The terrific “blue screen of death”, infamously known as BSOD, can ruin your day. There are 500+ BSOD error codes, but the Critical Process Died Stop Code gets our attention.
BSODs are less common in Windows 10 than they were in the earlier models of the OS. But it happens, it is still irritating.
Contents
- 1 What Is the “Critical Process Died” Stop Code?
- 2 How to Resolve Windows 10 Issue:
- 2.1 Execute the Hardware and Device Troubleshooting Tool
- 2.2 Run the System File Checker
- 2.3 Run an Antivirus Scan
- 2.4 Run the Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management Tool
- 2.5 Update Your Drivers
- 2.6 Uninstall Recent Windows Updates
- 2.7 Perform a Clean Boot
- 2.8 Restore Your System
- 2.9 Update the BIOS
- 2.10 Reset or Reinstall
- 2.11 Conclusion:
What Is the “Critical Process Died” Stop Code?
A critical process suddenly stopping is responsible for the lots of BSODs. You must know if you’re a loser as you’ll view error code 0x000000EF on the blue crash screen.
At its basic level, the reason is simple—a background process that Windows depends on has become corrupted or damaged. It could either stopped fully, or its data has been wrongly changed.
Also, it becomes difficult to pinpoint the precise problem. Everything from unsure drivers to memory bugs could be the reason. Worse still, there is the case in which the BSOD could arise. Probably it happens when you’re gaming, once you log into your PC, when you open a specific app, or when you wake your system from sleep.
How to Resolve Windows 10 Issue:
The variety of possible reasons means there are many steps you want to work through. Let’s take a brief look at how you resolve the Critical Process Died stop code in Windows 10.
Execute the Hardware and Device Troubleshooting Tool
Before we going onto the more difficult fix, let’s start with the simplest one.
Windows also offer a wide range of specialized troubleshooting tools. One of them particularly built for hardware and device problems.
If you want to execute the tool. Head over to the Settings app and move to Update and Security > Troubleshoot. Move down and choose Hardware and Devices, then tap on Run the troubleshooter. Your system can spend a few times scan for issues and report back with its findings.
Run the System File Checker
The other step is to execute the System File Checker tool. It’s a well-known utility that can cure a huge variety of Windows-based aliments after repaired damaged or wrongly modified system files.
Also, it’s not always essential. However, people can run it out of habit many necessities. Also, in the case of the 0x000000EF error code, it’s a difficult troubleshooting step.
If you want to run the checker, you want to fire up Command Prompt as an admin. The simplest way is to execute a search for cmd, right-tap on the result, and choose Run as administrator.
When you open the Command Prompt, write sfc /scannow, and hit Enter. The process probably takes a while to complete. When it’s done, you’ll then view an on-screen list of any issues and the steps that the scan took to remedy them.
Remember you restart your PC before continuing to work.
Run an Antivirus Scan
The stop code is the reason 0f viruses on your PC. Viruses can alter PC files and processes and make them unusable.
You can also use your Windows Defender or your third-party antivirus suite of choice. Simply remember you execute a deep, full-system scan.
Run the Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management Tool
If you’re still facing errors, it’s time to move on to the Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management (DISM) tool. It will then repair a damaged system image.
The tool has three switches:
- /ScanHealth,
- /CheckHealth
- /RestoreHealth
If you want to use DISM, head over to the Command Prompt as an administrator using the steps mentioned earlier. When the app is open, write DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
The process typically takes 10 minutes and half an hour. Don’t be alarmed when the progress bar pauses on 20% for a few minutes, it is expected behavior.
When the scan finished, restart your PC.
Update Your Drivers
The worst drivers are one of the most common reasons for the stop code. Also, it’s sensible to check that none of them needs updates.
If you want to check the status of your drivers, right-tap on the Start tile. Then choose Device Manager, and scan through the list to view whether any devices have a yellow exclamation point with them.
After you find an exclamation point, right-tap on the device in question and select Update Driver Software from the context menu.
Uninstall Recent Windows Updates
If your issue has only just begun, a current Windows update could be to blame. Also, it’s easy to uninstall recent updates so you can then view if your problems go away.
If you want to uninstall an update, head over to the Settings app and move to Update and Security > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall Updates. Indicated the update you wish to erase from your PC, then press the Uninstall button located at the top of the window.
Perform a Clean Boot
Well, a clean boot is a start-up mode that uses the few processes, drivers, and programs. Once your PC is running, you can begin to load the missing processes to isolate the issue.
If you want to clean boot your PC, follow the steps given below:
Step 1:
Head over to the Windows search bar
Step 2:
Write System Configuration and hit Enter
Step 3:
Tap on the Services tab
Step 4:
Uncheck the checkbox located next to Hide all Microsoft Services
Step 5:
Tap on the Disable All button
Step 6:
Choose the Startup tab
Step 7:
Then tap on Open Task Manager
Step 8:
In the new windows, tap on the Startup tab again
Step 9:
Turn off all the items in the list
Step 10:
Restart your PC
Restore Your System
You can also try to roll back your PC to an earlier state after using the System Restore tool. This choice is only a possibility if you have turned on the creation of restore points earlier to your stop code issue starting.
If you want to use the System Restore tool, head over to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Get Started > Keep Files and follow the steps.
Update the BIOS
Finally, you can try to update your PCs BIOS.
Unfortunately, there is not a standardized technique to do so; it relies on your PC manufacturer. So head over to the company’s support literature for support or guidance.
Reset or Reinstall
If none of the above tips resolve your issue, then it’s time to throw your PC against the nearest wall and move to the shops?
Well, there’s only one throw of the dice that is still remaining. The last fix is to reset Windows or reinstall a fresh copy of Windows. But, if it also fails then it means you have a hardware problem on your hands.
Conclusion:
Here’s all about “Critical Process Died”. Whatever the given methods you used, you can easily fix the ‘Critical Process Died’ issue. If you want to share any other thing regarding the article then let us know below. For further queries and questions let us know in the comment section below!
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