14 Proven Methods to Fix the ‘Unexpected Store Exception’ Error in Windows 10 and 11

ByJim Miller

BSOD errors can be frustrating and disruptive, disrupting your normal workflow on a Windows PC. One particularly annoying error is the ‘unexpected store exception,' which typically indicates an underlying issue with your system's hardware, such as the hard disk, RAM, or graphics card. However, driver bugs and corruption can also trigger this error. In this article, we will explore fourteen effective methods to resolve the ‘unexpected store exception' error and restore your system's functionality.

1. Restart Your System

Before diving into advanced fixes, it's always a good idea to start with a simple restart of your Windows PC. Restarting your system helps clear the cache, free up memory, and restart all core system services. After restarting, use your PC for some time and check if the ‘unexpected store exception' error reappears.

2. Disable Fast Startup

The Fast Startup feature, while useful for faster boot times, can sometimes be the cause of BSOD errors like the ‘unexpected store exception.' To rule out this possibility, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key, type “cmd,” and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
  2. Click “Yes” in the User Account Control window that appears.
  3. Type the following command and press Enter: powercfg /h off
  4. Close the Command Prompt window.

3. Use Device Manager to Identify Troublesome Devices

If a malfunctioning device is causing the error, you can use Device Manager to identify and address the issue. Here's how:

  1. Press the Windows key, type “device manager,” and press Enter.
  2. Look for a yellow warning sign next to any device in the list. If you see one, right-click on the device and select “Uninstall device.”
  3. Click “Uninstall” to confirm.
  4. Restart your PC.

4. Use Startup Repair

Windows 11 offers a built-in Startup Repair tool that can help fix the ‘unexpected store exception' error. Here's how to use it:

  1. Press the Windows key and click on the Power icon.
  2. Hold the Shift key and click on Restart to open Windows Recovery Environment.
  3. Click on the “Troubleshoot” option.
  4. Select “Advanced options.”
  5. Click on “Startup Repair.”
  6. Wait for the tool to find and fix issues with your PC.

5. Run the Memory Diagnostic Utility

Windows includes a built-in utility to check for RAM issues. You can use it to identify faults with your installed RAM sticks. Here's how:

  1. Press the Windows key, type “memory diagnostic,” and press Enter.
  2. Click on the “Restart now and check for problems” option.
  3. Your PC will restart and boot to the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool page. It will check for memory faults and automatically boot to the desktop.

6. Run a Check Disk Scan

Disk errors or a faulty hard disk can also cause the ‘unexpected store exception' error. You can use the Check Disk utility in Windows to identify and fix these issues. Follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key, type “cmd,” and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
  2. Click “Yes” in the User Account Control window.
  3. Type the following command and press Enter: chkdsk /f /r
  4. Close the Command Prompt and restart your PC.

7. Disable Antivirus temporarily

Sometimes, an antivirus program can interfere with system processes and cause the error. Temporarily disabling your antivirus can help rule out this possibility. Here's how:

  1. Press the Windows key, type “virus & threat protection,” and press Enter.
  2. Scroll down to the “Virus & threat protection settings” section.
  3. Click on “Manage settings.”
  4. Toggle off the “Real-time protection” option.
  5. Click “Yes” in the User Account Control window.
  6. Close the Windows Security app.

8. Disable Sleep Mode

If disabling Fast Startup didn't resolve the issue, you can try disabling Sleep mode using the Command Prompt. Here's how:

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: control /name Microsoft.PowerOptions /page pageGlobalSettings
  3. Click on the “Change settings that are currently unavailable” option.
  4. Uncheck the “Sleep” option.
  5. Click “Save changes.”
  6. Close the Power options window.

9. Disable File History

Disabling File History has helped many users resolve the ‘unexpected store exception' error. Here's how:

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: control /name Microsoft.FileHistory
  3. Click on the “Turn off” button to disable File History.

10. Reinstall GPU Drivers

If you recently updated your GPU drivers and started experiencing the error, it may be worth reinstalling the previous version of the driver. Here's how:

  1. Press the Windows key, type “installed apps,” and press Enter.
  2. Locate the GPU driver in the list, click on the menu button (three dots), and select “Uninstall.”
  3. Click “Uninstall” to confirm.
  4. Visit the GPU manufacturer's website, download the previous version of the driver, and install it on your PC.

11. Disable Components Overclocking

Overclocking your components can lead to performance boosts but can also cause overheating and stability issues. If you have overclocked your GPU, CPU, or RAM, consider reverting to the default settings.

12. Use SFC and DISM

Running System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scans can help fix issues with Windows Component Store and corrupted system files. Here's how:

  1. Press the Windows key, type “cmd,” and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
  2. Click “Yes” in the User Account Control window.
  3. Type the following command and press Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
  4. Execute the following command: sfc /scannow
  5. Wait for the scans to complete and then restart your PC.

13. Remove a Recent Update

If the error occurred after installing a Windows update, removing the update may resolve the issue. Here's how:

  1. Press the Windows key, type “uninstall updates,” and press Enter.
  2. Find the latest update you installed and click “Uninstall.”
  3. Click “Uninstall” again to confirm.
  4. Restart your PC.

14. Reset Your PC

If none of the above methods work, you may need to reset your PC to factory settings. Keep in mind that this will erase all your personal files and applications, so make sure to back up your data before proceeding.

By following these fourteen methods, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the ‘unexpected store exception' error in Windows 10 and 11. Start with the basic fixes and gradually move on to more advanced solutions if needed. Remember to back up your data before attempting any major changes to your system.