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FIX · CRASHES AND BLUE SCREENS

UNEXPECTED_STORE_EXCEPTION: what it means and what to try

Despite the name, this has nothing to do with the Microsoft Store. The store here is the kernel memory store, a part of Windows memory management, and the error means that component caught an exception it did not expect. Microsoft's own tips cover the event log, memory, drivers and system files.

Updated .

TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Stop code0x00000154
MeaningThe kernel memory store component caught an unexpected exception
Related to the Microsoft Store?No: it is a kernel memory component
First checksSystem log, memory test, Device Manager, System File Checker
PC Tweaker planNo control fixes it; Tweaky Driver lists your drivers

What the error means

Microsoft describes it in one line: the kernel memory store component caught an unexpected exception. The finding of the actual cause needs a debugger and dump files, so if you are not debugging, the useful route is to test the parts that can be tested from Windows.

What to check

These are Microsoft's troubleshooting tips for this code, for people who cannot work on the underlying code.

  • Look in the System log for critical errors in the same time frame as the blue screen
  • Run Windows Memory Diagnostic, using the extended test if the standard one passes
  • In Device Manager, look for a device marked with an exclamation point
  • Read the events in that device's driver properties, and try updating the driver
  • Run System File Checker to repair missing or corrupted system files

Running the extended memory test

Windows Memory Diagnostic runs a standard test after the restart. To run the extended one, press F1, use the Up and Down arrow keys to set the Test Mix to Extended, then press F10.

Do it by hand

  1. Check the System log (read-only)

    Critical and error entries from the last 24 hours. Move StartTime back if the crash was earlier, and look for a device or driver named close to the time of the blue screen.

    Get-WinEvent -FilterHashtable @{LogName='System'; Level=1,2; StartTime=(Get-Date).AddDays(-1)} -MaxEvents 30 | Format-Table TimeCreated, ProviderName, Id -AutoSize
    PowerShell

  2. Test the memory

    It restarts the PC to run. Save your work first.

    mdsched.exe
    cmd

  3. Open Device Manager

    Look for a device with an exclamation point, then open its properties and read the Events tab.

    devmgmt.msc
    cmd

  4. Repair Windows files (as administrator)

    sfc /scannow
    cmd

With PC Tweaker

PC Tweaker does not read crash dumps, and none of its controls fixes this error. If the logs point to a driver, Tweaky Driver, our free driver update checker, shows that device's driver version, the updates available and where the package comes from before you install anything.

Rather not edit the registry by hand?

PC Tweaker shows the exact change before it runs, records the value it replaces and puts it back with Restore. The Free plan needs no account. If a payment fails or a plan ends, Pro tools lock; changes already applied stay as they are and Restore still undoes them.

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Common questions

Is UNEXPECTED_STORE_EXCEPTION related to the Microsoft Store?

No. Microsoft describes it as the kernel memory store component catching an unexpected exception. It is about memory management in the Windows kernel.

How do I fix UNEXPECTED_STORE_EXCEPTION?

Microsoft's tips are to check the System log, run Windows Memory Diagnostic, look for flagged devices in Device Manager and update their drivers, and run sfc /scannow.

How do I run the extended memory test?

Start Windows Memory Diagnostic. After the restart press F1, set the Test Mix to Extended with the Up and Down arrow keys, then press F10.

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