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3 Easy Ways to Fix Windows 11 Error Reference by Pointer
Note that updating your device drivers is adamant
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
The adage that nothing is perfect certainly applies to software development, as flaws may and will derail the user experience. Thus, today’s topic is how to fix Windows 11 error reference by the pointer.Unfortunately, if your PC crashes with aBlue Screen of Death, it indicates a significant PC fault, which is usually (but not always) caused by defects in some programs, or drivers.
The reference by pointer BSOD is one of the most unusual faults to emerge. Trying to figure out what caused it is difficult, but it frequently points to problems that are simple to repair.
What causes reference by Pointer BSOD?
A pointer-based referenceBSODerror (also known as a reference by pointer or 0x00000018 error) typically indicates a problem with your system files or device drivers.
Windows internally refer to running elements (such as an open window) as objects with numbers indicating how many times the components are referred (or used) elsewhere to assist prioritize system resources.
This value lowers until the item is eliminated, freeing up system memory for other services that are operating.
When a reference by pointer warning is displayed, Windows detects an erroneous reference count for a running object. Because this could be a significant security concern, Windows will stop and display a BSOD. Forcing your system to restart and erase all current memory.
In almost every case, though, this is due to a faulty piece of software. The most typical source is hardware drivers, howevergraphics cardsand other components like network devices can also trigger it. It can also be caused by other difficulties, such as faulty system files ormalfunctioning hardware.
How can I fix Windows 11 error reference by pointer?
1. Start in Safe Mode
A recommended solution to work out the Windows 11 error reference by pointer issue would be to start your PC in Safe Mode.
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In order to fix the BSOD REFERENCE_BY_POINTER 18 issue, click theWindows/Starticon from yourTaskbar. Then select thePowericon.
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Hold theShiftkey on your keyboard and click on theRestart nowoption.
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You will be redirected to the menu below from where you can chooseTroubleshootandAdvanced options.
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Now, click onStartup Repairand tap on theRestartbutton if it shows up.
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After your computer has been restarted, hit the number 4 key on your keyboard to navigate to the relevant option on the following screen.
As a result, the machine will enter theSafe Modeenvironment as a result of the above steps.
2. Update device drivers
Even though Windows is frequently in charge of driver updates, if you are having trouble, you can manually search for updates.
We strongly advocate using a specialist program such asOutbyte Driver Updaterto do automatic scans for out-of-date drivers. And avoid getting errors such as Reference by pointer BSOD every 30 minutes.
3. Run an SFC scan
If you get the Reference by pointer error in Windows 11 on a Dell computer, you should try to apply all the above solutions.
In case nothing works, users reported they were able to fix the Reference by pointer issue bydownloading the Dell Support Assistprogram. Simply hit theDownload SupportAssistbutton in order to install and run it.
Is the Blue Screen of Death fixable?
Blue Screen of Death is the message that shows on your computer when it has encountered a problem that cannot be repaired. Should this occur, the computer will shut down to protect itself from further damage.
Nonetheless, any BSOD error is fixable! You may explore the issue and pinpoint the root cause of the problem by using the specific code that corresponds to each mistake. If a specific file was the cause of the crash, the name of that file will be included in the error message as well.
We recommend that you refer to our dedicated article aboutBSOD errors in Windows 11 and how to fix them.
Errors of this kind are frequently brought on by issues with the hardware on your system. The RAM is almost often the source of the problem. But you need also to take into account a number of additional elements that are not related to the hardware.
For more information and potential solutions to the Windows 11 error reference by pointer, check out our post on how to fixreference by pointer BSOD error [Bugcheck 0x00000018].Alternatively, you should take a look at our article on what to do if you get aBSOD error on Windows 11, and find out how to further troubleshoot the problem.Let us know in the section below which solution worked for you. Thanks for reading!
More about the topics:BSoD error codes,BSoD errors,Windows 11
Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.
Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.
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Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.
