Microsoft Windows Error Code 0x000000C4: How to Fix It

Medium 1-3 hours High Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
0x000000C4
Brand
Microsoft Windows
Product Type
operating_system
Severity
High
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
1-3 hours
Windows Error Code 0x000000C4 (DRIVER_VERIFIER_DETECTED_VIOLATION) occurs when Driver Verifier catches a driver performing an illegal operation, typically indicating corrupted, incompatible, or faulty device drivers. This blue screen error can prevent your computer from starting properly and requires immediate attention to restore system stability.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 0x000000C4

  1. Boot into Safe Mode

    Save any important work before restarting as you may lose unsaved data

  2. Disable Driver Verifier

  3. Check Windows Update

  4. Update Device Drivers

  5. Uninstall Recently Installed Drivers

    Only uninstall drivers for non-essential devices initially to avoid losing critical system functionality

  6. Run System File Checker

  7. Check for Hardware Issues

    Back up important data before running disk checks as there is a small risk of data loss

  8. Perform System Restore

    System Restore will uninstall recently installed programs and drivers

Parts You May Need

External hard drive or USB drive
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External hard drive or USB drive
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External hard drive or USB drive
Check Price on Amazon
External hard drive or USB drive
Check Price on Amazon
External hard drive or USB drive
Check Price on Amazon
External hard drive or USB drive
Check Price on Amazon
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When to Call a Professional

Contact a computer technician if the error persists after trying all steps, if you're uncomfortable working with system settings, or if the computer won't boot into Safe Mode. Professional diagnosis may be needed for hardware-related driver conflicts or if the system requires specialized driver troubleshooting tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Windows error code 0x000000C4?
Error 0x000000C4 is caused by faulty, corrupted, or incompatible device drivers that perform illegal operations detected by Driver Verifier. Common triggers include outdated graphics drivers, network adapters, or USB device drivers.
Can I fix error 0x000000C4 without reinstalling Windows?
Yes, most cases can be fixed by updating or uninstalling problematic drivers, disabling Driver Verifier, running system file repairs, or using System Restore. Complete Windows reinstallation is rarely necessary.
How do I prevent error 0x000000C4 from happening again?
Keep drivers updated through Windows Update and manufacturer websites, avoid installing unsigned or beta drivers, and be cautious when installing new hardware. Regular system maintenance and avoiding driver conflicts help prevent recurrence.
Is error 0x000000C4 dangerous for my computer?
While the error itself won't damage hardware, continued blue screens can lead to data loss and system instability. The underlying driver issues should be resolved promptly to prevent potential data corruption.
What is Driver Verifier and should I disable it?
Driver Verifier is a Windows tool that stress-tests drivers to find issues. If you didn't intentionally enable it and are getting this error, disabling it with 'verifier /reset' is safe and often resolves the immediate problem.

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