Experiencing the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) can be unsettling for any Windows 10 user. One particularly troublesome error that has been reported is the 0x00000135 stop code. This error can appear out of nowhere, causing your system to crash and leaving you with little information other than a cryptic code. Understanding the root cause and methodically troubleshooting the issue is crucial to restoring your system’s stability and ensuring your data remains safe.
What is BSOD Error Code 0x135?
The 0x135 stop code corresponds to UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP, which usually points to a serious issue within the Windows kernel. This error could stem from hardware problems, problematic drivers, system file corruption, or even malware infections.
While rare, this stop code demands attention, especially if it happens repeatedly or during specific applications. Fortunately, by following a structured troubleshooting approach, you can pinpoint the issue and often resolve it without requiring a full system reinstall.
Common Causes of Error Code 0x135
- Faulty or outdated device drivers
- Corrupted system files or registry errors
- Incompatible software installations
- Bad memory (RAM) modules
- Hard drive problems or data corruption
- Recent Windows updates introducing instability
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
1. Boot into Safe Mode
If you’re unable to access your desktop due to the BSOD, attempt to boot into Safe Mode. This minimal environment loads only essential drivers and can bypass issues caused by non-critical software.
- Restart your PC and press F8 before the Windows logo appears.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the Advanced Boot Options menu.
2. Update Drivers
Outdated or incompatible drivers are often responsible for BSODs. Use Device Manager to verify all your system drivers are current:
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Look for any yellow warning icons indicating problematic drivers.
- Right-click on the device and choose Update driver.
For more reliable updates, visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest versions manually.
3. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tool
Corrupted system files can cause serious kernel-level errors.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
- Wait for the scan to complete and follow the prompts.
- Then, to run the DISM tool, enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This process may take time, but it can fix deeply rooted corruption issues within Windows 10.
4. Check RAM and Storage Devices
Hardware memory defects or drive issues can also trigger the 0x135 error.
To diagnose your RAM:
- Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and hit Enter.
- Choose Restart now and check for problems.
For disk checks:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run the command: chkdsk /f /r C: and schedule it for the next reboot.
5. Uninstall Recently Installed Software or Updates
If you began experiencing issues after installing new software or a Windows update, consider rolling them back temporarily.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click View update history → Uninstall updates.
- Select the most recent update and remove it.
6. Perform a System Restore
If the problem persists and you’ve created restore points in the past, this is a good time to revert your system back to a known good configuration.
- Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
- Follow the wizard and choose a restore point dated before the occurrence of the BSOD.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a BSOD error 0x135 on Windows 10 can be both frustrating and confusing. However, with a methodical approach that combines driver checks, system file repairs, hardware diagnostics, and software rollbacks, you can identify and resolve the underlying issue in most cases.
If the error still persists after going through these steps, it might be wise to consult a certified technician or contact Microsoft Support for deeper analysis. Ignoring repeated BSODs could lead to more severe system instability or data loss.
Being proactive and maintaining good PC hygiene—such as regular updates, backups, and malware scans—can significantly reduce the chances of encountering critical stop codes like 0x135 in the future.