How To Fix ‘Critical Process Died’ BSOD Error in Windows 10

Critical_Process_Died implies that when the critical system dies with the error code – 0x000000EF. Critical Process Died error usually comes with a blue screen. Now, when the critical system can’t function properly, the OS, i.e., the Operating System will crash, making your PC/Desktop to reboot recursively.

It’s one of BSoD Errors (Blue Screen of Death). They are basically, STOP errors or STOP codes. They are not harmful, and the user need not worry about if it pops out usually. They are the trigger to protect your system. Their purpose is to update the user the potential cause and halt damage to the desktop.

It can be caused by bugs, power supply issues and overheating, etc. to name a few. This is regarded as one of the most annoying thing observed by the users.

Critical Process Died

As we are briefed as to why this happens, let’s look for the solutions. This article is a troubleshooting guide to provide some of the working methods to fix this issue faced by users on Windows 10 Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error/Critical Process Died.

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Meaning of “Critical Process Died”:

The “Critical Process Died” error is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error in Windows 10 that signifies a critical system process has encountered a fatal error and cannot continue running. When this error occurs, it typically results in an automatic system reboot to prevent further damage.

The affected critical process is responsible for managing key functions of the Windows operating system. The error message points to a severe problem within the system, often related to issues with system files, drivers, or hardware components. Users experiencing this error may find their computers abruptly restarting, leading to data loss and an interrupted workflow.

Causes of the “Critical Process Died” BSOD Error in Windows 10:

The “Critical Process Died” error in Windows 10 can be triggered by a multitude of factors:

  1. Corrupted System Files: Damage or corruption in essential system files can cause critical processes to fail.
  2. Incompatible or Outdated Drivers: Drivers that are incompatible with the system or outdated can lead to this error.
  3. Malware or Virus Infections: Malicious software can interfere with critical processes, resulting in this error.
  4. Hardware Issues: Faulty hardware components, such as RAM or hard drives, can disrupt system processes.
  5. Memory Issues: Problems with memory modules or RAM can cause critical process failures.
  6. Software Conflicts: Conflicts between installed software or incompatible applications can trigger the error.
  7. Overclocking: Overclocking the CPU or GPU beyond stable limits can lead to system instability and this error.
  8. Corrupted Windows Registry: Issues within the Windows Registry can impact critical processes.
  9. Power Supply Problems: Insufficient or unstable power supply can affect hardware components and trigger the error.

8 Fixes Critical Process Died Stop Code in Windows 10

Here are the top 8 solutions one can use to fix this issue.

Solution 1 – Enter  Safe mode

This message pops up when a corrupted driver is initialised as soon as Windows is loaded. A straightforward solution to this problem is Safe Mode, i.e., Clean Boot.

Enter Safe mode by following these steps:

Step 1 – Booting your system 3-4 times will land you on a page of booting options.

Step 2 – Click on Troubleshoot, which will lead to Advanced options.

Step 3 – In advanced options, select startup settings.

Step 4 – Select Enable Safe mode after selecting Restart option.

Solution 2 – Clean Boot

You can use Clean Boot using drivers and startup programs. Here are easy steps to get a Clean Boot.

Step 1 – Type “msconfig” in the start menu.

Step 2 – It will pop a System Configuration application.

Step 3 – Check the Hide all Microsoft services option in Services Tab.

Step 4 – Now, go the startup option and Open Task Manager.

Step 5 – Disable all services and restart the system.

Clean Boot and Safe mode are temporary methods to solve the issue. You can use the below-described methods for more solutions.

Solution 3 – Run Antivirus Scan

Antivirus software can detect malicious malware. Running Antivirus software by performing a full system scan can detect these bugs and remove the malware. Scan for such harmful files and remove them. Using malware Scanners such as Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, AdwCleaner, HitmanPro can be used to secure your system.

Sometimes malware and viruses may enter the system through the internet. Secure your network connections by using applications like Adblocker, which can be used to avoid an unnecessary visit to sites. Sometimes, pop-up leads to unnecessary things in your system.

Block them to secure your system. We can even use VPNs that have some built-in ad-blocking features to prevent unwanted visits to sites and potential malware intrusion.

Solution 4 – Restore to the Previous Updates

If Windows is facing problems after updates, then restore the changes and go back to the previous version. Uninstall the previously updated version and look for what was wrong and if you wish to install update carefully.

Solution 5 – Get the Latest Driver Updates

Bad drivers or the drivers that wrongly use memory could cause this error. You can check if the drivers are up to date in Device Manager. If the drivers are not updated, update them for the proper functioning of the system.

More often, an automated updating tool will prevent damage to the PC. This will make sure your PC does not download and install the wrong driver or obsolete versions. Turn on the automatic update to never miss an important update.

Solution 6 – Uninstall the Latest Software

Sometimes this issue could be caused after installing softwares with viruses. Look for the software that you have newly added in your system. Simply, uninstall this software and later, reinstall with utmost care and caution. See for all the additional files and folders before installing it again.

Solution 7 – Using the SFC Tool

SFC stands for System File Checker. It’s a service in Microsoft Windows which scans and restores corruption in system files. It is located in C:/Windows/System32 folder. It is integrated with Windows Resource Protection, which shields critical system files and registry keys and folders.

Using SFC Tool

Step 1 – Run cmd as administrator from the start menu.

Step 2 – Type “sfc/scannow” and hit enter.

Step 3 – Later Restart the computer after the process.

Solution 8 – Run DISM to Fix Windows 10’s System Image

Step 1 – Run cmd as administrator from the start menu (same as that of the previous solution).

Step 2 – Type “DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHeath” and press enter.

Step 3 – It will scan your whole system for malware, and all the system files even. It’s like a full computer scan.

Step 4 – Restart your system after the scan.

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Conclusion

Hope all these solutions will help you solve the issue of Critical process died. Once, these issues are gone, it’s highly unlikely that it’ll occur again. But make sure the same mistakes are not repeated again.