The KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR is a common Windows blue screen error that happens due to a multitude of reasons. These range from faulty RAM to, simply, an improperly connected cable.

If you're facing this error repeatedly, don't panic, because there are various fixes that can resolve this issue in no time.

1. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool is highly effective at detecting and fixing any RAM-related issues on your computer. Since it's likely that a RAM problem is causing the KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR, running the tool is one of the first steps you should take to tackle this issue. Alternatively, here are some telltale symptoms of failing RAM.

Even if Windows Memory Diagnostic tool doesn't eliminate the error, it will surely help you find a better solution, based on the diagnostic report.

The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.
  1. Type Windows Memory Diagnostic in Windows Search.
  2. Click on the top result.
  3. In the Windows Memory Diagnostic window, you can either choose to immediately restart your PC and check for issues or do it whenever you restart the computer next.
  4. Choose whatever option you desire. However, it's recommended you click on Restart Now. Save your work before doing so.

Your PC will immediately reboot and Windows will attempt to fix any memory issues it detects.

CHKDSK is another in-built Windows troubleshooting tool. It detects and fixes any storage-related problems on your PC. Running CHKDSK is a highly effective way to fix the KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR on Windows, so ensure you don't skip this step. The CHKDSK utility can be executed using the Command Prompt or disk properties. Make sure you have administrator privileges.

1. Running CHKDSK Using the Command Prompt

The CHKDSK command with parameters.
  1. Type cmd in Windows Search and right-click on Command Prompt > Run as Administrator.
  2. In the Command Prompt console, type chkdsk C: /f /r /x and press Enter.
  3. Wait for CHKDSK to finish scanning your HDD for errors.
  4. After the scan is complete, restart your PC to check if the KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR persists.

2. Running CHKDSK Using Disk Properties

CHKDSK Properties in Windows 11.
  1. Open Windows Explorer using Win + E.
  2. Go to This PC.
  3. Right-click on the C: drive on your PC.
  4. Click Properties.
  5. Go to the Tools tab, and under Error Checking, click on Check.
  6. If prompted, click on Scan Drive.
  7. Wait for Windows to complete scanning and fixing disk issues.

3. Enable the "Automatically Manage Paging File Size for All Drives" Option

Another efficient way to resolve the KERNERL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR in Windows is to manage the paging file size setting. It's quite simple to do so, and there are no commands involved. You simply need to use the Performance Options on Windows:

Paging file size option in Windows 11.
  1. Open Windows Explorer using the Win + E shortcut.
  2. Right-click on This PC and click on Properties. Or, use the This PC shortcut if it's already there on your desktop.
  3. On the Settings menu, click on Advanced system settings next to Related links.
  4. On the next window, make sure you're in the Advanced tab. Click Settings under Performance.
  5. This will open the Performance Options window. Again, go to Advanced.
  6. Under Virtual Memory, click on Change.
  7. Here, enable the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives option.
  8. Click OK.
  9. Click OK, again, in the Performance Options window.
  10. Close System Properties and reboot your computer.

In most cases, this should resolve the KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR. If it doesn't, move on to the next solution. Additionally, checking the option may mildly decrease the performance of your Windows computer, since manually adjusting the page file size is a common way to improve slow performance on Windows.

4. Perform SFC and DISM Scans

System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) are two Windows utilities that check the integrity of system files, and the Windows disk image, respectively. Running both of these utilities will ensure all essential Windows files are present. It's recommended you run DISM first, followed by SFC. Since both tools are command-line utilities, you'll need to open CMD and run them.

To learn when to use each utility, check out the differences between CHKDSK, SFC, and DISM.

How to Run DISM

The DISM command in Windows.
  1. Type cmd in Windows Search, and right-click on Command Prompt > Run as Administrator.
  2. In the Command Prompt console, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
  3. Windows will automatically scan and fix the Windows disk image.

How to Run SFC

The SFC /scannow command in Windows.
  1. Again, open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type the following command: SFC /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Windows will check the integrity of system files.
  4. Reboot your computer.

5. Perform a Clean Boot

Sometimes, faulty third-party programs can cause BSOD errors in Windows. This includes the KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR. To ensure that no third-party programs are not the cause of the error, you can perform a Clean Boot and see if the error still pops up.

Here is how you can Clean Boot your Windows OS:

The System Configuration services window in Windows.
  1. In Windows Search, enter msconfig.
  2. From the search results, click on System Configuration.
  3. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
  4. Check the Hide all Microsoft Services option.
  5. Click on Disable all.
  6. Click on OK.
  7. Now, open Task Manager. You can do this by simply using Windows Search or the CTRL + ALT + DELETE shortcut.
  8. Click on the Startup tab.
  9. Disable all startup programs by selecting them one by one, and clicking the Disable button.
  10. Click on OK.
  11. Reboot your computer.
  12. Check to see if the error is still present. If not, it's likely that a recently installed third-party program was the culprit and you should uninstall it or download a different version.
  13. You will also need to undo these steps if you want to normally boot Windows with all third-party programs enabled.

6. Perform a Full Antivirus Scan

Malware disrupts the normal functioning of your computer. This includes causing BSOD errors such as the KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR. To safely detect and remove malware from your system, you need to perform an extensive antivirus scan. In most cases, Windows Defender is more than enough to wipe out common malware.

Follow these steps to perform a full scan using Windows Defender:

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Settings.
  2. In the navigation bar on the left, click on Privacy & security.
  3. Click on Windows Security.
  4. Click the Virus & threat protection option.
  5. Under Current Threats, click on Scan options.
  6. Select the Full scan radio button and click on Scan now.
  7. Wait for Windows Defender to finish scanning for malware.
  8. It's recommended you don't use any resource-intensive program during this time, as a full scan substantially slows down your computer.

The Kernel Data Inpage Error, Resolved

Using the fixes listed above, you can easily fix the KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR in Windows 11. Most of the fixes listed above can also be used to fix a lot of other common blue screen errors in Windows.