How to Solve EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION on Windows 10/11?

EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION

EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION or EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_VIOLATION refers that your processor fails to carry out an instruction. It indicates that your computer lacks of some important components to run certain programs or execute certain operations. The complete error message reads:

Application Error:

The exception illegal instruction

An attempt was made to execute an illegal instruction.

(0xc000001d) occurred in the application at location.

Click on OK to terminate the program.

This possible factor usually comes down to compatibility issues, outdated graphics driver, incomplete Microsoft Visual C + + and more. If you have the same problem, then this guide might help you out.

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How to Fix EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION on Windows 10/11?

Fix 1: Run System File Checker

Corrupted system files might be responsible for the EXCEPTION ILLEGAL INSTRUCTION error. If there is any system corruption, you can run System File Checker to identify corrupted system files and replace them with cached copies. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Type cmd in the search bar to locate Command Prompt and right-click on it to choose Run as administrator.

Step 2. In the command window, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.

Fix 2: Run the Program in Compatibility Mode

If you are running an outdated application, make sure to use the compatibility mode. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Right-click on the program and select Properties from the context menu.

Step 2. In the Compatibility tab, tick Run this program in compatibility mode for and select the operating system from the drop-down menu.

Step 3. Click on Apply & OK to save the changes.

Fix 3: Perform a Clean Boot

Some third-party software might be conflicted with the program you are trying to launch. To avert their interference, you can launch the program in a clean boot mode. To do so:

Step 1. Press Win + R to open the Run box.

Step 2. Type msconfig and hit Enter to launch System Configuration.

Step 3. In the Services tab, tick Hide all Microsoft services and hit Disable all.

Step 4. Go to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.

Step 5. Right-click on each enabled item and select Disable.

Step 6. Return to the Services tab of System Configuration and hit Apply & OK.

Step 7. Restart your computer and launch the program again to see if EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION vanishes.

Fix 4: Clean Install Visual C + + Redistributables

 Microsoft Visual C ++ Redistributable Package matters a lot to your operating system. Once it is missing or corrupted, you might suffer from EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION or EXCEPTION ILLEGAL INSTRUCTION. In this case, you need to reinstall this package. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Run.

Step 2. Type appwiz.cpl and click on OK to launch Programs and Features.

Step 3. Find Microsoft Visual C ++ Redistributable Package from the list and right-click on it to choose Change.

Step 4. Click on Repair and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

Fix 5: Verify Integrity of Game Files

If you receive EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION while trying to launch a game, chances are that the game files are corrupted. In this case, you can verify the game files on the gaming platform. Here, let me show you how to do this on the Steam client as an example:

Step 1. Launch Steam.

Step 2. In Library, find the game and right-click on it to choose Properties.

Step 3. In the Installed Files tab, click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.

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Final Words

Now, you are clear about what EXCEPTION_ILLEGAL_INSTRUCTION is and how to get rid of it from your computer. Hope that you can run all the programs on your computer smoothly!