Hardware and CPU errors

WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR (0x00000124)

Stop code 0x00000124, also written 0x124. Here is what it means, what usually causes it, and the safest order to work through fixes on Windows 11 and Windows 10.

In short

Windows received a fatal hardware error report from the processor, memory, a PCIe device or another component.

What WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR means

The Windows Hardware Error Architecture collects error reports from hardware. This stop means a hardware error was reported that the system could not correct. The CPU, memory, PCIe devices, storage, overclocking and power or cooling problems can all report through it, so the code does not itself say which part is at fault.

Common causes

An unstable CPU, memory or GPU overclock or undervolt
Overheating or inadequate power delivery
A failing CPU, RAM, storage device or PCIe card
Outdated BIOS or chipset firmware

How to fix WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR

Work through these in order and test after each one. Stopping as soon as the crashes stop tells you which change mattered.

Look for WHEA events in Event Viewer. Open Event Viewer, Windows Logs, System, and look for events from WHEA-Logger around the time of the crash. They often indicate the type of component that reported the error, which narrows the search.
Return the PC to stock settings. Reset the BIOS to defaults, then leave XMP or EXPO, CPU or GPU overclocks and undervolts (including per-core offsets such as Curve Optimizer) switched off while you test. If the crashes stop, re-enable one setting at a time to find the unstable one.
Watch temperatures under load. Use a monitoring tool to log CPU, GPU and drive temperatures while you reproduce the problem. Sustained high readings, loud fans or thermal throttling point to dust, failed fans or poor airflow rather than a software fault.
Test the memory. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic (search for it in Start) for a quick check, then MemTest86 for several passes if the crashes continue. Any error points to a faulty stick or slot, or to memory settings the hardware cannot run reliably.
Update firmware and remove extras. Install the latest BIOS and chipset drivers from the motherboard or laptop maker, and remove any non-essential PCIe cards to see whether the crashes stop.

When to stop and protect your data

If errors persist at stock settings with good temperatures, a hardware component is failing. Isolate it by swapping RAM, GPU or drive with known-good parts.

Not sure this is your code?

The stop code appears as text on the blue screen. If the PC restarted before you could read it, open Event Viewer, then Windows Logs, then System, and look for a BugCheck event with ID 1001. You can also search all stop codes.

Related guides

Other hardware and cpu errors

CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT (0x101)
UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP (0x7F)

Frequently asked questions

What does WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR mean?

Windows received a fatal hardware error report from the processor, memory, a PCIe device or another component. The Windows Hardware Error Architecture collects error reports from hardware. This stop means a hardware error was reported that the system could not correct. The CPU, memory, PCIe devices, storage, overclocking and power or cooling problems can all report through it, so the code does not itself say which part is at fault.

What usually causes WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR?

Typical causes: An unstable CPU, memory or GPU overclock or undervolt; Overheating or inadequate power delivery; A failing CPU, RAM, storage device or PCIe card; Outdated BIOS or chipset firmware.

How do I fix WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR (0x00000124)?

A sensible order is: 1) Look for WHEA events in Event Viewer; 2) Return the PC to stock settings; 3) Watch temperatures under load; 4) Test the memory. If errors persist at stock settings with good temperatures, a hardware component is failing. Isolate it by swapping RAM, GPU or drive with known-good parts.

Use this guidance carefully

A stop code can have several causes, and these steps are general guidance rather than a diagnosis of your PC. If your data matters, back it up before repairs. If the problem continues, a hardware technician can test the parts.

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