Windows is one of the most popular PC operating systems on the planet and one of the easiest to use as well. However, just like everything tech, it also runs into errors from time to time.
In this article, we’re taking a look at the “Unexpected store exception” error that causes a BSOD and crashes the OS.
What causes the Unexpected store exception error?
These errors or BSODs, in general, are often caused by fatal hardware or driver failures that cause the OS to crash. In this specific case, driver failures are the leading cause of the error. System updates can also trigger the error at times.
Also read: Driver verifier detected violation: 10 Fixes
How to fix the Unexpected store exception error?
Here are a few fixes you can use to get yourself out of this situation.
Update your PC
The first thing you should do is to update your PC. Updating your PC will, in most cases, update your drivers and fix any issues in the process.
Check out this detailed guide to know how to update your PC here
Update your drivers
Updating problematic drivers can often fix errors like this and BSODs in general. Follow these steps to get the problematic driver updated.
Step 1: Right-click Start and select Device Manager from the menu.
Step 2: Expand the problematic driver, it’ll usually have a warning triangle showing up on the driver itself, right-click on it and click Update driver.
Step 3: Click on Search automatically for drivers. Windows will then automatically look for and download the latest drivers.
While this should help resolve the BSOD issue, in case it doesn’t, click Uninstall device and restart your PC to force Windows to install the required drivers. You can then update them later.
Also read: What is APC index mismatch in Windows 10? 5 Fixes
Check your hardware
Next up, physically inspect all your PC’s hardware to see if anything’s broken or damaged. If you’re using a mechanical HDD, damage to the drive or bad sectors on it can often trigger the error.
Windows 10 comes with a few handy troubleshooters that can resolve a bunch of issues. Here’s how you can run the hardware troubleshooter.
Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the Run prompt. Type cmd and hit enter.
Step 2: Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press enter. This will launch the hardware troubleshooter.
Proceed along as instructed by the troubleshooter. This should resolve the Unexpected store exception error.
Run the Check Disk utility
The BSOD can very well be a sign of your boot drive failing to perform as it should. Try running the check disk utility to check whether or not your storage drives are, in fact, functional.
You can refer to our detailed guide here on how to run the check disk utility.
Run the Windows Memory Diagnostics tool
If your RAM is seated properly but is failing, it can trigger this error. To check if there’s an issue with your RAM, follow these steps.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Windows Memory Diagnostics. Then, click the corresponding search result.
Step 2: Run the tool and click the Restart now button to check for problems.
If you see some issues, try running the auto-troubleshoot to resolve the Unexpected store exception error.
Run an SFC scan
Corrupt files are the number one reason your PC might behave weirdly. Here’s how you can get rid of them and potentially resolve your issue.
Step 1: Press Windows Key + S to bring up the Cortana/Search box and search for Powershell. Open Windows Powershell from the search results.
Step 2: Type sfc /scannow to scan your system for issues.
Step 3: If the SFC scan finds any problem, use the following command to resolve them.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your PC, and the Unexpected store exception should fix itself.
Repair your system
If nothing else works, the best way to get rid of the error is by simply reinstalling or repairing your OS.
The Windows Media Creation tool is a great way to install Windows and repair the OS. Using this, you can perform a clean installation or repair your OS without affecting your data.
You can download the Media Creation Tool here
Also read: Windows 10 stuck on restarting: 5 Fixes
