Critical Process Died Error in Windows 10

The “Critical Process Died” error stop code 0x000000EF, usually occurs when a crucial process required by Windows terminates unexpectedly. You may encounter this error while booting your computer, running resource-intensive applications, or performing routine tasks. Some users report Critical Process Died Error after Windows update or installing new software or hardware device. Well, Incompatible or nonfunctional device drivers, Corrupt system files, buggy Windows updates, Malware infections or software conflicts are some of the common reasons behind this.

How to fix Critical Process Died error

If your Windows 10 computer suddenly goes into a blue screen, and it says you’re having a CRITICAL PROCESS DIED error Don’t worry here we have step by step guide on how to fix Critical Process Died in Windows 10.

First of all remove all external devices connected to your computer including secondary monitors, printers, phones, external hard drives and other USB devices and try to start Windows normally.

Sometimes after a simple restart windows starts normally but for some other users windows frequently restarts with this BSOD error. That causes you need to Boot into safe mode to apply the solutions below to fix this Windows 10 critical process Died loop.

safe mode Windows 10

Update or Reinstall Device Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are among the most common reasons for BSOD errors. Drivers serve as a communication bridge between hardware and the operating system. If they are outdated, incompatible, or corrupted, they can cause the system to crash. Updating drivers ensures compatibility with the operating system and addresses known bugs or issues.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the relevant category (e.g., Display Adapters, Network Adapters).
  3. Right-click on the suspect device and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software to let Windows find and install the latest version.
  5. If no updates are found, visit the manufacturer’s website, download the latest driver, and install it manually.

Update display driver software

Steps to Reinstall Drivers

  1. In Device Manager, right-click the problematic device and select Uninstall device.
  2. Check the box for Delete the driver software for this device and confirm.
  3. Restart your computer. Windows will attempt to reinstall the default driver automatically.

Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tools

Corrupted or missing system files can cause the “Critical Process Died” error. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tools can detect and repair such issues. These tools ensure the integrity of system files and repair corrupted files, stabilizing the operating system.

  • Press Windows key + S and type cmd, right click on command prompt and select run as administrator,
  • Type command sfc /scannow and press enter key to scan and repair system files,
  • This will take 15-20 minutes to complete, depending on the system file corruption level,

system file checker utility Windows 10

  • Next run DISM restore health command, dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth to scan and repair the system image.
  • Once the scanning is complete 100% reboot your computer and check if the BSOD error is gone.

Run Memory Management Tool

Again, Faulty hardware, particularly RAM or the hard drive, can lead to system instability. You can use the Windows memory diagnostic tool to check your computer memory for Problems. Also, run chkdsk command to scan and fix disk drive errors and bad sectors. Diagnosing and replacing failing hardware ensures stable system performance.

To Test RAM:

  1. Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and hit Enter.
  2. Choose Restart now and check for problems.
  3. Allow the tool to complete its scan during the reboot.

Memory Diagnostic Tool 

To Check Hard Drive errors:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Type command chkdsk C: /f /r and press enterkey
  3. Press Y and press enter to schedule the scan on next boot, then restart your PC.
  4. This will scan the hard drive for errors and fix them if possible

Use System Restore point

If the issue started recently, a System Restore can revert your system to a previous state where it functioned correctly. Restoring your system eliminates recent changes that might have triggered the error.

For those who already have a Restore point created, Read How To Perform System Restore on Windows 10.

  1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui.exe, and hit Enter.
  2. Follow the prompts to choose a restore point and complete the process.

perform system restore

Disable Fast Startup Feature

A number of Windows users report Disable Fast Startup Feature Fix Most of the blue Screen errors for them. Fast Startup (hybrid Shutdown Feature) introduced on Windows 10 Reduces startup time and make Windows start faster. But Some Times fast Startup feature Cause different Problems. So We recommend just disable The Fast Startup feature to prevent feature BSOD error on Windows 10.

To Disable Fast Startup Feature:

  • Open the Control panel, Search for and select power options.
  • Click on Choose What the Power Buttons Do
  • Next, click on Change Settings that are Currently Unavailable.
  • Here uncheck the Turn on Fast Startup option (recommended) to disable the Fast Startup Feature.

Fast Startup

Uninstall Recent Updates or Applications

Sometimes, newly installed software or updates can conflict with the system. Removing recent changes helps identify and resolve compatibility issues.

  1. Press Windows + I and go to Apps.
  2. Locate and uninstall any recently installed applications.
  3. Navigate to Update & Security > View update history.
  4. Select Uninstall updates and remove any recent updates.

In addition, Malware can interfere with critical system processes, causing unexpected crashes. Scanning for and removing malware ensures that your system operates without interference from malicious software.

Steve Ballmer
With over 7 years of experience in the IT industry, I have experience in IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. Certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.