-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
- HP Community
- Notebooks
- Notebook Boot and Lockup
- Stop Code: KMode Exception Not Handled

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
02-19-2026 12:05 PM
My HP hangs at bootup with the following notice:
"Stop Code: KMode Exception Not Handled" that follows with "Preparing automatic repair."
STEPS I TRIED:
~ Ran diagnotics (F2). All h'ware passed testing.
~ Disconnected power, pressed power button for 30 seconds then tried to access Start Menu, tapping Esc key during bootup.
~ Forced shutdown twice (also 3 times).
~ Restored BIOS settings to default.
~ Set USB drive first in boot order and booted up with bootable Windows 10 boot tool on a USB flash drive.
~ During bootup, I tapped Esc, F10, F9, F10; but everything I tried leads to the "Preparing automatic repair" that hangs.
Is there anything else I can try?
Solved! Go to Solution.
Accepted Solutions
02-23-2026 04:18 PM
Problem solved. The partition containing Windows for factory reset became corrupted. Since the S/N was inaccessible, I had to buy Windows again. Sigh!
02-21-2026 07:18 AM
Hi @Djard,
Welcome to the HP Support Community!
Thanks for reaching out!
Sorry for the inconvenience caused and don’t worry let me help you.
To better understand the issue, could you please provide a few more details?
- The exact HP model you’re using (for example, HP Pavilion, HP Envy, etc.).
Here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:
- Access Advanced Startup Options
Since the system keeps looping into “Preparing Automatic Repair,” try interrupting the boot process three times in a row (power off when Windows starts loading). This should force the system into the Advanced Startup Menu. From there, you can try:- Startup Repair
- System Restore (if you have restore points available)
- Safe Mode (to see if the system boots with minimal drivers)
- Check RAM and Drivers
The “KMode Exception Not Handled” error often points to driver or memory issues. If you can boot into Safe Mode, try updating or uninstalling recently installed drivers. If you have multiple RAM sticks, testing one at a time can help isolate faulty memory. - Run Command Prompt Tools
From Advanced Startup > Troubleshoot > Command Prompt, you can run:- sfc /scannow (to check system files)
- Reinstall Windows (make sure data is backed up before resetting the PC )
If none of the above works, you may need to perform a clean installation using your bootable USB. Since you mentioned the USB boot tool, we’ll want to confirm whether the system is actually booting from it or still defaulting to the internal drive.
I hope this helps.
I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster!
Take care and have an amazing day ahead!
Best regards,
Deep_World.
I'm an HP Employee.
If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.
And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.
02-21-2026 12:54 PM
Thank you. I will try the steps you kindly offer. I am unable to tell you if the laptop is a "HP Pavilion or HP Envy" as this info does not appear on the exterior of the computer. Are you not able to determine this from the info I already provided--HP Model 15bsO13dx--that I copied from a sticker on the back of the laptop?
02-22-2026 06:15 AM
Hi @Djard,
Thanks for your response.
Thank you for confirming the model number that’s very helpful. Based on the information you provided, your device would be the HP Notebook 15‑bs013dx.
Please go ahead and follow the troubleshooting steps we discussed earlier, and keep us posted on how things go. Your updates will help us guide you further if needed.
We appreciate your patience and the effort you’ve taken so far.
I hope this helps.
I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster!
Take care and have an amazing day ahead!
Best regards,
Deep_World.
I'm an HP Employee.
If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.
And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.
02-22-2026 01:18 PM
Thank you for responding. I tried all the steps, but all lead to the "Preparing automatic repair" and subsequent "Stop Code: KMode Exception Not Handled."
Tapping the "Esc" key let me access the Start Menu, wherein I tried all the options with F1, F2, F9, F10 and F11. I thought HP computers had a partition with recovery options that permit a factory reset. The "Automatic Repair" feature is a real loser. Anything else I can try?
02-25-2026 03:45 AM
Hi @Djard,
Thanks for letting us help you out! If you're all set, please mark this post as 'Accepted Solution' so I can do a virtual happy dance!
If you need anything else, I'm all ears (or rather, all text). Just let me know!
You're awesome, and I'm honored to have been your go-to guide today!
Stay fantastic, and have an amazing day ahead!
Best Regards,
Deep_World
I'm an HP Employee.
If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.
And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.