WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR (0x00000124)? It's Hardware — Stop Reinstalling Drivers
Your PC blue-screens with WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR (stop code 0x00000124).
Why this is the most-misdiagnosed BSOD: blogs throw SFC, driver reinstalls, and “update Windows” at it. Microsoft is explicit that 0x124 is a fatal hardware error surfaced by the Windows Hardware Error Architecture (WHEA) — the CPU itself reported an uncorrectable problem. Chasing drivers wastes time. Look at the hardware.
Fix 1: Undo overclocking and memory tuning
The most common trigger on enthusiast PCs:
- In BIOS/UEFI, disable CPU overclocks and reset to defaults.
- Turn off XMP / EXPO memory profiles (run RAM at stock speed) to test.
- Reset any GPU overclock (MSI Afterburner, etc.) to stock.
If the crashes stop, an unstable overclock/voltage was the cause.
Fix 2: Check cooling, power, and seating
- Confirm temperatures are sane under load (a failing cooler/paste causes 0x124).
- Reseat RAM, GPU, and power cables; a flaky PSU or loose connector triggers WHEA.
- For laptops, ensure vents aren’t clogged and it’s not thermal-throttling to a fault.
Fix 3: Run hardware diagnostics
- Windows Memory Diagnostic (
mdsched.exe) / MemTest86 for RAM. - The PC/motherboard maker’s hardware diagnostics (CPU, storage).
- Check the drive’s SMART health.
Fix 4: Apply firmware/driver updates that DO matter
The legitimate software angle: a BIOS/UEFI update and chipset drivers can fix microcode/stability issues. Apply those — but don’t expect a generic “driver reinstall” to fix a true hardware fault.
FAQ
Could it still be software? Rarely. WHEA reports a hardware-detected fault. If you also get varied codes like CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED, mixed causes are possible, but 0x124 itself is hardware. For the general dump workflow see find the BSOD driver.
My CPU is brand new — is it dying? Usually it’s an unstable overclock/XMP or power/cooling — test at stock first (Fix 1) before assuming a dead component.
Sources: Microsoft Learn — Bug Check 0x124 WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR