The Ntkrnlmp.exe Error: What It Is and How to Fix It

If you get the blue screen of death (BSOD) in Windows, the Windows crash dump file may point to Ntkrnlmp.exe as the cause. However, the source of the problem lies not with Ntkrnlmp.exe, but rather with the data it's tasked with handling.

What Causes Ntkrnlmp.exe Errors?

Ntkrnlmp is an abbreviation for NT Kernel Multi-Processor Version. Think of Ntkrnlmp.exe as a PC's to-do list. The kernel of an operating system is responsible for corraling the multitude of programs, processes, and other items a computer needs to run seamlessly. If one of those programs causes a problem, it may stall Ntkrnlmp.exe and crash the computer.

Potential causes of Ntkrnlmp.exe errors include:

• Damaged power cords and adapters.
• Installing new devices, drivers, or software updates.
• Installing Windows system updates.
• Installing third-party software that is poorly programmed or not verified.
• Viruses or other malware.

How to Fix Ntkrnlmp.exe Errors

Try these troubleshooting steps until your computer is working normally again:

1. Use a different power adapter. Try this if you run into this issue when waking up the computer. A flawed adapter can cause power supply problems.

2. Check the PC hardware. If you recently replaced the RAM or other components on the PC, check to ensure that all components are from the same manufacturer. RAM from different manufacturers may struggle to interact properly.

3. Scan the PC for malware. Start the PC in safe mode and run a malware check using a program such as Windows Defender. Remove any malware it finds and reboot the computer.

4. Disconnect all peripherals. Remove any connected devices, such as external hard drives, and reboot the PC. If that resolves the issue, uninstall and reinstall each device's drivers.

5. Update Windows drivers. Graphics card drivers, in particular, have been notable for causing these errors. Uninstall and reinstall these drivers if you have no other updates.

6. Use System Restore. This is particularly useful for problems with Windows system updates. System Restore can roll back a computer to a date before an update.

   Any changes you made to the OS since the rollback date are deleted. Back up files you want to keep.