INVALID DATA ACCESS TRAP is a fatal error, which is displayed when the Windows is forced to shut down because of a kernel issue to avoid further system damage. Recently, users on multiple Windows forums are complaining about experiencing this error when installing Windows 11 from a bootable USB or while updating their Windows OS through the Settings app.
In this post, we will try to understand why this problem exists and provide some practical solutions on how to resolve this issue on your Windows computer.
What is Causing the Invalid Data Access Trap Error on My Windows PC?
Wondering what can be the possible reason for this error. In this article, we will describe some of the likely reasons:
- Your computer does not meet the minimum hardware requirements to support Windows 11.
- You are using antivirus software, such as Avast or AVG for which Microsoft has blocked updates to Windows 11.
- Some device drivers, including printers, monitors, and network adapters, are outdated and need an update.
- This error can also occur if your critical system files are corrupted, or have been deleted.
- The presence of a malware on your system
Solutions to Fix ‘Invalid Data Access Trap Error’ on Windows
Before moving on to the troubleshooting, try removing any unwanted peripheral device like a printer or a USB drive that may be causing the Invalid Data Access Trap issue on your computer. It’s also recommended to enter your system through Safe Mode for any troubleshooting. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Power on your PC as usual.
Step 2: At the Windows sign-in screen, press and hold the Shift key and select Restart from the Power menu.
Step 3: Once your PC restarts, a screen titled Choose an option will appear. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

Step 4: Following the next reboot, a menu featuring several options appears. To start your PC in Safe Mode with Networking, press F5.
Solution 1: Run CHKDSK
CHKDSK scan actively checks for and reveals broken areas on the hard disk, which mostly consist of the corrupted file system and physical hard disk damage—both common causes behind the Invalid Data Access Trap BSoD error. These are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Look for Command Prompt in the Taskbar and click Run as Administrator.
Step 2: Within the Command Prompt, type chkdsk, and press Enter.

Step 3: If the scan finds drive errors, type chkdsk /r in the Command Prompt, and press Enter to initiate a thorough diagnostic scan, it will fix and recover corrupted hard drive sectors.
Solution 2: Scan Your PC for Malicious Software
The Invalid Data Access Trap blue screen error might also be a result of your computer having a virus or malware in it, which could have caused corruption of your files or has altered your system settings. Remove these from your computer through a scan, and the error is resolved. To do that:
Step 1: Press the keys Win + S and open for Windows Security.
Step 2: Click on Virus & threat protection > Scan options.

Step 3: Click on Windows Defender Offline Scan > Scan Now.

Let the process complete. The Windows Defender will scan your computer for any threats that may be present.
Solution 3: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
If the INVALID DATA ACCESS TRAP error persists while attempting a Windows update, you can try using the Windows Update Troubleshooter to successfully resolve it. Here are the steps you can follow to troubleshoot on your PC:
Step 1: Press the Win + S keys to open search.
Step 2: Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
Step 3: Navigate to Additional Troubleshooters and select Windows Update.
Step 4: Select Run the troubleshooter.

Let the process finish and check whether the problem is resolved.
Solution 4: Try a Different Windows Installation File
If you’re facing the Invalid Data Access Trap error while installing the windows operating system on your PC, it’s likely that there is something wrong with your installation media, the files maybe missing or corrupted. To fix this, try to download Windows ISO manually and recreate the installation media. Follow this post to get detailed instructions – How to Create Windows Bootable USB?
Solution 5: Update Device Drivers
As mentioned above, employing an old or corrupted driver can be the cause of why you’re experiencing the Invalid Data Access Trap blue screen error on your system. To resolve this, you must check your drivers and update them to the latest. Here’s the breakdown:
Step 1: Press Win + X and launch Device Manager.
Step 2: Go to Network adapters and expand it to see the list.
Step 3: Review the list of network adapters and find those with a yellow warning sign.
Step 3: Right-click on the network driver with the yellow warning sign and choose Update driver.
Step 4: Click Search automatically for updated driver software and install the updates, if available.

Summing Up
If you are experiencing the Invalid Data Access Trap error on your Windows PC, follow the five solutions in this blog post to successfully troubleshoot the error. Before attempting to install Windows 11, backup all your valuable data to avoid any accidental data loss. If data loss occurs, use a professional data recovery software to reclaim your lost files.