Memory errors in Windows 11, such as the error message “The Instruction at 0x00007FF referenced memory 0x0000000. The memory could not be written,” can be disruptive.
The error message typically appears during system operations, such as running applications or during startup. It suggests that a process attempted to write to a memory address that is either invalid or protected. This can be caused by faulty hardware, outdated drivers, or corrupted system files.
Key causes include: faulty RAM modules, outdated or incompatible drivers, corrupted system files, or even malware infections. Each of these factors can disrupt the normal functioning of your system, leading to memory-related errors.
Step 1: Check Your Hardware
Hardware issues, particularly with RAM, are a common cause of memory errors. Begin by checking your system’s physical components. If you recently installed new hardware, ensure it is compatible with your system and properly seated.
Steps to check hardware:
- Power off your computer and unplug it from the power source.
- Open the case and inspect the RAM modules for any visible damage.
- Reseat the RAM modules by removing and reinserting them into their slots.
- If you have multiple RAM sticks, try running your system with one stick at a time to identify a faulty module.
If the issue persists, consider running a memory diagnostic tool, such as Windows Memory Diagnostic, to identify potential hardware problems.
Step 2: Update or Reinstall Drivers
Outdated or incompatible drivers can also trigger memory errors. Drivers act as intermediaries between your hardware and operating system, and any issues with them can lead to system instability.
Steps to update drivers:
- Open Device Manager by pressing Win + X and selecting it from the menu.
- Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark, indicating a driver issue.
- Right-click the device and select Update driver.
- If updating doesn’t resolve the issue, uninstall the driver and restart your system to reinstall it automatically.
For critical drivers, such as those for your graphics card or chipset, visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest versions.
Step 3: Scan for Corrupted System Files
Corrupted system files can cause a wide range of errors, including memory-related issues. Windows 11 includes built-in tools to scan and repair these files.
Steps to scan for corrupted files:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator by searching for cmd in the Start menu, right-clicking, and selecting Run as administrator.
- Run the command sfc /scannow to scan and repair system files.
- If the issue persists, run the command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair the Windows image.
These tools can help restore system stability by fixing corrupted or missing files.
Step 4: Check for Malware
Malware infections can interfere with system processes, leading to memory errors. Ensure your system is free from malicious software by running a thorough scan.
Steps to check for malware:
- Use Windows Security or a trusted third-party antivirus program to perform a full system scan.
- Remove any detected threats and restart your system.
- Regularly update your antivirus software to protect against new threats.
Keeping your system secure is crucial for maintaining stability and preventing errors.
Step 5: Adjust Virtual Memory Settings
Virtual memory, also known as the paging file, plays a critical role in system performance. Incorrect settings can lead to memory-related errors.
Steps to adjust virtual memory:
- Right-click on This PC and select Properties.
- Click on Advanced system settings and go to the Advanced tab.
- Under Performance, click Settings, then go to the Advanced tab.
- Click Change under Virtual Memory and adjust the settings as needed.
Ensure that the paging file size is set to System managed size or manually configure it based on your system’s requirements.
Step 6: Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot can help identify if third-party software is causing the memory error. This process starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs.
Steps to perform a clean boot:
- Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
- Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and click Disable all.
- Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
- Disable all startup items, restart your system, and check if the error persists.
If the error is resolved, re-enable services and startup items one by one to identify the culprit.