[SOLVED] – EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION Error on Windows 11

While launching a video game or an application, some users encountered the EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION error message. It is a strange runtime application error message that generates a bug check value of 0xc000001d. Usually, this error message comes after an application crashes. In worst cases, it might also produce a BSoD error due to compatibility issues or other reasons.

If you encounter this error message, don’t panic and read further to learn methods to fix the EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION error message on your Windows 11 PC.

What is EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION Error?

The EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION error message on a Windows PC is a runtime error that indicates that the processor is trying to carry out instructions, which it is unable to process due to bugs or incompatibility.

The EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION error message is also a result of corrupt or missing Microsoft Visual C++ redistributable, outdated graphics drivers, or visual studio installation. This error message is also found to be occurring due to extensive processing load on hardware, mainly CPU and GPU.

Methods to Fix the EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION Error Message

Regular occurrence of the EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION error message on your Windows 11 computer with specific applications not only hinders our work with application crashes but can also lead to a system crash. In order to resolve this issue and eliminate unwanted application crashes, use the methods explained below.

Pre-activity

Before moving on to the elaborate methods to address the error message, check all the hardware components like RAM, HDD/SSD, PSU, GPU, and more. Also, check for damaged cables and loose connections.

Simply power off your computer and check the RAM sticks for damaged pins or whether they are correctly seated. Do the same for the GPU, CPU cooler, and other components.

Once you are done with the above activity, move on to methods to fix the EXCEPTION ILLEGAL INSTRUCTION error message on your Windows 11 PC.

Method 1: Run Memtest86

The EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION error could be generated due to a faulty or non-working RAM module. To check if the error at hand is really memory-driven, you can test the RAM modules using MemTest86 – a freeware to check & test the RAM modules for any errors. To use this tool –

• Download MemTest86 from its official website.
• Follow the instructions to create a media creation tool for launching MemTest86.
• Launch Memtest86 by following the instructions given here.

Memtest86 will scan the RAM modules for any malfunctions or errors and display them on the screen. Take appropriate steps to fix the indicated errors.

Method 2: Boot Your Computer in Safe Mode

Booting Windows 11 into safe mode can help you circle out the underlying issue causing the EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION error on your computer. When you boot your computer in safe mode, the computer runs only a minimal and required set of processes. No third-party applications are initiated.

By doing this, you can test if a system file or process is going haywire, causing the EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION error message to pop up on your screen. To restart the computer into safe mode –

• Press WINDOWS + R, type msconfig and hit Enter.
• Click on the Boot tab in the System Configuration window.
• Under the Boot options section, select Safe Boot and ensure that the marking under it is at Minimal.
• Click on Apply and then OK to boot Windows 11 in safe mode.

Once inside, check, if you are getting the EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION error message.

While in Safe mode, you can also run the System File Checker to resolve any system files-related issues that might be causing the EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION error on your computer. Launch the Command Prompt as administrator, type SFC/scannow and press Enter. Wait for it to end.

Once the process is finished and you are not getting the error message, restart the computer into normal mode.

Note – By default, the system boots in normal mode after you restart your computer from safe mode.

Method 3: Rerun the Application with Lowered Settings or in Compatibility Mode

If you are trying to launch a legacy or outdated application, try using compatibility mode. This will ensure that it is compatible with the latest hardware and software. Here’s what to do –

• Right-click on the application and click on Properties.

• Click on the Compatibility tab.
• Navigate to the Compatibility mode section.
• Check the Run this program in compatibility mode for: option.
• Select the OS from the pull-down menu.

• Click on Apply and OK.
• Relaunch the application to see if it works without generating any errors.

If this doesn’t solve the issue, you can try lowering the in-game graphics settings from Max to Medium or Low.

Method 4: Verify the Game Files

In some scenarios, your PC displaying the EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION error message could be due to incomplete installation or damaged/missing application files. Simply verify the game files by going to the Steam, Epic Store Library, or any other game launcher that you use.

Method 5: Clean Install GPU Driver

Broken, missing, or damaged graphics drivers can result in broccoli errors or error messages like EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION on your Windows PC. You can fix such irksome issues by doing a clean install of the GPU drivers.

For doing a clean install of GPU drivers, you will need to use a freeware known as Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU). It is a tool preferred over the native Windows uninstaller as the latter tends to leave traces of the old drivers. As these traces can lead to conflicts and errors, it becomes imperative to completely wipe them using DDU. Here are the steps to use it –

• Open the web browser and download DDU from here.

• Once downloaded, install it on your PC.
• Now, boot your PC into safe mode.
• Once your PC boots into Safe Mode, launch DDU.
• On the first screen, select the type of device and the brand of your GPU.
• Click on the Clean and restart option in the top-left corner.

This will start uninstalling GPU drivers. Once the process is complete, your PC will restart. Now, it is time for you to install fresh GPU drivers. You can visit your GPU manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers. You can also visit your laptop’s manufacturer’s website to download the latest compatible GPU drivers.

For downloading NVIDIA GPU Drivers, go to their official website.

For downloading AMD GPU Drivers, go to their official website.

For downloading INTEL GPU Drivers, go to their official website.

Method 6: Clean Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package

Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package is an important component of Windows, which allows applications and games based upon Microsoft Visual C++ to function properly. If this component is either corrupted or missing from the system, it can cause you to encounter the EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION error.

To fix this error, you will need to reinstall the latest Visual C++ package. To do this –

• First, uninstall all the installed Visual packages from the computer. Learn more about it here.
• Next, head to the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable download page and download the latest version compatible with your system. Once installed, restart your computer.

Method 7: Install OS Updates

Outdated Windows OS lacks necessary and important security certificates and bug fixes. This can cause errors and issues like EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION on your computer. You can resolve errors by installing the latest available updates. To do this, Press WIN + I to open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

Method 8: Perform a System Restore

Performing system restore allows you to return your computer to a previous error-free state using saved restore points or system images. If none of the above mentioned methods help you fix the EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION error message, you can restore your computer to a previous state.

Notes –

• System restore removes all the applications installed after a restore point is created. It doesn’t affect any data or files.
• System restore needs to be set up in advance. Otherwise, it will not work.

If you are skeptical that performing a system restore will make you lose your data and files, you can take a backup of it and proceed further.

If instead of application crashes, your computer frequently displays EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION BSoDs, making your computer unbootable and the data inaccessible. You can use a professional data recovery software like Stellar Data Recovery Professional to recover data from an unbootable computer.

Once you have recovered your data, perform a clean installation of Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Play On Without Worrying

Errors hinder our work or a gaming session. They don’t let us enjoy our computers to the fullest. The EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION error message is one such pesky issue that results in crashing applications and a stalled workflow. In severe cases, the underlying issues behind this error message crash the whole computer, leading to BSoDs.

However, one should not worry as using the methods explained above, you can easily resolve this issue and get back to your work in a matter of a few clicks.

You can also try uninstalling third-party tools like BitDefender, NZXT CAM, removing overclocked settings, or running a hardware monitor to fix the EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION error on Windows 11 PCs.

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About The Author

Keshav Katyal

A passionate writer driven by his interest in everything tech, Keshav Katyal has always been captivated by the latest gadgets since childhood. His interest in technology grew when he got his first gaming console, the Nintendo Game Boy Advanced. Hours and days of tinkering with old & new gadgets made his inner geek passionate about technology.