19 Ways to Fix Windows 11 Error Reference by Pointer

“REFERENCE_BY_POINTER” is a dreading error that has been haunting a large number of Windows 11 users. To be more precise, it indicates there are issues with your memory management and object reference counting on your PC. For times when a process attempts to wrongly modify system memory, unexpected system crashes, and out-of-the-blue instability take center stage.

As to why the REFERENCE_BY_POINTE error crops up, it’s due to a number of factors such as faulty drivers, malicious infections, and hardware failures. Whether this issue has raised its head due to a software glitch or a hardware problem, I’ve got you covered with the 20 most effective and real-life tested solutions to fix the Windows 11 error reference by pointer. Keep reading to…

Best Tips to Fix Windows 11 Error Reference by Pointer

Breaking down the culprits right off the bat has long been my habit. Guess what? I’m going to stick with this age-old strategy to ensure there is crystal clarity about the bad actors that invoke the error. Take a look at the following list of usual suspects –

• Corrupt system files
• Outdated device drivers
• Faulty RAM modules
• Malware infection
• Disk corruption issues
• Overclocking instability

• Incompatible software
• Corrupt Windows registry
• Buggy Windows updates
• Conflicting third-party apps
• Faulty hardware components
• BIOS/UEFI issues
• Power supply problems

• Virtual memory corruption
• Incorrect system settings

Keep in mind that if the issue is left unresolved, it easily leads to frequent system crashes, data loss, and a frustrating user experience. Whether is problem has been triggered due to hardware failure or software glitch, these tips will enable you to get rid of it.

1. Restart Your PC

For many PC folks, the system restart might seem like a basic step, but it has a great recording of fixing many BSOD errors, including “REFERENCE_BY_POINTER.” When Windows runs for extended periods, various background processes and applications may consume system resources inefficiently, leading to memory corruption.

Restarting your PC clears the RAM, closes all running applications, and reinitializes system processes. It also ensures that temporary software conflicts are eliminated. Moreover, if an update or driver installation was incomplete, restarting allows it to finalize properly. If the error occurred due to a transient system glitch, a reboot often resolves the problem immediately.

• Click Start > Power > Restart.
• Wait for the system to reboot and check if the error persists.

2. Disconnect External Devices

Connected external devices like USB drives, external hard disks, printers, and webcams rely on device drivers to communicate with Windows. If any of these drivers are outdated, corrupt, or incompatible with Windows 11, they can cause BSOD errors like “REFERENCE_BY_POINTER.” Certain peripherals also consume significant system resources, potentially leading to memory mismanagement.

Unplugging these devices allows Windows to operate without interference, making it easier to diagnose the issue. If the BSOD disappears after removing a device, the faulty hardware or its driver is likely responsible. Reconnecting them one by one can help identify the problematic device.

• Unplug all external devices.
• Restart the PC.
• If the issue is resolved, plug in devices one by one to identify the problematic hardware.

3. Update Windows

Microsoft frequently releases updates that fix bugs, enhance security, and improve hardware compatibility. The “REFERENCE_BY_POINTER” error can arise due to outdated system files or a bug in a previous update. These updates often contain kernel patches and driver improvements that address stability issues causing BSODs.

If the error stems from a software conflict or security vulnerability, an update might include a fix. Keeping Windows up to date ensures that the system benefits from the latest optimizations, reducing the risk of memory leaks or driver conflicts that could lead to this error.

• To install the latest update, press Win + I to open Settings.
• Navigate to the Windows Update tab in the left sidebar.
• Click Check for updates and install pending updates > Then, restart your Windows PC.

4. Update Device Drivers

Drivers are essential software components that facilitate communication between the hardware and operating system. If a driver becomes outdated, corrupted, or incompatible with Windows 11, it can cause BSOD errors like “REFERENCE_BY_POINTER.” The error often occurs when a driver incorrectly references system memory, leading to kernel crashes.

Updating drivers ensures that they are optimized for the latest Windows updates and hardware changes. Graphics drivers, network adapters, and chipset drivers are particularly critical. Manufacturer-released updates frequently fix memory-related bugs, improving system stability and performance while preventing crashes caused by faulty drivers.

• Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
• Expand the relevant hardware category (e.g., Display adapters).
• Right-click the device and select Update driver.

• Choose Search automatically for drivers.
• Restart your PC after updating the driver.

5. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic

RAM plays a crucial role in handling system processes, and memory corruption can trigger BSOD errors like “REFERENCE_BY_POINTER.” The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool tests the RAM for hardware faults or corrupt memory modules. If a RAM module is malfunctioning, Windows might attempt to reference invalid memory addresses, leading to system crashes.

Running this diagnostic tool helps identify defective memory sticks, allowing users to replace faulty RAM. If the test finds errors, replacing or reseating the RAM modules might resolve the issue. Since RAM issues often escalate over time, early detection prevents further system instability.

• Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
• Choose Restart now and check for problems.
• Allow Windows to scan the memory during reboot.
• If errors are detected, consider replacing the faulty RAM module.

6. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupt or missing system files can cause serious Windows errors, including the “REFERENCE_BY_POINTER” BSOD. Windows relies on a vast network of system files to function correctly, and if any of them become corrupted—due to sudden shutdowns, disk errors, or malware infections—the operating system may encounter critical failures.

The System File Checker (SFC) scans and repairs corrupted or missing system files by replacing them with fresh copies from a cached backup. Additionally, Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scans and repairs Windows images, fixing deeper corruption issues that SFC might not detect. Running both tools ensures Windows operates with a stable set of system files.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
• Wait for the scan to complete and restart your PC.
• If the issue persists, run the following DISM commands one by one:
  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• Restart your PC.

7. Check for Malware and Viruses

Malware and viruses can manipulate system processes, causing memory corruption and system instability, leading to BSOD errors like “REFERENCE_BY_POINTER.” Some malware types specifically target system files or drivers, making them behave abnormally. When Windows attempts to execute corrupted processes, it may fail and display a BSOD.

Running a full antivirus scan removes potential threats that could be causing the issue. Windows Defender or third-party antivirus software can detect and eliminate harmful software, restoring system stability. Ensuring real-time protection is enabled also helps prevent future infections that might trigger similar errors.

• Open Windows Security by pressing Win + I, then navigate to Privacy & security > Windows Security.
• Click Virus & threat protection.
• Select Scan options and choose Full scan.
• Click Scan now and allow the process to complete.
• Remove any detected threats and restart your PC.

8. Uninstall Recent Windows Updates

Sometimes, Windows updates introduce new bugs that cause system instability. If the “REFERENCE_BY_POINTER” error started appearing after a recent update, the update might be the root cause. Uninstalling the latest updates can roll back system changes and resolve the issue. Occasionally, compatibility problems between Windows updates and existing drivers or software can trigger BSODs.

Microsoft typically releases patches for such problems, but removing the problematic update manually is often the quickest solution. If the error disappears after uninstalling an update, it’s advisable to pause updates until a fixed version is available.

• Press Win + I to open Settings.
• Go to Windows Update > Update history.
• Click Uninstall updates under “Related settings.”
• Select the most recent update and click Uninstall.
• Restart your PC and check if the error is resolved.

9. Roll Back Drivers to a Previous Version

If a recently updated driver is unstable or incompatible, it might cause the “REFERENCE_BY_POINTER” BSOD. Some driver updates introduce new features or optimizations, but they can also have bugs that lead to memory issues. Rolling back to a previous version restores stability by using a driver version that was known to work correctly.

This is especially useful for graphics drivers, chipset drivers, and network adapters, which frequently receive updates that can sometimes be problematic. If rolling back a driver fixes the issue, it may be best to wait for a more stable update from the manufacturer before updating again.

• Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
• Expand the category of the affected device (e.g., Display adapters for GPU).
• Right-click the device and select Properties.

• Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver.
• Restart your PC.

10. Perform a Clean Boot

Conflicts between third-party applications and system processes can trigger the “REFERENCE_BY_POINTER” error. A clean boot starts Windows with only essential system services and drivers, allowing you to diagnose whether a background process is causing the issue.

This method helps identify problematic software without performing a full system reset. If the error does not occur in clean boot mode, a recently installed program or service is likely responsible. By enabling services one by one, the exact cause can be pinpointed and removed to restore system stability.

• Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
• In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
• Check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.

• Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
• Disable all startup programs.
• Restart your PC and check if the error occurs.

11. Increase Virtual Memory (Pagefile Size)

Windows uses virtual memory (pagefile) as an extension of RAM. If system memory becomes overloaded, Windows may fail to allocate resources properly, leading to errors like “REFERENCE_BY_POINTER.” Increasing the pagefile size allows Windows to manage memory more efficiently, reducing the chances of memory-related crashes.

A properly sized pagefile ensures smoother operation, especially on systems with limited RAM. Adjusting the pagefile manually can provide extra memory resources for applications and prevent sudden crashes due to memory exhaustion.

• Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
• Go to the Advanced tab and click Settings under Performance.
• Navigate to the Advanced tab and click Change under Virtual memory.
• Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
• Select the Custom size, then enter 1.5x your RAM size in MB for the initial size and 3x your RAM size for the maximum size.
• Click Set > OK, then restart your PC.

12. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic

Faulty RAM is one of the leading causes of BSOD errors like “REFERENCE_BY_POINTER.” Memory corruption occurs when RAM modules fail to store and retrieve data correctly, leading to system crashes. Windows Memory Diagnostic is a built-in tool that scans RAM for errors and determines whether faulty memory is responsible for instability.

If the tool detects any issues, replacing the faulty RAM stick is often the only solution. Running this diagnostic helps rule out hardware problems before attempting software-based troubleshooting.

• Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
• Select Restart now and check for problems.
• Wait for the diagnostic to complete. If errors are detected, consider replacing the faulty RAM.

