If your PC suddenly blue-screens with a Bad Pool Caller 0xC2 error, you’re not alone. That frustrating crash can happen on Windows 11, Windows 10, and even Windows 07, leaving you stuck and annoyed.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✅ What causes the Bad Pool Caller error
✅ Quick fixes to get you back up and running
✅ Special fix info for Bad Pool Caller VALORANT players
Let’s dive in.
What Is a Bad Pool Caller Error (0xC2)?
The Bad Pool Caller error is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) that pops up when Windows tries to access invalid memory while allocating a “pool” resource. When this happens, Windows halts to protect your system — and that’s when you see the stop code Bad Pool Caller 0xC2.
What Causes Bad Pool Caller Error?
This error can be triggered by a bunch of underlying issues:
📌 Faulty or outdated drivers
📌 Bad RAM or corrupt memory sectors
📌 Software conflicts or recently installed apps
📌 Game or application errors (like Bad Pool Caller VALORANT)
📌 Corrupted system files
Getting to the actual cause is key — and we’ll walk you through the fixes.
Step-by-Step: How to Fix Bad Pool Caller (0xC2)
1. Reboot Your Computer
A quick restart can clear temporary memory glitches that trigger the bad pool caller error.
2. Update Drivers
Corrupt or outdated drivers are one of the most common reasons for this BSOD.
👉 Open Device Manager and update your graphics, chipset, network, and storage drivers.
3. Check for Windows Updates
Keep your system patched and protected. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update and install everything available.
If you’re worried about update troubles like we saw with the Microsoft Windows 11 Emergency Update, check this guide for insight and fixes:
👉 https://multicaretechnical.com/microsoft-windows-11-emergency-update-what-you-need-to-know
4. Run Memory Diagnostics
Bad RAM can trigger this error — so let’s check it:
- Press Windows + R
- Type
mdsched.exe - Choose Restart now and check for problems
Let Windows scan your RAM and report issues.
5. Scan for Corrupted System Files
Corrupt files can cause bad pool caller crashes. Fix them with Windows built-in tools:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Run these in Command Prompt (Admin).
6. Uninstall Recently Installed Software
If the error started after installing a new app or driver, uninstall it. Sometimes even antivirus or system utilities can conflict with memory pools.
7. Special Tip for Gamers: Bad Pool Caller VALORANT Fix
Gamers sometimes see this error while launching or during play in VALORANT.
✔ Update your GPU & network drivers
✔ Repair game files via Riot client
✔ Make sure your system isn’t overheating
✔ Disable overlay features (Discord, GeForce Experience)
This usually resolves the bad pool caller error tied to gaming instability.
8. Restore or Reset Windows
If all else fails:
🔁 Use System Restore to roll back to a stable point
♻️ Reset Windows while keeping your files
These options can wipe out whatever is causing the memory crash.
Bonus Tips
💡 Create a restore point before installing updates or new software
💡 Repair your OS with an install USB if your system keeps crashing
💡 Always back up important files
Also, while you’re optimizing your tech workflow, here are some useful guides you might enjoy:
👉 How to Edit App Icons on iPhone (iOS 17 & 18) — https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-edit-app-icons-on-iphone-ios-17-ios-18-complete-guide
👉 How to Stop Screen Recording on iPhone (12–16) Without Swiping Up — https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-stop-screen-recording-on-iphone-12-to-iphone-16-without-swiping-up
Short FAQ Snippets for Quick Answers
Q1: What is Bad Pool Caller 0xC2?
A: A Windows stop code indicating memory allocation issues, often due to drivers, RAM, or software conflicts.
Q2: What causes bad pool caller error?
A: Faulty drivers, bad RAM, corrupt system files, or software conflicts are common triggers.
Q3: How do I fix Bad Pool Caller in VALORANT?
A: Update drivers, repair game files, and disable overlays to resolve in-game crashes.
Q4: Will updating Windows fix the error?
A: Often yes — installing the latest updates and patches helps stabilize memory handling.