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Can PC Overheating Cause Data loss: Causes, Warning Signs & Fixes
July 22, 2026| 27 min read
Summary: UNEXPECTED STORE EXCEPTION (0x00000154) is a blue screen error that occurs due to buggy OS updates, outdated drivers, etc. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from the possible causes to various fixes for this error. Finally, to keep a tab on a drive’s health, you will also learn to use an advanced utility to monitor the vitals and health of your disk drive.
Free Download 100% SecureThe UNEXPECTED _STORE_EXCEPTION blue screen is a dreaded error that pops up on the screen while a user is playing a video game or using an application. This BSoD occurs after an unprecedented system crash and generates a bug check value of 0x00000154.
The above-mentioned bug check value is an indicator of the kernel memory store component encountering an unexpected exception.
There are multiple reasons that might be causing the UNEXPECTED _STORE_EXCEPTION BSoD on your Windows computer. From a buggy OS update to driver malfunction, here’s a list of reasons behind this annoying blue screen error –
After analyzing the above information and various user reports, we have collated some methods you can use to fix the UNEXPECTED _STORE_EXCEPTION blue screen error from your computer.
Missing or corrupted system files can cause various issues, such as the UNEXPECTED _STORE_EXCEPTION BSoD error. However, you can fix such errors using the System File Checker via CMD. Using this will help you fix any corrupt, damaged, or missing files quickly. To do this –
Once the scan is complete, exit the CMD and restart the computer.
If the memory modules (RAM) are improperly seated, or are malfunctioning due to damaged pins, it can result in you encountering the UNEXPECTED _STORE_EXCEPTION BSoD error. You can fix this issue by diagnosing memory modules using the Windows memory diagnostic utility. Here are the steps for doing this –
Once the memory diagnostics are complete, close everything and restart your computer to check if the issue is fixed.
Outdated drivers are prone to run into problems, which could lead the machine to generate errors like the UNEXPECTED _STORE_EXCEPTION blue screen of death. You can easily fix this issue by updating the drivers. Simply go to the Device Manager > expand all the devices and look for the devices with a yellow exclamation mark on them > right-click on such entries and click on Update driver.
Many users also reported successfully solving the 0x00000154 BSoD by updating the graphics driver. Whether you use integrated graphics or have a dedicated GPU, downloading and installing the latest drivers will help you resolve this issue in no time.
Incorrect power settings of your GPU can cause problems with the device and related driver. This can lead to you encountering the UNEXPECTED _STORE_EXCEPTION BSoD error. However, you can easily resolve this error by disabling the power management settings via the GPU desktop application.
There are chances that bad sectors or unreadable blocks on your storage drive could be causing the UNEXPECTED _STORE_EXCEPTION BSoD error on your Windows computer. As bad sectors can lead to the eventual failure of the drive and data loss, it is better to check the vitals of the drive timely, recover the data safely and replace the drive with a new one.
For doing these, you can rely on a single tool like the Stellar Data Recovery Professional. This software comes baked in with a Stellar Drive Monitor, an advanced drive monitoring utility, which allows you to monitor health, S.M.A.R.T. status, number of reallocated sectors, and more. The utility is simple to access and use. Here are the steps to use it –
If the software shows that the drive has bad sectors, stop using it right away. Once again, launch Stellar Data Recovery Professional to safely retrieve your files from a problematic drive in a matter of a few clicks.
Once your data is securely transferred to another drive, replace the aging storage drive with a new and healthy one.
The blue screen errors like the UNEXPECTED _STORE_EXCEPTION are critical system failures that point to major underlying issues triggering them unexpectedly. However, with the right methods, like running a system file check or running memory diagnostics at your disposal, you will be able to easily fix the problem discussed above and get your computer rid of it in no time.
The methods discussed above are sufficient to help you eliminate this error. However, if you like deep diving inside the computer, there is an advanced method that you can try. Use the BIOS and registry editor to change the status of your disk drive from AHCI to IDE.