CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIEDCriticalCritical process died on Windows
What this error means
CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED means Windows stopped because an important system process failed. This often shows up as a blue screen during startup, after signing in, or while the computer is under heavy use. It usually points to a serious problem with system files, a driver, storage, or sometimes malware.
If it happens once, a restart may be enough. If it keeps happening, Windows needs attention before the system becomes harder to use.
Common causes
- 1Corrupted Windows system files
- 2A faulty or incompatible driver
- 3Problems with the hard drive or SSD
- 4Malware or other unwanted software
- 5Recent Windows updates or software changes
How to fix it
- Restart your computer. If this happened only once, restart and see whether Windows loads normally.
- Disconnect anything newly added. Unplug external drives, printers, USB accessories, and other recently connected devices, then try starting Windows again.
- Start Windows in Safe Mode. If the blue screen keeps coming back, boot into Safe Mode so Windows uses only the basic drivers it needs.
- Check for broken system files. In Safe Mode or after you can sign in normally, run Windows' built-in repair tools to look for damaged system files and restore them if needed.
- Install pending Windows updates. Updates can fix known stability issues and replace damaged components.
- Update or roll back drivers. Focus on storage, graphics, and chipset drivers first, especially if the problem started after a driver update or new hardware was installed.
- Scan for malware and check the drive. Run a full malware scan, then check whether your storage device is reporting errors or running low on free space.
Recommended fixes
Restart your device
A restart clears temporary state that often causes transient errors.
- Save your work and close open apps.
- Restart the device from the power menu.
- Reproduce the issue to check whether it persists.
Install Windows updates
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install everything available.
- Restart if prompted.
Boot into Safe Mode (Windows)
- Open Settings > System > Recovery and click Restart now under Advanced startup.
- Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- Press 4 (or 5 for Safe Mode with Networking).
Update your drivers (Windows)
- Open Device Manager.
- Right-click the affected device and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers.
Run System File Checker and DISM
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Run
sfc /scannowand let it complete. - Then run
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. - Restart your PC.
Scan for malware (Windows)
- Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
- Run a Full scan.
- Quarantine or remove anything detected, then restart.
When to seek help
Get professional help if CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED keeps happening after a restart, if Windows will not start even in Safe Mode, or if you hear unusual clicking from a hard drive. You should also worry if the issue began after a fall, power outage, or other physical damage, because the storage drive may be failing. If your files are important, stop repeated restart attempts and back them up as soon as you can access the system.
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