How to fix
“The exception unknown software exception (0xe0000008)” error
on Windows

Hello. When I try to launch Steam, I get the "exception unknown software exception (0xe0000008)" error message. How do I fix this?

Some Windows users may see the "The exception unknown software exception (0xe0000008)" error when attempting to launch different apps, including video games. Because it prohibits users from accessing the requested software, this error message can be annoying and disruptive. The error code "0xe0000008" denotes the presence of an unhandled software exception within the program, which the operating system is unable to manage.

The existence of a damaged or missing system file within the Windows operating system is one of the main causes of running into this issue. This important system file could be necessary for the effective operation of the software, and its deletion or corruption can cause compatibility problems, resulting in the appearance of the error message. Additionally, memory allocation problems, system conflicts, or even malware infestations that obstruct the software's normal operation could all be causes of the error.

The root reasons must be addressed in order to fix this problem. Possible solutions include repairing or restoring missing or corrupt system files, performing malware scans to eliminate potential threats, updating or reinstalling affected software, or checking for conflicts with other installed programs or drivers.[ref en-1] The most recent Windows updates and patches may also need to be installed on a user's computer because they frequently fix problems that have been known to cause such errors.

In this guide, you will find 5 steps that should help you fix "The exception unknown software exception (0xe0000008)" error. You can also run a repair tool like [d1] that can fix most system errors, BSODs,[ref en-2] corrupted files, and registry[ref en-3] issues. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Solution 1. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialogue.
• Type mdsched.exe into the Run dialogue box.
• Press the OK button. This will launch the Memory Diagnostic Tool program.
• In the Memory Diagnostic Tool program window, click on the Restart now and check for problems (recommended) button.

• Your computer will restart, and the Memory Diagnostic Tool will automatically run to check for any problems with your computer's memory.
• The tool will perform a series of tests, and if it identifies any issues, it will provide information about them.
• Once the memory testing is complete, your computer will automatically restart again.
• You can then review the results of the memory test to determine if any problems were detected and if any actions are needed to fix them.

Solution 2. Fix Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Use the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow

• Reboot your system
• If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Solution 3. Install Windows Updates

• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box.
• Type ms-settings:windowsupdate in the text box and press Enter.
• Click the Check for updates button.

• If a new update is available, click the Download & Install all button.
• Restart your computer after the process is finished and check to see if the problem is fixed.

Solution 4. Increase Virtual RAM

• Open Settings by pressing the Windows key + I simultaneously.
• In the search bar within the Settings menu, type performance and then press Enter.
• Locate and click on Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
• Switch to the Advanced tab within the new window that appears.

• In the Virtual memory section, find and click on the Change button.
• On the following window, unselect the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives option.
• Click on the Custom size option to proceed with configuring your own virtual memory settings.

Solution 5. Reinstall the Problematic Program

• Open the Start Menu by clicking on the Windows icon.
• Search for Control Panel and click on it from the search results to open the Control Panel.
• In the Control Panel, locate and click on the Programs or Programs and Features option.
• A list of installed programs will appear. Find the problematic program you want to uninstall.
• Click on the problematic program to select it.

• Look for the Uninstall or Change button at the top of the program list, and click on it.
• Follow the on-screen prompts and confirm the uninstallation when prompted. This may involve confirming your decision and waiting for the uninstallation process to complete.
• Once the program is uninstalled, restart your computer if prompted to do so.
• Visit the official website of the program's developer to download the latest version of the software.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to install it.