If you encounter a blue screen and error code 0x0000001A in Windows 10, know that you are not alone. This problem, also known as MEMORY_MANAGEMENT, is most often associated with malfunctions in RAM or drivers. It can appear at the most inopportune moment, interrupting your work or game, but don't panic — you can usually solve it yourself.
This error indicates that the Windows memory manager has detected a critical problem that the system cannot ignore. There are various reasons for this: from conflicting programs and outdated drivers to unstable RAM modules or even overheating components. Sometimes, quick power saving settings that interfere with the correct operation of the equipment are to blame.
In this article, we will look at several proven methods that will help you restore stability to your system. We will start with simple and quick solutions, such as updating drivers, and gradually move on to more complex ones if the problem persists. Let's figure out together what can be done to get rid of this annoying blue screen.
Method 1: Scanning the hard drive for errors
Often, error code 0x0000001a appears due to a software or hardware malfunction of the hard drive. In the first case, you can fix the problems yourself, but in the second case, you may need to replace the drive. First, check the component for operability by reviewing the scan results and performing a recovery.
More info: Running a hard drive diagnostic in Windows 10
In some cases, defragmentation helps—a procedure that allows files to be written sequentially. It is suitable for HDD drives to speed up read operations and fix some minor errors.
More info: Defragmenting a disk in Windows 10
If your hard drive has mechanical damage or a hardware malfunction that cannot be fixed with software, you may need to install a new component. We have written about how to identify the type of damage to a drive and replace it on a PC or laptop in our other articles.
More details:
What are bad sectors on a hard drive
Replacing a hard drive on a PC and laptop
Method 2: Expanding the system drive
Due to a lack of memory on the system drive, the operating system may crash, causing BSOD and various errors. Open the list of local partitions via “Explorer” and see how much free space is left on the volume where the OS itself is installed.
For stable operation of the operating system, you need at least 30-50 GB of free space. If there is less, there may not be enough software resources to perform various tasks: downloading, unpacking and installing updates, storing backups, previous versions of drivers, swap files, etc. If there is less space than necessary, you will need to free up space by deleting unnecessary files, moving them to other partitions (if available), and getting rid of unused programs.
More details: Freeing up space on the C drive in Windows 10
When even after cleaning up your local disk there is still not enough space, you can do something else: expand its capacity by using other partitions. This is suitable if the space on one HDD drive on your computer is divided into several volumes, for example, local drives C and D. In this case, you will need to take a few gigabytes from the additional partition (D) and add them to the main one (C). You can find out how to do this using built-in or third-party tools in our separate instructions.
More details: Expanding the system drive in Windows 10
Method 3: Checking RAM
Since the blue screen with error 0x0000001a is related to memory, we recommend checking for errors and RAM. Sometimes this is what allows you to eliminate the appearance of BSOD and normalize the system's operation. Windows 10 automatically fixes detected software malfunctions after using special utilities. Users can also find out the causes of the problem, which will allow them to resolve it on their own. There is a built-in tool for scanning RAM – “Memory Diagnostic Tool”, in complex situations, it makes sense to use third-party solutions. Read about all this in our instructions by following the link below.
Read more: Checking RAM in Windows 10
If you have determined that the problem is hardware-related, you will most likely need to replace the component.
Read more: Installing RAM modules
Method 4: Increase the amount of RAM
Error code 0x0000001a typically interrupts operation due to insufficient RAM. Modern PCs, laptops, and their software require at least 6 GB of RAM. If the amount is less, the system may slow down or freeze, and a blue screen of death may appear.
It's not difficult to fix the situation: there are several different ways to increase the amount of RAM, such as using ReadyBoost technology or enabling the swap file. As a last resort, you can install an additional memory module (even some laptops allow this) or replace the component on the motherboard altogether. Follow the link to learn about all the methods for increasing RAM.
More details: Increasing RAM on a Windows 10 computer
Method 5: Solving driver problems
Often, the cause of the error is faulty or incompatible hardware, whose software affects the operation of the OS. Most often, these are non-built-in components (mice, keyboards, discrete video cards, external drives). To check if this is the problem, disconnect peripherals or additional devices (printers, flash drives) one by one and monitor for the appearance of a blue screen. If the problematic equipment is identified, reinstall or update its driver. It is best to look for software for it on the manufacturer's official website, but you can also use the built-in capabilities of Windows 10.
More details:
Updating drivers in Windows 10
Ways to update your video card driver in Windows 10
Contrary to the previous recommendation: there was probably a failure during software installation, which resulted in the driver being installed incorrectly. In Windows 10, you can roll back the version to its previous state. To do this, run “Device Manager”, find the device that you think is causing the failure, double-click on its name. In the properties window, go to the tab “Driver”. If the button “Roll back” if it is active, use it to restore the previous version of the software.
If the error still appears after manipulating the driver, you will probably have to stop using the problematic device, as it may be a manufacturing defect or incompatible with the OS and other hardware or components.
Error code 0x0000001a in Windows 10 is a blue screen of death that usually occurs due to memory problems or damage to system files. Most often, it appears when the operating system cannot work correctly with data in RAM. There are several ways to fix it: check the RAM using the built-in utility, update the drivers, especially the video card, check the disk for errors, and restore system files via the command line. Sometimes disabling hibernation or clearing the paging file helps. The main thing is to proceed step by step, starting with the simplest and safest methods.
Method 6: Checking the OS for errors
If none of these methods help, the problem may be much deeper than a memory or device driver malfunction. For example, error 0x0000001a appears due to critical system failures. There is no need to check each software component, process, or service for errors separately and manually: there are special tools for scanning the integrity of system files and restoring them. These methods of checking the OS for errors are described in a separate guide.
More info: Using and restoring system file integrity verification in Windows 10
Although error code 0x0000001a looks scary, it can usually be resolved on your own. As we have seen, the main causes are usually related to RAM, drivers, or power settings.
Start with the simplest thing: check if all Windows updates are installed. Then test the RAM using the built-in Windows utility. Don't forget about drivers, especially for the video card and chipset — they should be reinstalled or updated manually.
If the error persists, don't despair. A system reset or clean installation of Windows will almost certainly solve the problem, although it is a more laborious process. The main thing is to proceed step by step, and you will be able to restore your system to stable operation.
