ERROR_NOT_LOCKED 158 (0x9E) [Solved]

Fixing the system files and RAM will get rid of the error

4 min. read

Updated onNovember 7, 2024

updated onNovember 7, 2024

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

For fixing Windows errors, we recommend Fortect:

Fortect will identify and deploy the correct fix for your Windows errors. Follow the 3 easy steps to get rid of Windows errors:

TheERROR_NOT_LOCKEDWindows system error appears when a process tries unlocking an already unlocked segment of the memory. The error code is158 (0x9E), and the message reads,The segment is already unlocked.

The158 (0x9E)system error is caused by incompatible applications, malware infection, corrupted system files, misconfigured Registry settings, or malfunctioning RAM.

Before you proceed to the solutions, restart the PC, update the affected app, and install all pending Windows updates. For most of you, this alone will fix the158 (0x9E) The segment is already unlockederror!

How do I fix ERROR_NOT_LOCKED system error?

1. Repair the corrupt system files

If thecorrupted system filesare triggering158 (0x9E) ERROR_NOT_LOCKEDin Windows, running theDISM(Deployment Image Servicing and Management)and SFC(System File Checker)scan will replace all such files with their cached copy stored on the PC.

2. Scan the PC for malware

3. Check for issues with the RAM

WhenWindows Memory Diagnosticcan’t find any issues, I recommend usingMemTest86+, an open-source RAM testing tool, to run a wide array of advanced scans on individual modules and detect even the smallest of problems.

If any of the RAM sticks are indeed malfunctioning, it’s best that you replace them with a new one, and this will fixERROR_NOT_LOCKEDin Windows.

4. Uninstall conflicting applications

If a quick removal doesn’t fix theERROR_NOT_LOCKED158 (0x9E)Windows system error, it’s best to use atop-rated software uninstallerto clear any leftover files, app cache, and Registry entries that might still be conflicting with the OS.

5. Perform a system restore

A system restore will revert all recent changes on the PC, taking it to a point of stability. Remember, it’s critical to choose arestore point createdbeforeERROR_NOT_LOCKEDfirst appeared.

And if this, too, fails, the last option is toreinstall Windows. Make sure to move critical files to external storage before you proceed with a reinstall in order to avoid data loss.

Before you leave, discover theexpert-recommended settings for Windows 11for a streamlined and error-free experience!

Our latest guide coversError_Lock_Failedso we encourage you to check it out for more solutions.

For any queries or to share which fix worked for you, drop a comment below.

ERROR_NOT_LOCKED 158 (0x9E) [Solved]#

How do I fix ERROR_NOT_LOCKED system error?#

1. Repair the corrupt system files#

2. Scan the PC for malware#

3. Check for issues with the RAM#

4. Uninstall conflicting applications#

5. Perform a system restore#