How to Fix and Survive the Dreaded Kernel Security Check Failure BSOD in Windows

How to Fix and Survive the Dreaded Kernel Security Check Failure BSOD in Windows

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Written By Eric Sandler

A Quick and Easy Fix

The Kernel Security Check Failure is a common Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error that affects Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems. It typically occurs due to driver issues, file corruption, or even hardware malfunctions.

When this error appears, your computer will crash and restart, which can be frustrating if it happens repeatedly. Fortunately, there are several methods to fix this error and prevent it from occurring again. Here’s how you can troubleshoot and survive the Kernel Security Check Failure BSOD.

What Causes the Kernel Security Check Failure?

This BSOD can be triggered by several factors, including:

  • Corrupt or outdated drivers.
  • Incompatible or malfunctioning hardware.
  • Corrupt system files.
  • Memory or hard drive errors.
  • Virus or malware infections.

Now let’s go through the methods to resolve this issue.

Method 1: Boot into Safe Mode

If you can’t boot your system normally due to the BSOD error, you should start your troubleshooting in Safe Mode. Safe Mode starts your computer with only the essential drivers and processes, making it easier to identify the cause of the problem.

Step 1: Enter Safe Mode

  1. Restart your computer. If it crashes again during startup, repeat the restart three times to trigger Automatic Repair mode.
  2. Select Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings and click Restart.
  3. Once your PC restarts, press 4 or F4 to boot into Safe Mode.

Now you can safely proceed with troubleshooting.

Method 2: Check for Corrupt or Outdated Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause of the Kernel Security Check Failure error. You can check for and update drivers through Device Manager.

Step 1: Update or Roll Back Drivers

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Look for any devices with a yellow warning symbol, indicating a driver issue.
  3. Right-click the device and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

If the BSOD started after a recent driver update, consider rolling back the driver:

  1. Right-click the problematic device and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Driver tab and choose Roll Back Driver.

Restart your computer to see if the error is resolved.

Method 3: Run a System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Corrupted system files can also lead to the Kernel Security Check Failure BSOD. Running a System File Checker (SFC) scan can help repair these files.

Step 1: Run SFC Scan

  1. Press Windows + X and choose Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. In the terminal, type the following command and press Enter:
   sfc /scannow
  1. Wait for the scan to complete. If any corrupted files are found, they will be automatically repaired.

Restart your PC after the scan and check if the BSOD still occurs.

Method 4: Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

Memory issues can also trigger the Kernel Security Check Failure error. Running the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool will help detect and fix any problems with your RAM.

Step 1: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic

  1. Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
  2. Choose Restart now and check for problems.
  3. Your computer will reboot and the diagnostic tool will check for memory issues.

Once the scan is complete, Windows will show the results. If memory issues are found, you may need to replace your RAM.

Method 5: Check for Disk Errors with CHKDSK

Hard drive or SSD issues can cause the Kernel Security Check Failure BSOD. Running a Check Disk (CHKDSK) scan can help detect and fix these disk-related issues.

Step 1: Run CHKDSK

  1. Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   chkdsk C: /f /r

(Replace C: with your system drive if needed.)

  1. If prompted, type Y to schedule the disk check for the next restart.

Restart your computer, and the CHKDSK scan will run, repairing any detected errors.

Method 6: Update Windows

Sometimes, the Kernel Security Check Failure error is caused by system bugs that can be fixed with a Windows update.

Step 1: Check for Updates

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
  3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

Once updated, restart your PC and check if the BSOD issue is resolved.

Method 7: Perform a System Restore

If the error started occurring after a recent change—such as installing new software, drivers, or updates—using System Restore to roll your system back to a previous point can help.

Step 1: Use System Restore

  1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
  2. In the System Restore window, select a restore point from before the error occurred.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system.

Once the restore is complete, restart your PC and check if the problem persists.

Method 8: Uninstall Recently Installed Software

If the BSOD error began after installing new software, the program may be causing the issue. Uninstalling the software may resolve the error.

Step 1: Uninstall Problematic Software

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Apps > Apps & Features.
  3. Find the recently installed software, select it, and click Uninstall.

Restart your computer and see if the BSOD still occurs.

Method 9: Reset Windows

If all other methods fail, resetting Windows may be your best option. This will reinstall Windows while allowing you to keep or remove your personal files.

Step 1: Reset Your PC

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Update & Security > Recovery.
  3. Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
  4. Choose either Keep my files or Remove everything, depending on your preference.

Follow the on-screen instructions to reset Windows.

Conclusion

The Kernel Security Check Failure BSOD in Windows 10 or 11 can be caused by several factors, from outdated drivers to corrupted system files and hardware issues. By following the steps in this guide, you can troubleshoot and resolve the error. Start with easier fixes like updating drivers and running system scans, and if necessary, move on to more advanced solutions like performing a system restore or resetting Windows.

With a methodical approach, you’ll be able to fix the BSOD and get your system running smoothly again.

Eric Sandler

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