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Critical process died error on Windows 10 (Solved) 2024

Outdate drivers could cause Critical Process Died blue screen of death error. You can try updating all the device drivers to the latest versions to fix it.

The “Critical Process Died” error is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error indicates that a critical system process in the operating system has unexpectedly terminated.  This could be due to various reasons, including hardware issues, driver conflicts, corrupted system files, or problems with system updates. Outdated or incompatible drivers,  faulty hardware components, software conflict or Corrupted System File are common reasons behind this blue screen error. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot Critical process died error on Windows 10.

“Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We’re just collecting some error info, and then we’ll restart for you. (0% complete) If you’d like to know more, you search online later for this error: CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED”

Why Critical Process Died Error

The “Critical Process Died” error on Windows 10 usually occurs when an important process necessary for the system to function properly unexpectedly stops, resulting in a blue screen. Several factors can lead to this particular BSOD:

  1. Faulty Device Drivers or Misconfigured Services: This is the most common cause. It happens when a Windows service encounters a severe error during startup or if a device driver is improperly configured or has a bug that causes a crash during startup.
  2. Damaged System Drivers: If a system driver becomes corrupted due to factors like virus attacks, power outages, or disk write errors, it can lead to this error.
  3. Compatibility Issues: When upgrading to a new system, if the hardware or drivers are not updated to match, compatibility problems can arise. This can result in frequent restarts and reduced performance.
  4. RAM Problems: If there’s an issue with the computer’s memory, it can trigger the blue screen or the 0x000000EF error.
  5. Corrupted or Modified System Files: If certain essential files in the system become corrupted or are tampered with, it can lead to the need for repeated restarts.
  6. Disk with Bad Sectors: Over time, a hard drive may develop bad sectors. This can contribute to the problem, especially if they’re in critical areas of the system.

Disconnect external devices

Some hardware devices may conflict with each other or with system processes, leading to errors. Removing external devices reduces the chances of such conflicts. This can include external hard drives, printers, scanners, webcams, extra monitors, etc.

  • Make sure to properly shut down your computer before disconnecting any hardware.
  • Check if the “Critical Process Died” error still occurs. If it doesn’t, this suggests that one of the disconnected devices may have been contributing to the problem.
  • If the error does not occur after disconnecting non-essential hardware, reconnect them one at a time, restarting your computer after each reconnection. This will help identify if a specific device is causing the issue.

Start computer in safe mode

Well If you’re experiencing the “CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED” error and your PC won’t start normally, it’s a good idea to try booting into Safe Mode. Safe Mode starts Windows with only essential drivers and services, which can help you diagnose and resolve the issue.

Safe Mode Boot

Disable Fast Startup Feature

Fast Startup is a feature in Windows that combines elements of traditional shutdown and hibernation. While it can speed up boot times, it can also sometimes cause conflicts or errors. Disabling the Fast Startup feature can help troubleshoot certain Windows issues, including the “Critical Process Died” error.

  • Press Windows key + R, type powercfg.cpl and click ok
  • Click on “Choose what the power buttons do” on the left sidebar.
  • Click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable”.
  • Scroll down and uncheck “Turn on fast startup (recommended)”.
  • Click “Save changes”.

Turn off Fast Startup on windows 10

Update Device Driver

Device drivers enable communication between hardware components and the operating system. When a driver becomes outdated or incompatible with the system, it can lead to conflicts, crashes, and even system errors like the “CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED” BSOD. Updating device drivers is a crucial step in troubleshooting this error.

  • Press Windows Key + X on your keyboard Select “Device Manager” from the list.
  • Expand the category containing the device you want to update. For example, to update your graphics card driver, expand “Display adapters.”
  • Right-click on the specific device that you want to update Choose “Update driver.”

In the “Update Driver Software” window, you will have two options:

  • “Search automatically for updated driver software”: This option allows Windows to search for the latest driver online.
  • “Browse my computer for driver software”: If you’ve downloaded the driver manually, use this option to browse and select the downloaded driver file.

If you choose “Search automatically for updated driver software,” Windows will search for the latest driver online. Follow the on-screen instructions.

If you have downloaded the driver from the manufacturer’s website, select “Browse my computer for driver software” and navigate to the location of the downloaded driver file. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Update display driver

After the driver update is complete, it’s usually a good practice to restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect.

Also, You can also visit the device manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver.

Run DISM and SFC command

corrupt system files can indeed lead to the “Critical Process Died” error on Windows 10. Running the System File Checker (sfc) and the Deployment Image Service and Management Tool (DISM) commands can be very helpful in resolving this issue.

System File Checker (sfc):

  • SFC scans and repairs corrupted or missing system files. If a vital system file is damaged or missing, it can lead to various errors, including the “CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED” BSOD.

Deployment Image Service and Management Tool (DISM):

  • DISM is used to prepare, modify, and repair system images, including Windows installations. It can be particularly useful if SFC doesn’t completely resolve the issue.

Here are the steps to run these commands:

  • Press Windows key + S, type cmd, and select run as administrator
  • When the command prompt opens, run Dism command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • Next, run the Run System File Checker command sfc /scannow

Let the scan run. It will attempt to repair any corrupt system files it finds, and once done reboot your PC.

Windows Memory Management Tool

If you still suffering from this problem after doing all repairing kinds of stuff for your windows. Then your computer RAM might be faulty. For this, you can use the Windows memory diagnostic tool to check your computer memory for Problems.

Memory diagnostic tool

Use System Restore point

Restore Points prove to be very useful in situations like this. This method is only useful for you if you already have a Restore point Created in the past. When your PC was Running Smooth as Butter.
For those who already have a Restore point created, Read How To Perform System Restore on Windows 10.

Refresh or Reinstall Windows

If nothing works from the things mentioned above, then you might very well be forced to Refresh or Reinstall Windows.  Refreshing Windows will keep your Personal data, but your base operating system will be reinstalled.

Reinstalling Windows will Remove Everything from your System Drive, which in most cases is C Drive. So you better take a backup of anything present in your C drive. This Option Pretty much guarantees to Solve critical process died Windows 10  Blue screen error.

To Refresh your PC, Simply Mouse hover on the right corner of your screen, Click on Settings > Change PC Settings > Update and Recovery > Recovery. Click Get Started just below “Refresh your PC without affecting your Files”. Read How To Refresh or Reinstall Windows 10

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