How to Fix the Instruction at Referenced Memory Error Windows 10 - MiniTool Partition Wizard (2025)

When shutting down or restarting Windows 10 PC, an error message pops up “the instruction at referenced memory 0x0000”. What causes the instruction at 0x0000 error? How to fix it? This post of MiniTool will explore these questions together with you.

The instruction at referenced memory is a RAM-related error that often occurs when running Windows 10 PC. This error often indicates that an application couldn’t be read by the assigned physical memory. According to an investigation, it’s concluded that the corrupted system files, malware, and conflicting third-party software can trigger the instruction at 0x0000 error.

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Solution 1. Optimize the Virtual Memory on Windows 10

The most common way to fix the memory could not be read error is to optimize the virtual memory. Virtual memory is also known as thepagefile.sys file where Windows keeps track of how your computer juggles a lot of demands for memory. By allocating virtual memory, it can help fix the error.

Here’s how to do that:

Step 1.PressWin + Ekeys to open theFile Explorer, and then right-clickThis PCentry and selectProperties.

Step 2.Click on theAdvanced system settingson the left side of the window.

Step 3.Go to theAdvancedtab and click on theSettingsbutton under thePerformancesection.

Step 4.Go to theAdvancedtab and click on theChangebutton in theVirtual memorybox.

Step 5.Now,select the target drive and click on theCustom size. Then enter your current available physical RAM in MB values.

Step 6. Click OK to save the changes.

Now, you can reboot your computer and see if the instruction at referenced memory error still persists.

Solution 2. Repair Corrupted System Files

As pointed out in the above, the corrupted system files in the C drive are responsible for the instruction at 0x0000 Windows 10. At this time, an SFC and DISM scan are often used to repair the corrupted system files.

Step 1.Type cmd in the search box on the taskbar. And then right-click the Command Prompt app and selectRun as administrator.

Step 2.Typesfc /scannowcommand in the command prompt. This process may take you much time to scan, please wait patiently.

Step 3. If the SFC tool fails to work, you can try using the DISM tool. Typedism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthin the elevated command prompt and hitEnter.

Now, you can restart the computer and see if the referenced memory error is resolved or not.

Solution 3. Scan for Malware

Some users reported that the instruction at referenced memory error could be caused by any malware infections on your PC. To exclude this reason, you can try performing a scan for any malware by using an antivirus program or Windows Defender.

Solution 4. Perform a Clean Boot and Reinstall .Net Framework

The third-party conflicting software might the reason for the instruction at referenced memory error. For that, you can perform a clean boot to determine the conflicting app and uninstall it. Then you need to reinstall a correct .Net framework version. Here’s a quick guide for you:

Step 1.PressWin + Rkeys to open theRundialog box, and then typeappwiz.cplin the box and hitEnter.

Step 2. Scroll down the list of installed programs to the Net.framwork, and then right-click it and select Uninstall.

Step 3. Once the uninstallation completes, restart your computer, and then clickhereto download the correct NET Framework version and install it on your computer.

Solution 5. Reset This PC

If all the above methods fail to work, you may have to reset this PC. This operation will remove your apps and settings on the system disk. So, we recommend you make a backup of your system disk beforehand. Then follow the steps below to reset the system.

Step 1.PressWin + Ikeys to open theSettingsapp and click on theUpdate & Securityicon.

Step 2.Go to theRecoverytab on the left side, and then click onGet startedunder theReset this PCsection on the right side.

Step 3. Choose an option to reset this PC. Here select the Keep my files option, which will remove apps and settings, but keep your personal files. Then follow the on-screen prompts to complete this reset.

Now, the memory could not be read error Windows 10 should be fixed.