13. Scan and Repair Hard Drive Errors

Disk corruption can lead to read/write errors, affecting system stability. A failing hard drive may prevent Windows from accessing crucial system files, resulting in the “REFERENCE_BY_POINTER” BSOD. The CHKDSK (Check Disk) utility scans and repairs file system errors, bad sectors, and disk corruption. Running this tool ensures the integrity of the drive, preventing potential crashes caused by unreadable or damaged files. If CHKDSK detects physical damage, replacing the hard drive may be necessary.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter.
• Type Y to schedule a scan at the next reboot, then restart your PC.

14. Disable Overclocking

Overclocking increases a component’s clock speed beyond manufacturer specifications, leading to instability. While overclocking can improve performance, it also increases the risk of memory corruption and overheating, both of which can trigger BSODs like “REFERENCE_BY_POINTER.”

If the error started after overclocking the CPU, GPU, or RAM, reverting to default clock speeds may restore system stability. Disabling overclocking ensures hardware operates within safe limits, reducing the likelihood of crashes caused by excessive heat or voltage fluctuations.

• Restart your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI by pressing F2, F10, DEL, or Esc during boot.
• Navigate to the Advanced, Overclocking, or Performance tab.
• Reset CPU, GPU, and RAM speeds to default settings.
• Save changes and restart your PC.

15. Check for Faulty Hardware Components

Defective hardware, including failing RAM, a dying hard drive, or an overheating GPU, can cause memory corruption, leading to BSODs. Hardware issues often manifest as intermittent crashes, performance degradation, or system freezes.

Running stress tests on individual components helps identify faulty hardware. If the “REFERENCE_BY_POINTER” error occurs during a specific task, such as gaming or rendering, the affected component may be failing. Identifying and replacing faulty hardware ensures long-term system stability.

• To get started, run Windows Memory Diagnostic to test RAM.
• Use CrystalDiskInfo to check the hard drive health.
• Monitor GPU temperature with HWMonitor and run a stress test with FurMark.
• If any component shows signs of failure, consider replacing it.

16. Restore Windows to an Earlier System Restore Point

Did the error start recently? If you are nodding in the affirmation, restoring Windows to a previous stable state can let you resolve the issue. System Restore rolls back system settings, drivers, and registry configurations to an earlier point without affecting personal files.

This is particularly useful if the error was caused by recent changes, such as driver updates, software installations, or Windows updates. Using System Restore can quickly undo problematic modifications, restoring system stability.

• Press Win + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
• Select Choose a different restore point and click Next.
• Pick a restore point before the error occurred.
• Click Next > Finish and allow Windows to restore.

17. Perform a System Reset – Last Resort!

Still struggling to take control of the error? It would be apt to go for the kill and reset Windows as the last resort. It’s worth pointing out that the system reset reinstalls Windows while allowing you to keep or remove personal files. Considered to be a nuclear solution, it wipes out corrupted system files, problematic drivers, and misconfigured settings that could be causing the “REFERENCE_BY_POINTER” error.

If a software-related issue is at the heart of this error, performing a system reset will let you flush it out.

• To get going, press Win + I to open Settings.
• Head over to System > Recovery.

• Then, click Reset this PC and choose Keep my files (recommended) or Remove everything > then, run through the screen instructions to complete the reset.

18. Update BIOS/UEFI Firmware

Always remember the fact that the outdated BIOS is well-known for causing hardware incompatibility issues, leading to BSODs. For those unfamiliar, the BIOS/UEFI is designed to manage hardware communication with Windows. That’s the reason why PC manufacturers release updates to enhance stability, fix bugs, and boost overall performance.

Should the error crop up owing to system firmware conflicts, updating the BIOS will likely resolve the issue. However, be warned that updating the BIOS carries risks, such as bricking the motherboard if interrupted. Therefore, make sure to follow the official instructions meticulously.

• Visit the motherboard manufacturer’s website and download the latest BIOS update.
• Then, go through the official update instructions (usually performed via USB or Windows-based update tool).
• Next up, be sure to reboot your PC and verify system stability after updating.

19. Reinstall Windows from Scratch

Still haven’t been able to overcome this persistent error? No worries! Now is the right time to perform a clean installation of Windows 11. Bear in mind that the fresh installation will erase all data, removing any corrupted system files, malware, and misconfigurations causing the “REFERENCE_BY_POINTER” error.

This process ensures the system is restored to a factory-like state with only essential drivers and software. While time-consuming, a clean installation is often the most effective way to resolve persistent BSOD errors.

• Before moving any further, do not forget to fully back up your important files to an external drive or cloud storage.
• Then, download the Windows 11 Installation Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website.
• After that, create a bootable USB drive using the tool.
• Boot from the USB and follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows.

Wrapping Up…

There you have it, folks! I guess you have managed to take control of the “REFERENCE_BY_POINTER” error on your device and eliminated it. Now that the issue is gone, feel free to let me know what has worked for you. And yes, if there is any other viable tips missing from the guide, be sure to share them as well.