Why Does The “Attempted Execute of Noexecute Memory” Error Occur

Usually, this BSOD is caused by a few well known causes. Corrupted or out-of-date device drivers sometimes cause system crashes caused by conflicts.

Another primary cause of problems with RAM or memory is when the system attempts to reach damaged blocks. Following recent hardware modifications, memory disputes can also arise; malware trying to run limited memory areas could also cause the mistake.

In certain instances, faulty Windows updates or corrupted system files can be the blame. Finally, this BSOD can result from overclocking or unreliable BIOS settings that push the system beyond safe limits.

Methods To Fix The “Attempted Execute of Noexecute Memory” Error

Now let’s fix it step-by-step.

Method 1: First, Do Windows Memory Diagnostic.

Verify that the memory card is not defective. For this, Microsoft offers a default tool.

Hit Win + R, then type:

mdsched.exe

Now click Restart to see if there are any issues.

Allow Windows to scan the memory; this could take several minutes.

If errors are discovered, a RAM stick issue is probably the cause.

Method 2: Update Your Drivers

Check to make sure that the drivers for the device are not old or broken. We can either automatically or manually update the drivers if they are the problem.

How Drivers Can Be Updated:

Drivers can be updated directly through Device Manager. Press Win + X and choose Device Manager from the menu. Once it opens, find the category you need — for example, Display Adapters if you're updating your graphics driver. Right-click the driver you want to update and select Update Driver. When prompted, choose Search automatically for drivers so Windows can look for and install the latest version available.

Method 3. Check for Corrupted System Files

Sometimes, corrupted system files can trigger this error, and running the System File Checker (SFC) tool can help repair those issues.

To do this, open Command Prompt as Administrator by pressing Win + R, typing cmd in the Run box, and then pressing Ctrl + Shift + Enter. Once the window opens, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter. The scan will take a few minutes, and if any damaged files are found, Windows will guide you through the steps to repair them.

Method 4. Enable/Disable DEP (Data Execution Prevention)

To adjust DEP settings, press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type sysdm.cpl, and hit Enter. In the System Properties window, open the Advanced tab and click Settings under the Performance section. When the Performance Options window appears, switch to the Data Execution Prevention tab. Here, you can choose Turn on DEP for essential Windows programs and services only to keep DEP enabled, or select Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select if you want to disable it for specific applications. If you choose the second option, simply add the executable that’s causing the issue to the exceptions list.

Method 5. Reinstall the Program

Sometimes the issue comes from a bug or compatibility problem within the program itself.

Start by updating the software to its latest version. If that doesn’t help, reinstalling the application is the next best step.

To do this, press Win + I to open Settings, then select Apps on the left and Installed Apps on the right. Locate the app that’s causing trouble, click the three dots next to it, and choose Uninstall. Follow the on-screen prompts to remove it completely. Once it’s uninstalled, download the latest version from the official website or the Microsoft Store and install it again.

Other Fixes

You should also make sure your Windows installation is fully up to date. Open Settings, go to Windows Update, and check for any available updates.

Another important step is running a malware scan — open Windows Security and run a full system scan to rule out anything harmful. If the issue started after installing new software, consider removing it.

Recently added virtualization tools, antivirus programs, or drivers can sometimes create conflicts, so uninstalling them may help resolve the problem.