How to fix a 'KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR' in Windows 11?

Run CHKDSK and check S.M.A.R.T. status to diagnose drive health; 2. Use Windows Memory Diagnostic to test RAM; 3. Update or roll back disk and storage drivers in Device Manager; 4. Run sfc /scannow and DISM to repair system files; 5. Install pending Windows and BIOS updates; 6. Disable Fast Startup via Power Options; 7. Perform a clean boot through msconfig to rule out software conflicts; 8. Replace faulty hardware if issues persist, especially failing drives or RAM, and perform a clean Windows 11 installation for optimal stability — addressing storage and memory issues resolves most cases of KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR, and early data backup is strongly advised.

The KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR is a blue screen error in Windows 11 that typically means the system couldn't read critical kernel data from the page file (virtual memory) on your hard drive. This often points to storage or memory issues. Here’s how to diagnose and fix it step by step.

1. Check Your Storage Drive Health

Since this error involves reading data from disk, the first thing to investigate is your hard drive or SSD.

• Run CHKDSK (Check Disk)
  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Type:

    chkdsk C: /f /r

    (Replace C: if your OS is on a different drive.)

    
  • Press Y to schedule the scan on the next restart.
  • Reboot your PC — the scan may take a while.

This checks for file system errors and bad sectors. If CHKDSK finds and fixes issues, the problem may be resolved.

• Check S.M.A.R.T. status
  • Use tools like CrystalDiskInfo (free) to check your drive’s health.
  • Look for warnings like “Caution” or “Bad” status — this could mean your drive is failing.

2. Run Memory Diagnostics

Faulty RAM can also cause this error because Windows can't properly load kernel data into memory.

• Press Windows R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
• Choose "Restart now and check for problems".
• After reboot, Windows Memory Diagnostic will run and report any RAM issues.

If errors are found, try removing and reseating your RAM sticks. Test them one at a time if possible. Consider replacing faulty modules.

3. Update or Roll Back Storage Drivers

Outdated or corrupt disk drivers can cause data read failures.

• Press Windows X → Device Manager.
• Expand "Disk drives" and "Storage controllers".
• Right-click each device → "Update driver" → Search automatically.
• Also check under IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers — update or reinstall if needed.

If the issue started after a recent update, try rolling back the driver in Device Manager.

4. Scan for System File Corruption

Corrupted system files can trigger kernel errors.

• Open Command Prompt as Admin.
• Run:

  sfc /scannow

• After it finishes, run:

  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

• Reboot and check if the issue persists.

5. Check for Windows and BIOS Updates

• Go to Settings → Windows Update and install any pending updates.
• Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website to update your BIOS/UEFI — sometimes storage-related bugs are fixed in firmware.

6. Temporarily Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup can sometimes interfere with disk operations during boot.

• Go to Control Panel → Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do.
• Click "Change settings that are currently unavailable".
• Uncheck "Turn on fast startup".
• Save changes and reboot.

7. Test with a Clean Boot (Rule Out Software Conflicts)

Third-party drivers or antivirus software might interfere.

• Press Windows R, type msconfig, hit Enter.
• Under Services, check "Hide all Microsoft services", then click "Disable all".
• Go to Startup tab → Open Task Manager → disable all startup items.
• Restart and see if the error reoccurs.

If the system is stable, re-enable services gradually to find the culprit.

8. Consider Hardware Replacement

If you’ve tried all the above and the error keeps happening — especially if disk tools report bad sectors or memory tests fail — it’s likely a hardware issue.

• Failing drive? Back up your data immediately and replace the drive.
• Faulty RAM? Replace the memory module(s).

After replacement, do a clean Windows 11 install for best stability.

Fixing KERNEL_DATA_INPAGE_ERROR usually comes down to storage or RAM. Start with software checks (CHKDSK, SFC), then move to hardware diagnostics. Most cases are resolved by replacing a failing drive or updating drivers. Don’t ignore early warning signs — backup your data early.

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