ERRORBlue screen0x00000124
WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERRORStop code 0x00000124
WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR (stop code 0x00000124) is a fatal hardware error the processor reported through the Windows Hardware Error Architecture. It points to a physical fault or instability: an unstable overclock or undervolt, overheating, failing RAM, CPU or motherboard, or a power problem, rather than software. Removing overclocks and checking temperatures and memory come first.
What it means
WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR, bug check 0x00000124, is reported through the Windows Hardware Error Architecture (WHEA) when the processor encounters a machine-check error it cannot correct. Unlike most stop codes, this one originates in hardware, so it points to a physical fault or to instability from running components outside their safe limits, not to a driver or Windows file.
Most likely causes
- Unstable overclock or undervolt: CPU core, cache, or memory pushed too far, including an aggressive Curve Optimizer/undervolt or a memory XMP/EXPO profile the kit cannot sustain.
- Overheating, especially the CPU; check CPU temperature.
- Failing RAM.
- A failing CPU, motherboard or VRM.
- Inadequate or failing power supply.
Diagnosis and fixes
1. Return everything to stock. Reset CPU and memory overclocks and undervolts in the BIOS, including XMP/EXPO, to the safest defaults. Many 0x124 crashes are an unstable overclock and disappear here.
2. Check temperatures. Monitor the CPU under sustained load; if it reaches its thermal limit and throttles or crashes, improve cooling (reseat the cooler, repaste, clean dust, check the pump).
3. Test memory. Run MemTest86 for several passes. Any error means a bad module or an unstable memory configuration.
4. Update firmware and drivers. A BIOS update and current chipset drivers fix some platform-level instability, particularly on newer CPUs.
5. Isolate components. If it still crashes at stock with good temperatures and clean memory, test with one RAM stick at a time, a different PSU if available, and minimal hardware. Persistent stock-speed 0x124 usually means a failing CPU, motherboard or power supply.
Because this is a hardware error, resist the temptation to reinstall Windows as a first step; it rarely helps and delays finding the real fault.
General blue-screen approach
Most stop codes are caused by drivers, hardware faults, or corrupted system files, in that order of likelihood. The efficient path is:
- Note what changed. A new driver, a Windows update, new hardware, or an overclock immediately before the crashes began is the prime suspect. Roll it back or remove it.
- Boot to Safe Mode if Windows will not stay up: hold Shift and restart, or interrupt boot three times to reach the recovery environment, then Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Safe Mode.
- Update or roll back drivers, especially graphics, storage and chipset, from the vendor rather than only Windows Update.
- Repair system files from an elevated prompt:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow- Test hardware: Windows Memory Diagnostic for RAM, the drive vendor's tool and chkdsk for storage, and check temperatures.
- Read the dump. The minidump in
C:\Windows\Minidumpnames the faulting driver when analysed with WinDbg or a tool like BlueScreenView.
Frequently asked questions
What causes WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR?
The processor detected a hardware error it could not correct. Common triggers are an unstable CPU or memory overclock (or an aggressive undervolt), overheating, failing RAM, a failing CPU or motherboard, or unstable power. It is a hardware-level report, so software fixes rarely resolve it on their own.
How do I diagnose WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR?
Reset all overclocks and undervolts to stock, including XMP/EXPO, and test. Check CPU temperatures under load. Test RAM with MemTest86. Update the BIOS and chipset drivers. If it persists at stock settings with good temperatures, methodically test components; the CPU, motherboard or PSU may be failing.