How to Fix PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA (Windows)
Quick Answer
The PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA error indicates that the operating system attempted to access a page of memory that was not present in physical memory and was marked for use by the system, but the page was invalid. This often points to issues with RAM, device drivers, or system files. A common initial fix involves running the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool.
What Causes This Error
- Faulty or failing Random Access Memory (RAM) modules
- Corrupted or incompatible device drivers
- Damaged or corrupted system files
- Issues with recently installed software or hardware
- Disk errors or bad sectors on the hard drive
- Antivirus software conflicts
- Incorrectly configured virtual memory settings
Step-by-Step Fixes
1Run Windows Memory Diagnostic to address PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
- Save all open work and close applications.
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type "mdsched.exe" and press Enter.
- Select "Restart now and check for problems (recommended)".
- Allow the tool to run during the restart process. This may take several minutes.
- After the restart, Windows will display the test results. If errors are found, consider replacing the RAM modules.
2Update Device Drivers
- Press the Windows key + X and select "Device Manager".
- Expand categories such as "Display adapters", "Sound, video and game controllers", and "Network adapters".
- Right-click on each device and select "Update driver".
- Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software".
- Repeat this process for any other devices that may have recently been updated or are showing warning signs.
- Restart your computer after updating drivers.
3Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
- Press the Windows key + R, type "cmd", and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type "sfc /scannow" and press Enter. Allow the scan to complete.
- If SFC finds errors it cannot fix, or if the problem persists, run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool.
- In the same administrative Command Prompt, type "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth" and press Enter.
- Allow the DISM process to complete. This may take some time.
- Restart your computer after both scans are complete.
4Check for Disk Errors
- Open File Explorer (Windows key + E).
- Right-click on your system drive (usually C:).
- Select "Properties".
- Go to the "Tools" tab.
- Under "Error checking", click "Check".
- Follow the prompts to schedule a disk check on the next restart.
- Restart your computer and allow the disk check to complete.
Advanced Fixes
Disable Fast Startup
- Press the Windows key + R, type "control panel", and press Enter.
- Go to "Power Options".
- Click "Choose what the power buttons do" on the left pane.
- Click "Change settings that are currently unavailable".
- Uncheck the box next to "Turn on fast startup (recommended)".
- Click "Save changes" and restart your computer.
Adjust Virtual Memory Settings
- Press the Windows key + R, type "sysdm.cpl", and press Enter.
- Go to the "Advanced" tab.
- Under "Performance", click "Settings...".
- Go to the "Advanced" tab in the Performance Options window.
- Under "Virtual memory", click "Change...".
- Uncheck "Automatically manage paging file size for all drives".
- Select your system drive (usually C:).
- Choose "Custom size" and set "Initial size" and "Maximum size" to recommended values (e.g., 1.5 to 3 times your RAM).
- Click "Set", then "OK" on all windows.
- Restart your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA mean?
This error signifies that the operating system tried to access a piece of data that should have been in a special area of memory (non-paged area) but wasn't, or was corrupted. This area of memory is critical and cannot be swapped out to the hard drive, so its corruption or unavailability causes a system crash.
Can a virus cause PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA?
While less common than hardware or driver issues, certain types of malware can corrupt system files or interfere with memory management, potentially leading to a PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA error. Running a full system scan with reputable antivirus software is a recommended troubleshooting step.
Is PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA a hardware or software problem?
The PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA error can be caused by both hardware and software issues. Common hardware causes include faulty RAM modules, while software causes often involve corrupted device drivers or system files. Identifying the root cause requires systematic troubleshooting.
How do I know if my RAM is faulty?
The most direct way to check for faulty RAM is to run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. If the tool reports errors, or if you consistently experience this error after trying other software fixes, it strongly suggests a RAM issue. If you have multiple RAM sticks, you can test them individually.
Will reinstalling Windows fix PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA?
Reinstalling Windows can resolve software-related causes of PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA, such as corrupted system files or incompatible drivers. However, if the underlying issue is faulty hardware (e.g., RAM), reinstalling Windows will not fix the problem, and the error will likely reappear.