How to Fix Critical Process Died BSoD Error in Windows 11

Last updated on February 9th, 2024 at 12:48 pm

There is a great deal of dread associated with Windows blue screens of death (BSOD), especially when they are followed by unrecognizable stop codes and error messages such as stop code critical process died. In Windows 11, Critical Process Died BSOD can occur randomly or appear when trying to boot into the operating system. It is also common for drivers to be incompatible, so you need to locate and update any problematic drivers you have. So, let’s get started with the fixes that we have for you to troubleshoot this stop code.

Contents

What is a Stop Code Critical Process Died Error?

In Windows OS, including Windows 11, the stop code Critical Process Died error causes a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). It occurs when a major system process crashes unexpectedly, leading to a system crash.

What are the causes of the critical process died error in Windows 11 PC?

Some of the common reasons for the critical process failure stop error and the BSOD are as follows:

Corrupted System Files: When vital system files are corrupt or missing, it can lead to critical processes ceasing to function.
Incompatible or Outdated Drivers: Drivers play a vital role in the performance of hardware. It is possible for incompatible or outdated drivers to cause conflicts and cause a system crash.
Hardware Issues: Hardware malfunctions, such as faulty RAM or hard drives, can cause critical errors. There are a number of things that can cause a “Critical Process Died” to occur, such as bad sectors on a hard drive or a malfunctioning RAM module.
Malware or Virus Infections: When malicious software compromises system processes and causes critical errors, it is termed malware or virus infection. The best way to prevent and remove malware is by using reliable antivirus software.
System Overheating: When the CPU or other components become overheated, the system can become unstable and crash.
Corrupted Windows Registry: This database stores configuration settings, so it can be impacted by changes to the Windows Registry.

Also Check:

How to Resolve Critical Process Died BSoD Error in Windows 11

So, here are some fixes that will surely help you troubleshoot this BSod stop code error on your Windows 11 PC:

Fix 1: Boot Into Safe Mode

Whenever you experience a problem booting into your PC normally, you should consider booting into safe mode. Here are the steps for booting into safe mode:

Initially, for 10 seconds, press and hold the power button to turn off your PC. If you’ve turned off your PC, turn it on, then turn it off while it’s booting. Make sure you repeat this process at least twice.
Once this is done a few times, you will see preparing automatic repair and be booted into automatic repair mode. Go to the advanced options screen, then click troubleshoot.
Click Advanced options on the troubleshooting screen.
Then, select the startup settings.
Now, select Enable Safe Mode.
Then click Restart.
For Safe Mode, press F5 after your computer reboots.

Fix 2: Run Hardware and Device Troubleshooter

To fix critical process died Windows 11 errors, use the built-in troubleshooting feature. Nevertheless, for Windows 11, you just need to follow these steps:

At first, go to the Start Menu and select Settings.
On the right pane, click Troubleshooter.
Select Other troubleshooters.
You should now run a couple of troubleshooters to check the hardware and device. If this fixes your blue screen critical process died error, let me know.

Fix 3: Uninstall Recently Installed Apps or Hardware

Whenever an issue occurs after installing an app, remove that app by following these steps:

Right-click the Start button when the mouse cursor is over it.
Afterward, select Installed Apps from the context menu.
Right-click the app in the list of apps and select Uninstall.

If you are disconnecting a USB cable from a hardware component, disconnect it. When your hardware is connected internally, shut down your PC and remove it. You should be able to resolve the blue screen critical process died issue after doing this.

Fix 4: Run SFC

It is possible to get the Critical Process Died error in Windows 11 when system files are corrupted. You should run an SFC scan to check for corrupted files and fix them if you are experiencing this error due to corrupted system files. Here are the steps you need to follow to run the SFC scan-

Using the Windows + X keys together, select Windows Terminal (Admin).
Run the following command: sfc /scannow
After the scan finishes, restart your computer and check for problems.
If the problems persist, run this command:
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Fix 5: Uninstall Windows Update

When you start getting the critical_process_died error on Windows 11, uninstall the Windows update that caused the problem. Follow the steps below to uninstall Windows Update:

On your PC, press Windows + I to open Settings.
In the settings menu, select Windows update.
To view all of your installed updates, click on update history.
Then click on the uninstall updates button.
On the next window, select the problematic update and click uninstall.
After you finish, restart your PC, and the stop code critical process died should no longer appear.

Fix 6: Update Drivers

Driver malfunctions are another likely cause of a stop code critical process failure. If any of those drivers need to be updated or repaired, it’s worth checking.

On the Taskbar, click Search, type device manager, and press Enter.
Check the list to see if there are any drivers with a yellow exclamation point. If you find it, right-click it and select Update Driver.

Fix 7: Perform a Clean Boot

In a clean boot, you are able to start Windows 11 PC with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can be helpful in determining if a software conflict has caused the Critical Process Died error. Essentially, it allows you to control the programs and services that start when Windows starts, similar to running the operating system in Safe Mode. To perform a clean boot, follow these steps:

At first, to open the Run dialog box, press Windows + R on your keyboard.
Using the keyboard, type msconfig.
Choose the Services tab in System Configuration.
Select Hide all Microsoft services, click Disable all, and then click Apply.
Then, select Open Task Manager under the Startup tab.
Using the Task Manager, select every startup item and click Disable.
In the System Configuration window, close the Task Manager and click OK.
Finally, restart your computer and see if the critical process died windows 11 error still occurs.

Bonus Tips: Proactive Measures

Regular Backups: Backing up your data regularly is crucial to preventing data loss in the event of a system failure.
Install Reliable Security Software: Make sure your system is protected from malware by using an antivirus program that is reputable.
Monitor System Temperature: If your computer is overheating, you may experience critical errors. With the help of third-party tools, you can monitor the temperature of your system.

Also Read:

So, that’s all we have for you on how to fix the Critical Process Died BSoD Error in Windows 11. Hopefully, you’ve been able to solve the stop code critical process died issue by following these steps. But, if you still have any questions regarding this topic, comment below and let us know.

How to Fix Critical Process Died BSoD Error in Windows 11

What is a Stop Code Critical Process Died Error?

What are the causes of the critical process died error in Windows 11 PC?