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The 0x00000020 Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error, also known as KERNEL_APC_PENDING_DURING_EXIT, can be a frustrating issue that prevents your Windows system from functioning properly. This error occurs when an asynchronous procedure call (APC) is still pending at the time when a thread is attempting to exit, causing the system to crash. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down what this error is, its causes, and how to fix it effectively. We'll also provide tips to help prevent it from occurring again.
The 0x00000020 error, also known as KERNEL_APC_PENDING_DURING_EXIT, is a type of Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) that usually occurs in Windows systems when an APC request has not been completed before a thread exits.
Asynchronous Procedure Call (APC): An APC is a mechanism in Windows that allows code to be executed asynchronously (outside the normal execution flow) in a thread. It's typically used for tasks like handling input/output operations or other background processes.
Thread Exit: A thread in a program is supposed to exit when it has completed its task. However, when an APC is still pending (i.e., hasn't been processed or executed) at the time of the thread’s exit, Windows may fail to handle it correctly, leading to the 0x00000020 BSOD error.
This error can appear in a number of ways, including the following message:
"KERNEL_APC_PENDING_DURING_EXIT"
0x00000020
While this is a relatively rare BSOD error, it can severely impact the performance of your system by causing system crashes and interruptions in your workflow.
Understanding the causes of the 0x00000020 BSOD is key to effectively resolving it. There are several common factors that could trigger this error:
1. Driver Conflicts: Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible drivers can cause Windows to mishandle APCs, leading to the 0x00000020 error. This is particularly common with graphics, storage, or peripheral device drivers.
2. Corrupted System Files: Corrupt or missing system files, especially those associated with Windows kernel operations, can interfere with thread management and cause this error.
3. Faulty RAM: If your computer's RAM is malfunctioning, it can cause improper handling of threads and asynchronous procedure calls. Faulty RAM may cause Windows to struggle when exiting threads, which results in the KERNEL_APC_PENDING_DURING_EXIT error.
4. Third-Party Software: Sometimes, third-party software like security tools, virtual machines, or system utilities can interfere with thread handling. If such software improperly interacts with the Windows kernel, it may trigger a BSOD.
5. Malware Infection: Some malware can corrupt system processes or interfere with the Windows kernel, leading to the 0x00000020 BSOD.
6. Windows Updates: Occasionally, incomplete or faulty Windows updates can introduce errors in the system, especially if there are compatibility issues or corrupted files in the update process.
Fixing the 0x00000020 BSOD involves identifying the underlying cause and taking the appropriate action. Here are several solutions you can try:
Outdated or corrupt drivers are one of the most common causes of BSOD errors. Here's how to ensure your drivers are up to date:
Open Device Manager (press Windows + X and select Device Manager).
Right-click on each device and select Update Driver.
If you suspect a driver is causing the issue, you can also try uninstalling and reinstalling the driver.
For critical drivers, such as graphics and network adapters, you can visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest versions.
If corrupted system files are to blame, you can use built-in tools like SFC and DISM to repair them.
Run SFC:
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type `sfc /scannow` and press Enter.
3. Let the scan complete and follow any on-screen instructions.
Run DISM:
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type the following command: `DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth`
3. Press Enter and let the process complete.
Both tools can help repair corrupt system files that might be causing the BSOD.
Faulty RAM can trigger the 0x00000020 BSOD. You can use Windows Memory Diagnostic or a third-party tool to test your RAM:
Use Windows Memory Diagnostic:
1. Press Windows + R, type `mdsched.exe`, and press Enter.
2. Choose Restart now and check for problems.
3. Let the tool scan your RAM for any issues.
If errors are found, you may need to replace the faulty RAM.
Certain third-party applications, especially system utilities, virtual machines, or security software, can interfere with Windows processes. Try uninstalling any recently installed or suspicious software:
Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
Locate and uninstall any software you suspect may be causing the error.
After uninstalling, restart your computer to check if the BSOD persists.
If the 0x00000020 BSOD started occurring after a recent change, such as a Windows update or driver installation, you can try performing a System Restore to revert your system to a previous state:
1. Type System Restore in the Start menu search bar and select Create a restore point.
2. In the System Properties window, click System Restore.
3. Choose a restore point from before the error began and follow the on-screen instructions.
Malware can cause significant issues with Windows processes. To scan for malware:
1. Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or another trusted antivirus tool.
2. If malware is detected, follow the instructions to remove it and restart your computer.
To rule out any software conflicts, you can perform a clean boot, which starts Windows with only essential services running:
1. Press Windows + R, type `msconfig`, and press Enter.
2. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services.
3. Click Disable all, then go to the Startup tab and open Task Manager.
4. Disable all startup items and restart your computer.
If the BSOD stops, you can enable the services and startup items one by one to identify the culprit.
To prevent this error from occurring in the future, follow these tips:
The 0x00000020 BSOD error, or KERNEL_APC_PENDING_DURING_EXIT, can be caused by a variety of issues, including outdated drivers, corrupt system files, faulty RAM, third-party software conflicts, and malware. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue. Regular maintenance, such as updating drivers, scanning for malware, and performing system checks, will also help prevent future occurrences of this BSOD error.
If you’re still having trouble, consider reaching out to Support.Com for a personalized solution to all technical support issues.
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