Fix Kernel Security Check Failure error on Windows 10

Getting “Kernel Security Check Failure” (Stop Code: 0x00000139) blue screen on Windows 10 or 11? This error indicates that the Windows kernel detected corruption in a critical system data structure, such as a stack cookie, LIST_ENTRY, or an invalid parameter. 

Let’s make it simple: the kernel is the core engine of Windows think of it like the heart of your computer. It controls everything memory, files, hardware, and security. However, if for some reason Windows detects something unsafe happening (such as a program trying to access memory it shouldn’t), the kernel stops everything immediately. This is actually protective behavior it crashes on purpose to prevent serious damage to your system.

So when you see KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE, it means:

Windows detected something that could damage your system (such as a memory access error or a broken driver), so it crashed to prevent things from getting worse.

What Causes Kernel Security Check Failure?

This error usually triggers when the Windows kernel detects corruption, inconsistencies, or unauthorized access in critical data structures or memory. It could be due to outdated, faulty, or incompatible drivers, particularly after OS upgrades or new hardware installations, that attempt to access memory they are not authorized to access.

• Outdated or Incompatible Drivers: A driver attempting to improperly access memory, common after an update or with new hardware, is the primary cause.
• Memory Corruption (Bad RAM): Faulty RAM modules or improperly seated memory can corrupt data, forcing a shutdown.
• Corrupted System Files: Vital Windows system files may be damaged or missing.
• Software conflicts with third-party applications, especially low-level tools like performance boosters, driver utilities, or game mods.
• Malware Infections: Viruses or malicious files may disrupt the system and compromise kernel integrity.
• Overclocking hardware components beyond their factory limits can lead to system instability. 

Sometimes the error references files like ntkrnlmp.exe. This file is part of the Windows kernel itself. Usually, it’s not the real cause, but a sign that something else (like a bad driver) triggered a kernel crash.

How to fis Kernel security check failure on Windows 10

Let’s start with the basics first. Many users fix the problem at step 1 or 2:

1. Restart Your PC: A simple reboot can clear temporary glitches or incomplete updates.
2. Disconnect USB Devices: Unplug external drives, USB hubs, printers, and other devices. A faulty device or driver can cause this stop code.
3. Boot Into Safe Mode: Safe Mode loads only basic drivers. If the error disappears in Safe Mode, it’s likely caused by a driver or third‑party software.
4. Undo Recent Updates or Changes: If the kernel security check failure appeared after a Windows 10/11 update, driver install, or new software:
   • Uninstall the recent update
   • Roll back the driver
   • Or remove the new app

If the BSOD keeps returning, move on to the detailed fixes below.

Note: If due to this blue screen error Windows 10 restarts frequently, boot into safe mode and perform following steps below.

Update Drivers (Most Effective Fix)

Faulty or incompatible drivers are one of the top causes of this error. When a driver misbehaves, it may attempt to access memory in ways that Windows considers unsafe. This can trigger the KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE stop code.

To check if the error is caused by a faulty drive, run an automatic driver update or manually update the drivers to the latest available versions. Install the latest drivers for any newly installed hardware device. If no new hardware has been installed, make sure you have the latest drivers for the following devices.

• Graphics card (GPU) drivers
• Storage / SATA / NVMe drivers
• Chipset drivers

When a driver sends invalid instructions or accesses memory incorrectly, the kernel sees this as unsafe and triggers a crash to protect your system.

To update device drivers

• Press Windows + X and click Device Manager.
• This will display all installed device driver lists.
• You just have to find the device that is yellow-marked.
• Right-click on the device, select Update Driver Software, and follow the instructions to get driver updates.

If you didn’t find any update for the driver, you can uninstall it from here. Download the best driver for the specific device from the manufacturer’s website and install it.

Get the Latest Driver from Manufacturer

Download drivers directly from:

• Your laptop/PC manufacturer (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.)
• Or your GPU vendor: NVIDIA, AMD, Intel

Install the latest stable version and restart your PC.

Run System Scans (Repair Corrupted Files)

As discussed before, if system files are corrupt or missing, you may encounter different blue screen errors on Windows 10. You may need to repair corrupted system files on Windows to resolve this Blue Screen of Death error. Run the system file checker utility that finds out the protected files are overwritten by incorrect files, it will extract the correct system file from the system file backup (namely dllcache) and replace the incorrect file. In addition, DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) repairs the Windows image used by SFC.

• Press Start and type cmd. Right‑click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
• First, run the DISM restore health command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, then sfc /scannow.
• This will start to scan your system for all its important system files and replace them where necessary.
• Wait until the SFC utility 100% completes the scan and repair of system files. Restart your computer and check if your computer works smoothly.

