oh, and we have you covered if you've upgraded to Windows 11 and are still facing the memory management BSOD.

1. Restart Your Computer

Have you tried switching your computer off and turning it back on again? This simple fix can fix all manner of Windows 10 issues, including the Windows 10 memory management stop code. There's a reason why the IT Crowd's "Hello, have you tried turning it off and on again" resonated with so many!

2. Update Windows 10

The first thing to do is to check that Windows 10 is completely up to date. Outdated system files can cause unexpected errors. Checking for a pending update is a quick and easy way to figure out if that is causing your issue.

  1. Hit Windows key + I to open the Settings panel.
  2. Now, head to Update & Security, then check under Windows Update for any pending updates. If there is an update, save any important files, then press Restart now. Your system will reboot during the process.

3. Run the Windows 10 Memory Diagnostic Tool

You can use the integrated Windows Memory Diagnostic utility to check if your system RAM is working correctly. The Memory Diagnostic tool runs after a system reboot. It checks your system memory for errors and logs the scan to a text file for analysis.

Type Windows Memory Diagnostic into your Start menu search bar and select the best match.

You have two options: reboot immediately and run the utility, or set the utility to run after your next reboot. As you try to fix your memory management BSODs, save any important documents and reboot your system immediately. The Windows Memory Diagnostic runs immediately after reboot.

The log file, however, isn't apparent after you boot back into Windows 10.

  1. Press Windows key + X and select Event Viewer from the power menu.
  2. In the Event Viewer, select Event Viewer (Local) > Windows Logs > System.
  3. In the right-hand column, select Find and type MemoryDiagnostic into the box. Hit Find Next. Your diagnostic results will display at the bottom of the window.

From there, you need to investigate any specific errors the Windows Memory Diagnostic throws up.

4. Run MemTest86

memtest

Windows Memory Diagnostic doesn't show any errors. But you're sure the issue relates to your system RAM. If that's the case, you can use MemTest86 to perform an in-depth memory test.

MemTest86 is a free, standalone memory testing tool for x86 machines. You boot MemTest86 from a USB flash drive (or bootable disc) and leave it to check your system RAM. Now, a MemTest86 RAM check takes a long time to complete; a single pass takes hours, depending on the amount of RAM you have installed.

Want to give it a try? Check out "Step 7: Check Your RAM Using MemTest86" in our guide to fixing the WHEA Uncorrectable Error. It has all the instructions you need!

5. Update Your Drivers

Update Graphics Driver

Another quick and handy potential fix for the memory management BSOD is to update your system drivers. New software or hardware may come with new drivers, and your system might not have got the message. Driver faults are less common than in the days of computing yore, especially as Windows 10 now handles driver updates, by and large. But that's not to say they don't happen.

  1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings panel, then select Update & Security > View update history. You can find any driver updates here.
  2. Now, type device manager in the Start menu search bar and select the Best match. Go down the list and check for an error symbol. If there is nothing, your driver status is likely not the source of the issue.

That said, you can use a third-party tool to update all of your system drivers simultaneously. Check out this list of free tools you can use to fix the majority of Windows problems. The first two optionsIOBit's Driver Booster and Snappy Driver Installer—do exactly this.

6. Update Your GPU Drivers

A common theme throughout Memory Management BSOD threads and forum posts is that, at times, outdated or brand-new GPU drivers can cause the BSOD. Although the focus is on the memory management stop code, there is a video memory management-specific stop code too. The video memory management internal stop code is 0x0000010E and may indicate a faulty GPU driver.

To update your GPU drivers, you need to head to the manufacturer's website and download the latest update. For the majority of users, that's either Nvidia or AMD.

dxdiag display information

If you're unsure what GPU you are using, type dxdiag in your Start Menu search bar and select the Best Match. When the DirectX Diagnostic Tool opens, select the Display tab. You'll find your GPU listed here.

Nvidia GPU owners also have the option of installing the Nvidia GeForce Experience—but is it worthwhile?

7. Run CHKDSK

CHKDSK is a Windows system tool that verifies the file system and, with certain settings, fixes issues as it runs. You run CHKDSK from the Command Prompt, and it has a bunch of nifty features.

  1. Type command prompt in your Start menu search bar, then right-click the best match and select Run as administrator. (Alternatively, press Windows key + X, then select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.)
  2. Next, type chkdsk /r and press Enter. The command will scan your system for errors and fix any issues along the way.

Running CHKDSK can help with several Windows errors, including the DPC WATCHDOG VIOLATION stop code.

8. Run SFC

sfc scannow command prompt

Memory management still occurring? System File Check is another Windows system tool that checks for missing and corrupt Windows system files. Sounds like CHKDSK, right? Well, SFC checks for Windows system files specifically, while CHKDSK scans your entire drive for errors.

But before running the SFC command, it is best to double-check that it is completely functional.

DISM stands for Deployment Image Servicing and Management. DISM is an integrated Windows utility with a vast range of functions. In this case, the DISM Restorehealth command ensures that our next fix will work properly. First, work through the following steps.

  1. Type Command Prompt (Admin)in the Start menu search bar, then right-click and select Run as administrator to open an elevated Command Prompt.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: DISM /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
  3. Wait for the command to complete. The process can take up to 20 minutes, depending on your system's health. The process seems stuck at certain times, but wait for it to complete.
  4. When the process completes, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

9. Reseat Your System Hardware

Last but not least, physically check your system hardware. Did you move your system recently? There's a small chance your hardware became unseated during the process. Only a small chance, but something worth checking!

10. Reset Windows 10 (Last Resort)

windows 10 reset recovery options

Okay, still tearing your hair out? Sometimes nothing other than a Windows 10 Reset will completely fix your problem. Windows 10 Reset replaces your system files with a completely fresh set of files. Theoretically, this clears lingering issues relating to the memory management error while keeping most of your important files intact.

  1. Head to Settings > Update and Security > Recovery.
  2. Under Reset this PC, select Get started.
  3. Your system restarts as soon as you hit the button, so make sure you backup any important files beforehand. Your system will restart, then you may select Keep my files or Remove everything.

How to Fix The Memory Management Stop Code Error

Memory management BSODs are difficult to take care of. So many variables can lead to a memory management error, and that's exactly why diagnosing a direct issue is sometimes problematic. However, one of the above fixes will bring your system back from the brink so that you can continue your work free of any BSOD for now.