How to Fix the CRITICAL PROCESS DIED Error in Windows 10

The CRITICAL PROCESS DIED error in Windows 10 is a common issue that results in the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). This message indicates that a critical system process has failed, preventing the system from functioning. In this guide, we’ll explore the possible causes of this error and effective methods to resolve it.

Main Causes of the CRITICAL PROCESS DIED Error

This error can result from a variety of causes, including:

  • Corrupted system files. During updates or usage, some system files may become corrupted, leading to system instability.
  • Hardware issues. Hardware failures, such as problems with the hard drive, memory, or other components, can trigger the error.
  • Driver conflicts. Incorrect or outdated device drivers can cause OS malfunctions.
  • Malware or viruses. Harmful software can damage essential files, leading to critical errors.

Methods to Fix the CRITICAL PROCESS DIED Error

1. Run a System File Check

An effective way to repair the system is by checking and restoring corrupted files using the built-in System File Checker (SFC):

  1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Press Win + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
  2. Enter the command sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete and restart your computer if prompted.

2. Check for Windows Updates

Microsoft frequently releases updates that can resolve system errors:

  1. Go to “Settings” -> “Update & Security” -> “Windows Update”.
  2. Click “Check for updates” and install any available updates.

3. Run a Disk Check

Hard drive issues can cause errors like this one. Run a disk check to find and fix potential issues:

  1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Enter the command chkdsk /f /r and press Enter.
  3. You’ll be asked to restart your computer for the disk check – confirm and reboot.

4. Check and Update Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can be the root of this error:

  1. Open Device Manager (press Win + X and select “Device Manager”).
  2. Look for devices with yellow exclamation marks and try updating their drivers.

5. Use System Restore

If the error started after installing new software or updates, try performing a system restore:

  1. Go to “Settings” -> “Update & Security” -> “Recovery”.
  2. Select “Open System Restore” and follow the on-screen instructions.