Check Your RAM for errors (Very Important)

Faulty RAM is a silent killer. It causes random crashes that point to kernel errors. Windows 10 has a Memory Diagnostic Tool which you can use to check for possible memory problems, including test the Random Access Memory (RAM) on your computer. Run it and see if it throws up any issues.

• Press Windows Key and type memory
• Click Windows Memory Diagnostic
• Select Restart now and check for problems

• This Will Restart your Windows and check for Memory Errors.
• You will see a page showing the progress of the check and the number of passes it will run on memory.
• If you don’t see any error here, it’s likely that your memory card is not causing any issues.

After restart, you’ll see a message saying “No problems detected” or listing issues If it finds problems, your RAM is faulty and needs replacement.

Replace Faulty RAM

If tests show memory problems or your system crashes with different random errors:

• Consider replacing the RAM module that’s failing.
• If your PC is under warranty, contact the manufacturer.

Check Hard Disk For Errors

Again, a faulty hard drive or bad sectors on an HDD can also cause a Kernel Security Check Failure in Windows 10. Run the built-in chkdsk tool that verifies the file system integrity of a volume and fixes logical file system errors if any.

• Open the command prompt as administrator,
• In the command prompt window, type chkdsk c: /f /r and press the Enter key.

Tip: CHKDSK is short of Check Disk, C: is the drive letter you want to check, /F means fix disk errors and /R stands for recover information from bad sectors.

• When it prompts “Would you like to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts? (Y/N)”. Answer Yes to that question by pressing the Y key on your keyboard and press Enter. Restart your computer.

After restarting, the disk-checking operation should start. Wait until Windows check your disk for errors. Once the checking process completes Windows automatically restarts and starts normally.

Scan for Malware

Malware or unwanted programs can hook into system processes, drivers, or critical files and cause instability. A full system scan eliminates this possibility:

1. Click Start → Settings → Privacy & security → Windows Security.
2. Click Virus & threat protection.
3. Choose Scan options.
4. Select Full scan and click Scan now.

Let the scan complete and follow any recommendations to remove threats.

If you use a third‑party antivirus, run a full system scan there as well.

Update Windows 10

Microsoft regularly releases Windows updates with various bug fixes and security improvements. Installing the latest Windows update fixes previous problems and updates device drivers that might be causing the blue screen error.

1. Press Windows key + x and select settings,
2. Click on Update & Security, then hit the check for updates button,
3. This will start downloading available Windows updates from the Microsoft server.
4. In addition, click on the download and install link under optional updates (if available)

Once done reboot your PC to apply them and check the status of the blue screen error.

If your kernel security check failure started after a specific update, you may also try uninstalling that update from:

Settings → Windows Update → Update history → Uninstall updates

Disable Overclocking

If you’ve overclocked your CPU, GPU, or RAM (through BIOS/UEFI or software), this can make your system unstable. Even if benchmarks look fine, long‑term use or specific workloads can trigger BSODs like KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE.

Reset BIOS/UEFI to Default

1. Restart your PC.
2. Press the key to enter BIOS/UEFI (usually F2, F10, Del, Esc – it appears briefly on the screen).
3. Look for an option like:
   • Load Setup Defaults
   • Load Optimized Defaults
   • Reset to Default
4. Save and exit.

This will remove manual overclocks and return your hardware to stable factory settings.

If you use overclocking software (e.g., MSI Afterburner), reset all settings to default or uninstall it.

Use System Restore

If the kernel security check failure BSOD started after a recent change (new driver, software, update), System Restore can roll your system back to a working state.

Note: System Restore affects system files and settings, not your personal documents.

1. Press Start, type Create a restore point, and open it.
2. In the System Properties window, click System Restore.
3. Click Next. Select a restore point dated before you first saw the BSOD.
4. Click Next → Finish.

Your PC will restart and restore Windows settings to that earlier date.

Check if the kernel security check failure error is gone.

How to Prevent Kernel Security Check Failure Errors

Once your system is stable again, these habits can reduce the chances of seeing this stop code in the future.

• Keep drivers updated: Regularly update your GPU, chipset, and storage drivers from trusted sources (manufacturer websites).
• Install Windows updates: Don’t ignore important updates. They often include stability and security fixes.
• Avoid cracked or pirated software: These can include hidden malware, rootkits, or unsafely modified system files that trigger BSODs.
• Run regular system scans: Use Windows Security or a trusted antivirus for weekly or monthly scans.
• Don’t overclock unnecessarily: Overclocking can offer small performance gains but may reduce stability. If you need reliability, stick to default settings.
• Watch your hardware health: If you notice random freezes, clicks from the hard drive, or frequent BSODs, test RAM and drives sooner rather than later.

Frequently Asked Questions

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