Windows 11 critical process died Error (Blue screen of Death) solved 2024
How to get rid of the STOP code Critical Process Died error and prevent it from being triggered again on Windows 11 PC.
Encountering the “Critical Process Died” error on your Windows 11 system can be a frustrating experience, disrupting your workflow and potentially leading to data loss if not addressed promptly. This error is typically accompanied by a blue screen and a message indicating that your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. While the exact cause of this error can vary, Corrupted System Files, Incompatible or Outdated Drivers, Software Compatibility Issues or faulty hardware are common. Here are some of effective solutions to Troubleshoot and fix Critical Process Died error on Windows 11.
What Causes the “Critical Process Died” Error?
The “Critical Process Died” error is usually related to issues with critical system processes or drivers on your Windows 11 system. Some common causes include:
- Corrupted System Files: Damage to essential system files can lead to this error.
- Faulty Hardware: Issues with hardware components such as RAM, hard drive, or CPU can trigger the error.
- Incompatible or Outdated Drivers: Using outdated or incompatible drivers can cause conflicts that result in error.
- Software Compatibility Issues: Certain software applications or recent installations may not be compatible with Windows 11, leading to system instability.
- Malware Infections: The presence of malware or viruses on your system can interfere with critical processes and trigger the error.
Restart Your Computer
Restarting your computer can often resolve temporary issues that may be causing the “Critical Process Died” error. If you’re unable to restart normally due to the error, try booting into Safe Mode. Safe Mode starts Windows with only essential drivers and services, which can help isolate and troubleshoot the problem. To boot into Safe Mode, restart your computer and repeatedly press the F8 key until you see the Advanced Boot Options menu. From there, select “Safe Mode” and press Enter.
Run System File Checker (SFC)
The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows tool that scans and repairs corrupted system files. To run SFC, open Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Command Prompt (Admin).” Then, type the command sfc /scannow and press Enter. Allow the scan to complete, and follow any on-screen instructions to repair corrupted files.
Check for Windows Updates
Keeping your Windows 11 system up-to-date is essential for security and stability. To check for updates, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Click on “Check for updates” and allow Windows to download and install any available updates. Make sure to restart your computer after installing updates to apply them properly.
Update Device Drivers
Outdated or incompatible device drivers can cause conflicts and trigger the “Critical Process Died” error. To update drivers, you can manually download and install them from the manufacturer’s website or use third-party driver update software. Alternatively, you can use Device Manager to update drivers. Right-click the Start button, select “Device Manager,” right-click on the device you want to update, and choose “Update driver.”
Perform Memory Diagnostic
Memory issues can also cause the “Critical Process Died” error. Windows includes a built-in tool called Windows Memory Diagnostic to check for memory problems. To run the Memory Diagnostic tool, open Start, type “Windows Memory Diagnostic,” and select the option to restart and check for memory problems. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the memory test.
Scan for Malware
Malware infections can interfere with critical system processes and lead to the “Critical Process Died” error. Run a full system scan with a reputable antivirus or antimalware program to detect and remove any malware or viruses. Ensure that your antivirus software is up-to-date before scanning your system.
Check Hardware Components
Hardware issues, such as faulty RAM modules or a failing hard drive, can cause the error. Physically inspect your hardware components for any signs of damage or malfunction. Additionally, you can use diagnostic tools, such as Windows’ built-in Hardware and Devices troubleshooter or third-party diagnostic software, to identify hardware problems.
Perform System Restore
If you recently made significant changes to your system or installed new software before encountering the error, consider performing a System Restore to revert your system to a previous state when it was functioning correctly. System Restore allows you to roll back system changes without affecting your personal files. To perform a System Restore, search for “System Restore” in the Start menu, open the utility, and follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system to a previous restore point.
Reset or Reinstall Windows
If all else fails and the error persists, you may need to reset your Windows 11 system or perform a clean reinstall. Resetting your PC reinstalls Windows while keeping your personal files intact, while a clean reinstall removes all files and reinstalls Windows from scratch. Before resetting or reinstalling Windows, make sure to back up your important files to avoid data loss.
