ATTEMPTED_EXECUTE_OF_NOEXECUTE_MEMORY — Causes & Fix
Windows Stop code 0x000000FC (ATTEMPTED_EXECUTE_OF_NOEXECUTE_MEMORY) means code tried to run from a memory region marked non-executable (DEP protection) — typically a faulty driver.
- Applies to
- Any Windows PC
- Time to fix
- 30 minutes – 2 hours
What it means
Causes include a buggy driver, corrupt system files, or (occasionally) malware. This is a Windows Stop error (a "bugcheck" / blue screen) documented by Microsoft. The blue screen shows this code; more detail sits in the crash dump (%SystemRoot%\Minidump), which usually names the specific driver or component at fault — a free tool like BlueScreenView or WinDbg can read it.
Symptoms
- Blue screen citing ATTEMPTED_EXECUTE_OF_NOEXECUTE_MEMORY
- Crashes tied to a driver/device
How to fix it
- 1
Update/roll back the driver
1. Identify the driver in the dump and update or roll it back.
- 2
Repair files and scan for malware
1. Run SFC/DISM and a malware scan.
Frequently asked questions
What triggers 0xFC?
A driver (or malware) trying to execute non-executable memory that DEP blocked. Update the offending driver and scan for malware.
Last updated July 20, 2026
Guidance only — always consult a qualified professional or the official service manual before carrying out repairs.