The PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA error is a blue screen error that is caused by Windows not being able to find a piece of data it expected to find. It can indicate a memory error, physical memory issues, a driver error or Windows swap file issue. All but one of those is fixable without needing to buy new memory.
Steps to fix PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA errors
The PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA manifests itself as a blue screen (BSOD). It may appear intermittently or it may appear regularly, it varies from computer to computer. I’m going to list a few ways you can troubleshoot it. As always, try each step individually and reboot. If the error stops appearing, there is no need to continue troubleshooting.
- Remove any recently installed drivers, especially third-party unsigned ones. Drivers are a common cause of this memory fault so this is a good place to start.
- Uninstall any programs or hardware you added immediately before the error started appearing and retest.
- Open a CMD window as an administrator and type ‘Chkdsk /f /r’. Allow the process to complete and make any repairs it needs.
How to Reset Windows Virtual Memory Settings to Fix PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA Errors?
To reset Windows virtual memory settings and potentially fix PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA errors, disable and then re-enable Windows virtual memory management. Begin by navigating to Control Panel, then System and Security, followed by System, and finally Advanced System Settings. Select 'Settings' next to Performance, then 'Advanced'. Under Virtual memory, select 'Change'. Uncheck the box next to ‘Automatically manage paging file size…’. After applying, perform all the above steps in reverse to recheck the box next to ‘Automatically manage paging file size…’. Reboot your computer once more and retest for the error.
- Navigate to Control Panel, System and Security, System, Advanced System Settings.
- Select Settings next to Performance and then Advanced.
- Select Change under Virtual memory.
- Uncheck the box next to ‘Automatically manage paging file size…’.
- Perform all the above steps in reverse and recheck the box next to ‘Automatically manage paging file size…’.
- Reboot once more and retest.
How to Check RAM for PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA Errors?
To check your RAM for PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA errors after eliminating software culprits, focus on hardware diagnostics. Download and run MemTest86+. Run the diagnostic tests, then swap memory sticks and slots, and run the test again. If the fault consistently follows a specific memory stick, that RAM module is likely at fault. If the errors remain on the same memory slot regardless of the stick, the memory slot itself may be faulty. Consider moving to a different memory slot if available and re-run the test. While it's possible to ignore a faulty memory slot if you have spares, otherwise, a new motherboard might be necessary. Do you know of any other ways to troubleshoot ‘PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA’ errors? Let us know below if you do!
Download and run MemTest86+. Run the tests, swap memory sticks and slots and run the test again. If the fault follows the memory stick, it is likely the RAM itself at fault. If the errors stay on the same slot, the memory slot may be at fault. Try moving to a different memory slot altogether and run the test again.
It is possible to ignore a fault memory slot if you have spares. Otherwise, you may need to consider a new motherboard.
Do you know of any other ways to troubleshoot ‘PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA’ errors? Let us know below if you do!