SESSION_HAS_VALID_POOL_ON_EXIT (0x000000AB) BSOD Fix: How to Stop Memory Leaks from Crashing Your PC

Introduction

A Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is every Windows user's nightmare—and error code 0x000000AB, also known as SESSION_HAS_VALID_POOL_ON_EXIT, is no exception. If you've found yourself staring at this cryptic screen, don't panic. This guide will walk you through what it means, why it happens, and—most importantly—how to fix and prevent it.

What Is SESSION_HAS_VALID_POOL_ON_EXIT (0x000000AB)?

The 0x000000AB error indicates that a session was being unloaded (terminated), but one of the drivers associated with that session failed to release all of its memory allocations. In other words, something is holding on to memory it shouldn’t, and Windows doesn’t like that.

When this occurs, Windows crashes to prevent further damage or corruption, resulting in the BSOD.

What Causes the 0x000000AB BSOD?

This error typically points to issues involving memory leaks caused by poorly behaving session drivers or services. Below are the most common culprits:

1. Faulty or outdated device drivers

Some third-party drivers may allocate memory during a session and fail to release it before the session ends.

2. Incompatible software

Especially tools that inject code into processes, like security software, monitoring utilities, or system optimizers.

3. Corrupted system files

Windows may be trying to unload a corrupted session or module that fails to release resources.

4. Faulty RAM or hardware

If your system memory is physically damaged or experiencing intermittent failures, drivers may not behave predictably.

5. Malware

Some malware hooks into session drivers or manipulates memory allocations, causing improper memory handling.

How to Fix the SESSION_HAS_VALID_POOL_ON_EXIT (0x000000AB) Error

Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode

If your PC keeps crashing before Windows fully loads:

1. Turn your PC on and off 3 times to trigger recovery mode.
2. Navigate to: Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
3. Press F4 to boot into Safe Mode.

Step 2: Update All Drivers

Use Device Manager or a driver update utility to update your drivers, especially:

• Display adapters (GPU)
• Audio drivers
• USB controllers
• Network adapters

Or manually visit the manufacturer’s website (Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, Realtek, etc.).

Step 3: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic

1. Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, press Enter.
2. Choose “Restart now and check for problems.”
3. Let the test run; Windows will notify you of any issues after reboot.

If memory issues are found, consider replacing your RAM sticks.

Step 4: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files can contribute to session driver issues. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

sfc /scannow

‍

Then follow up with:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

‍

Step 5: Uninstall Recent Software or Drivers

If the issue started after installing a new program or driver:

• Use Control Panel > Programs and Features or Settings > Apps.
• Remove system utilities, antivirus tools, or performance boosters recently added.
• Consider rolling back a recent Windows update under Settings > Windows Update > Update History.

Step 6: Use Driver Verifier to Identify Faulty Drivers

Driver Verifier stresses drivers to reveal misbehaviors.

1. Press Win + R, type verifier, press Enter.
2. Select “Create standard settings” > “Automatically select unsigned drivers.”
3. Reboot.

If a BSOD occurs again, note the driver name in the crash log (.sys file), then search for or uninstall it.

Important: This tool is for advanced users and may cause intentional BSODs to expose faulty drivers. Disable Verifier with verifier /reset from Safe Mode if needed.

Step 7: Check Event Viewer and Minidump Files

Use Event Viewer and .dmp files in C:\Windows\Minidump with tools like BlueScreenView or WinDbg to analyze the crash.

Look for drivers or modules named in the stack trace.

How to Prevent Future 0x000000AB BSODs

• Keep your drivers and Windows OS up to date.
• Avoid using unsupported system tweaking tools or registry cleaners.
• Install trusted antivirus software and scan regularly.
• Perform regular system maintenance, including SFC and DISM.
• Upgrade faulty hardware—especially RAM—if diagnostic tools point to memory problems.
• Create restore points before installing new drivers or software.

Final Thoughts

The SESSION_HAS_VALID_POOL_ON_EXIT (0x000000AB) BSOD is a serious warning that something in your system is not letting go of memory when it should—a classic sign of driver misbehavior or memory corruption.

While intimidating, it's fixable with the right steps. Keep your drivers clean, monitor hardware health, and maintain a tidy system to prevent this issue from haunting you again.

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