Blue Screen with Bugcheck 0x0000013a: Kernel Mode Heap Corruption

Few things make you worry like seeing a “Blue Screen of Death” (BSOD) pop up, especially on a Windows 11/10 computer. It gets more confusing when the screen is filled with tech talk. One error that can cause a lot of head-scratching is 0x0000013a: Kernel_Mode_Heap_Corruption. This tells us there’s a big problem with the memory because something’s gone wrong in a specific area where the operating system and some drivers go to grab memory. We’re going to break down what this Kernel_Mode_Heap_Corruption and its error code 0x0000013a are all about, why they happen, and how you can fix it.

Also see: Stop Code Kernel_Data_Inpage_Error BSOD in Windows 11/10

Getting to know the 0x0000013a Kernel Mode Heap Corruption BSOD error

Before we tackle fixing it, let’s get a clear picture of this error.

What’s the Kernel-Mode Heap?

The kernel-mode heap is a special memory spot for the operating system’s brain and some drivers. It’s super important and works at a high security level, which means if something goes wrong here, it’s a big deal. Think of the heap as a memory pool where the system picks up memory for important tasks.

Learn more: What does a Blue Screen with Sad Face mean on Windows 10/11

Why does corruption matter?

When the kernel-mode heap gets messed up, it means someone or something messed with the memory in a bad way. This can make your computer crash or show the dreaded BSOD. Because this heap is so crucial, even a small mistake can cause big problems.

What causes the 0x0000013a error?

1. Bad hardware: Problems with RAM or other parts can mess up the memory. This is a common reason for these errors.
2. Wonky drivers: Drivers that don’t play nice can accidentally wreck the heap.
3. Malware: Bad software might attack this area, causing trouble.
4. Software bugs: Some programs, especially those that need special access, might have issues that lead to corruption.
5. Overclocking: Pushing your computer too hard can cause all sorts of chaos, including memory problems.

Linked issue: Windows 11/10 Computer Blue Screen When Idle (Fix)

Fixing the bugcheck 0x0000013a blue screen error

If you’re staring down the 0x0000013a: Kernel_Mode_Heap_Corruption error, taking a step-by-step approach to troubleshoot can really help. Here’s what you can do:

1. System restore

If you’ve just added new software, drivers, or updates, going back to how things were before might fix it. Here’s how:

1. Hit the “Start” button.
2. Type “System Restore” and pick the option that comes up.
3. Follow the instructions to take your computer back in time.

2. Check for hardware issues

Memory troubles are often to blame. Try using a tool to check your memory.

1. Click on the “Start” button.
2. Type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” and click on what shows up.
3. Pick “Restart now and check for problems” to have your computer look for memory issues.

If it finds issues, you might need to replace the bad RAM or part.

3. Update or roll back drivers

Bad drivers can also be the root of the problem.

1. Right-click the “Start” button and go to “Device Manager”.
2. Look for any devices marked with a yellow triangle.
3. Right-click the troublemaker and either update or roll back its driver, depending on when the problem started.

4. Scan for malware

Make sure no viruses are messing things up by doing a full system scan.

1. Open your antivirus.
2. Do a “Full Scan” or “Complete System Scan”.
3. Get rid of any bad stuff it finds and reboot your computer.

Pro tip: How to Scan an .exe File for Viruses to Check If It’s Safe

5. Avoid overclocking

Went a bit too far trying to boost your computer’s speed? Going back to normal settings might help avoid these crashes.

Further reading: Why is my CPU Overheating and How to Fix it

6. Update Windows

Keeping Windows up to date can fix a bunch of issues, including this one.

1. Click the “Start” button.
2. Go to “Settings”.
3. Hit “Windows Update”.
4. Check for any updates.

Try these fixes and see if the blue screen stops popping up. If it keeps happening, you might need to dig deeper with some expert help or consider a fresh Windows install.

Figuring out the cause with the dump file

One of the best ways to find out why you’re seeing the 0x0000013a: Kernel_Mode_Heap_Corruption error is by looking at the dump file. This file captures what was going on when the crash happened and can give clues to what caused it.

See also: Windows 11 Dump File Location

How to use WinDbg to check the dump file:

WinDbg is a tool from Microsoft for figuring out problems with Windows. Here’s how to use it:

1. Get WinDbg:
   • Download it from Microsoft’s site.
   • Install it on your computer.

   

2. Find the dump file:
   • Windows usually keeps dump files at C:\Windows\Minidump.
   • Remember this spot because you’ll need it in WinDbg.

   

3. Set up symbols:
   • Symbols help make sense of the dump file’s code.
   • Open WinDbg and go to the settings to set the symbol path to get symbols from Microsoft and save them locally.

   

4. Open the dump file:
   • In WinDbg, open the dump file from C:\Windows\Minidump.

   

5. Analyze the dump file:
   • Type !analyze -v in WinDbg to start the analysis. It might take a few minutes.
6. Review the findings:
   • WinDbg will show details about the error, like which driver or software might be at fault.

   

7. Next steps:
   • If you find a culprit, try updating, reinstalling, or getting rid of it to see if that fixes the problem.
   • If you’re still stuck, asking for expert help or checking online forums might give you more ideas.
8. WinDbg has lots of commands for a deep dive, but getting comfortable with it takes some practice.

Related resource: Dump file creation failed due to error in Windows 11

Analyzing dump files can be tricky, but with some patience, you can figure out the cause of those blue screen errors.

Wrapping up

Running into a blue screen like the 0x0000013a error can be frustrating. But by checking the dump file, you can get right to the problem’s heart, making fixing it way more straightforward. While general fixes are still helpful, knowing exactly what to target can save you a lot of time and headache, leading to a smoother-running Windows system.