Drivers · high

How to fixDRIVER-VERIFIER-DMA-VIOLATION

DRIVER_VERIFIER_DMA_VIOLATION (0x000000E6)

What this error means

DRIVER_VERIFIER_DMA_VIOLATION (0x000000E6) is a high-severity system driver issue. Stop code 0xE6 indicates a driver performed an illegal DMA (Direct Memory Access) operation. DMA allows hardware to access system memory directly without CPU involvement for performance. When Driver Verifier is enabled and catches a driver performing DMA to unmapped or invalid memory regions, it immediately crashes the system to prevent silent memory corruption. Follow the steps below to fix it.

Before you begin

Save open work and back up important files. Note any recent driver or hardware changes. If Windows cannot start, use the startup guide first.

Work through these checks

0 of 3 complete
01Identify faulting driver via Driver Verifier log

Identify faulting driver via Driver Verifier log.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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02Update the hardware driver to latest version

Update the hardware driver to latest version.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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03Contact hardware manufacturer if driver bug confirmed

Contact hardware manufacturer if driver bug confirmed.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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Possible causes

  • Buggy driver performing DMA to invalid address
  • Driver not properly mapping DMA buffers
  • Hardware with incorrect DMA capabilities