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Fix Fatal error Exception in exception handler [Windows 10/11]

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Updated onMay 16, 2024

updated onMay 16, 2024

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Key notes

The “Fatal error – Exception in exception handler” error is one that occurs for Windows 10 games. Many game players have stated on forums that the error message pops up for Command and Conquer 3 and Rise of the Witch Kings.

When the issue occurs, the games don’t launch and return a Fatal error window stating, “Exception in exception handler.”

This error primarily pertains to laptops or desktops with Intel HDGPUsand is largely due to Intel graphics card drivers. These are a few resolutions that can fix “Fatal error – Exception in exception handler” error messages.

What is the Fatal error exception in the exception handler?

Fatal errors generally appear when you have hardware problems. In this instance, it is likely related to your GPU card. It may have trouble supporting games with high graphical requirements.

A fatal error happens when an application closes unexpectedly, without any warning. When this occurs, any new changes in the application will be lost, so if you were in-game and got this error, chances are you lost your progress as well.

An exception handler is a type of code that should automate what a program should do in case of an unexpected error. When you get the exception exception handler error, it means that that the code didn’t execute as expected.

To fix this issue, you need to make sure that your hardware is in good state, your drivers ar updated and functional, and your system meets the minimum system requirements of the application you want to run. Continue reading to see how to fix this issue and never risk losing progress in the future.

How to fix the Fatal error – Exception in exception handler

1. Run the Game in Compatibility Mode

Running games in compatibility mode is one fix that some Command and Conquer 3 players have confirmed to work for them. You can do that by opening the game’s folder in File Explorer and right-clicking the game file to open the window below.

2. Configure the NVIDIAOptimusGraphics Settings

Some laptops and desktops have more than one graphics card. Thus, the game might be starting with the integrated Intel graphics card instead of NVIDIA GPU. Many game players have found that switching the graphics card to the NVIDIA alternative fixes the exception handler issue. You can do that by configuring theOptimus Graphicssettings as follows.

3. Install the Intel(R) HD Graphics 4400 Graphics Card Driver

Updating graphics card driversoften fixesnumerousgame error messages. However, many Command and Conquer 3 players have fixed the exception handler error by installing previously released Intel graphics card drivers as the issue often occurs with specific Intel drivers.

To be more specific, some have fixed the error by installing the Intel(R) HD Graphics 4400 driver, which you can download fromthis website pageby pressing theDownloadbutton for the one compatible with your platform. Then you can install the driver as follows.

3.1. Install your drivers manually

Even if installing the Intel(R) HD Graphics 4400 driver does fix the exception handler error, it’s still an outdated driver that might generate other gaming issues andreducegraphical quality.

As such, this is not an ideal resolution. So if you don’tcurrentlyhave the most updated Intel driver, update the graphics card driver to the latest one first. If that doesn’t fix the issue, then install Intel(R) HD Graphics 4400.

3.2. Use dedicated software

Alternatively, if you want to save some time and automate the task, you can install and run adedicated driver software. This type of tool uses its own database and automatically installs the latest driver versions on your PC.

Using an automated tool eliminates the risk of major system damage that may occur if you install a mismatched driver, so we strongly advise looking into it.

4. Install DirectX End-User Runtimes (June 2010)

It might be the case that the game needs an older DirectX version to run. Furthermore, some players have confirmed that installing DirectX End-User Runtimes (June 2010) fixes the exception handler error. This is how you can add DirectX End-User Runtimes(June 2010) to Windows.

5. Switch Off the Origin In-Game Setting

If you’re running games via the Origin platform, check theOrigin In-Gamesetting. Switching that setting off, it’scurrentlyon, might also fix the exception handler error. This is how you can adjust that option.

6. Add a NVIDIA Graphics Card to an Intel HD Desktop

The “Exception in exception handler” error is most prevalent for desktops and laptops with Intel graphics cards. Thus, adding a newNVIDIA graphics cardto Intel HD desktops will likely fix the issue. Of course, you can’t upgrade the GPU for laptops; but a new NVIDIA graphics card for desktops will do the trick. If you upgrade the graphics card, you might as well also go for a GPU that really boosts games’ graphics.

7. Utilize the Windows System Restore Tool

If the game returning the handler error message was running fine a few months back, theSystem Restore toolmight come in handy. With that utility, you can restore Windows to a date when the game was working fine, which might fix the error. Restoring Windows will roll back updated drivers and other updates. Note that restoring Windows also uninstalls software installed after the selected restore point. This is how you canutilizeSystem Restorein Windows 10.

Those are a few resolutions for the “Exception in exception handler” error that you can kick-start your games with. If you have any further fixes for this issue, please share them below.

If you tried the solutions above and still have problems with this error, it is perhaps important to check whether your graphic card supports the application you want to open.

Don’t miss our guide onlowLevelFatalErrorsince it can provide you with potential solutions.

To avoid this problem in the future, we recommend youupgrade to a better graphics cardthat can run highly demanding applications.

Fix Fatal error Exception in exception handler [Windows 10/11]#

What is the Fatal error exception in the exception handler?#

How to fix the Fatal error – Exception in exception handler#

1. Run the Game in Compatibility Mode#

2. Configure the NVIDIAOptimusGraphics Settings#

3. Install the Intel(R) HD Graphics 4400 Graphics Card Driver#

4. Install DirectX End-User Runtimes (June 2010)#

5. Switch Off the Origin In-Game Setting#

6. Add a NVIDIA Graphics Card to an Intel HD Desktop#

7. Utilize the Windows System Restore Tool#