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Today, we’ll show you how to fix “BAD_POOL_HEADER” errors on Windows 11/10. When there is a problem with the computer’s physical memory, Windows can show the BAD POOL HEADER error. This error can be caused by problems with the hard drive or RAM, like not being able to do tasks that use the hard drive or RAM.
The BAD POOL HEADER error has to do with how Windows allocates memory. But the error can also be caused by other things. Most of the time, this error is caused by problems with the RAM, but it can also be caused by problems with device drivers, bad disk sectors, and other disk write problems.
To fix the BAD POOL HEADER error, you may need to run the memory diagnostics tool, turn off Fast Startup, update your drivers, temporarily turn off any third-party antivirus software you have installed, and do other things. You can also go to the official Microsoft support site for more information about this error. We mentioned below are the ways to fix “BAD_POOL_HEADER” errors.
ways to Fix “BAD_POOL_HEADER” errors on Windows 11/10
Apply the latest Windows updates
Updates for Windows should always be installed as soon as they come out because they fix security flaws and other problems with the system’s stability and functionality. So, make sure you have the latest version of your operating system:
- Right-click on Start and select Settings
- Pick Update & Security
- Click Check for updates
- Wait till Windows downloads and installs relevant data
- Reboot your machine and check it it help you remove Bad Pool Header error
Run Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool
- In Windows search, type in Windows Memory Diagnostics and hit Enter
- Pick Restart now and check for problems (recommended)
- Wait till Windows restarts and performs a full check
Perform System Restore
If nothing else worked, use System restore to fix Bad Pool Header. You will lose any programs you installed during that time, but your personal files like pictures and documents will not be affected.
- Press Win + R simultaneously
- Type in rstrui.exe, press Enter and select Next
- Select a restore point with a known good system configuration
- Pick Next and press Finish
Update relevant drivers
- Right-click on Start button and select Device Manager
- In the Device Manager window, check if any drivers are marked with a yellow exclamation mark
- Right-click on such a driver and select Update Drivers
- Now pick Search automatically for updated driver software
Boot into Safe Mode
- Restart your computer
- As soon as Windows logo is shown, press the Power button to interrupt the boot sequence
- Repeat the above step two more times – this should automatically boot you into Advanced Startup mode
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings and pick Restart
- After another restart, pick F4/4 to access Safe Mode or F5/5 to access Safe Mode with Networking
Disable Fast startup
- In Windows search, type Control Panel and press Enter
- Select Small icons view
- Click Power Options
- On the left side of the window, select Choose what the power buttons do
- Pick the Change settings that are currently unavailable option at the top
- Remove the tick from the Turn on fast startup (recommended) option and select Save changes
Run SFC and DISM
- Type in cmd into Windows search
- Right-click Command Prompt search result and pick Run as administrator
- Next, type in the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
- Wait for the scan to finish – Windows will report what it found and fixed
- Reboot and check if Bad Pool Header persists
- If it does, open Command Prompt as administrator again and type in the following command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Wait till the scan is finished and reboot
What is the Bad Pool Header Error
Memory management problems are often caused by a bad pool header. Let’s make the bad pool header error message a little more understandable. “Pool” is the tool that your operating system uses to assign memory. The “Header” tool makes sure that the Windows API (application programming interface) is addressed correctly.
The BAD POOL HEADER error message means that your PC is having trouble keeping track of its memory. Problems with memory can be caused by either software or hardware. Because of this error, your computer restarts or shuts down so that it doesn’t do any damage. When this error happens, you’ll see a message that says “Windows has been shut down to keep your computer from getting hurt.”