How to Fix PCI Device Driver Errors Causing Windows 10 BSOD

Select Language:

If you’re experiencing a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) caused by an “unexpected store exception” and notice errors related to PCI devices or controllers, you’re not alone. These issues often stem from missing or outdated drivers for your PCI devices. Here’s a simple guide to help you fix the PCI device driver problem and potentially stop the BSOD from happening.

First, it’s important to identify the device causing trouble. Based on the error code you have — PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_5229 — this points to a Realtek device, often a network or audio component. To fix this, follow these steps:

Open Device Manager: Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
Locate the PCI Device: Look for a device with a yellow warning icon. It might be labeled as “Unknown device” or show the manufacturer’s name, like Realtek.
Update the Driver: Right-click on the device and choose “Update Driver.” Then select “Search automatically for updated driver software.” Windows will try to find and install the latest driver. If it finds nothing, proceed to the next step.
Download Driver Manually: Visit the manufacturer’s website – for Realtek, go to the official Realtek website or your computer manufacturer’s support page. Search for drivers using the device’s model number or PCI code (in this case, 5229).
Install the Driver: Once you’ve downloaded the latest driver, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. After installation, restart your computer.
Verify the Update: Reopen Device Manager and ensure the warning icon is gone and the device status is “working properly.”
Check for Windows Updates: Sometimes, updating Windows can automatically fix driver issues. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then click “Check for updates.”

If updating the driver doesn’t resolve the issue, you might want to uninstall the device in Device Manager and then reinstall it:

Right-click the PCI device and select “Uninstall device.”
Restart your computer, and Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.

By following these steps, you should be able to fix the driver issue related to your PCI device and potentially resolve the BSOD. If problems persist, consider reaching out to your device manufacturer or a professional technician for further assistance.