Quick Summary
The CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED error indicates that a critical system process has terminated unexpectedly. This often results in Windows shutting down to prevent further data corruption or system instability.
Common Causes
- Corrupted System Files: Damaged or missing system files, essential for Windows operation, can cause critical processes to fail.
- Driver Issues: Incompatible, outdated, or corrupted device drivers can lead to system instability and process crashes.
- Hardware Problems: Faulty hardware components, such as RAM or the hard drive, can corrupt data and cause critical processes to terminate.
- Malware Infection: Malicious software can interfere with system processes, leading to crashes and the CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED error.
- Overclocking: Unstable overclocking settings can push hardware beyond its limits, causing system instability and process failures.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Run System File Checker (SFC)
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Search for 'cmd', right-click on 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.
Step 2: Type `sfc /scannow` and press Enter.
Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete. SFC will automatically repair any corrupted system files it finds. Restart your computer after the scan.
Method 2: Update or Roll Back Device Drivers
Step 1: Open Device Manager. Right-click on the Start button and select 'Device Manager'.
Step 2: Check for devices with yellow exclamation marks, indicating driver issues.
Step 3: Right-click on the problematic device and select 'Update driver'. Choose 'Search automatically for drivers'. If no update is found, check the manufacturer's website for the latest driver.
Step 4: If updating doesn't work, or the issue started after a recent update, right-click on the device, select 'Properties', go to the 'Driver' tab, and click 'Roll Back Driver' (if available).
Method 3: Run Memory Diagnostic Tool
Step 1: Press the Windows key, type 'Windows Memory Diagnostic', and select the tool from the results.
Step 2: Choose 'Restart now and check for problems (recommended)'.
Step 3: The computer will restart and perform a memory test. After the test is complete, the computer will restart again, and the results will be displayed. Check the Event Viewer for more detailed results (Windows Logs > System).
Method 4: Check Disk for Errors
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator (as described in the SFC instructions).
Step 2: Type `chkdsk /f /r C:` and press Enter. (Replace 'C:' with the drive letter where Windows is installed if necessary).
Step 3: You may be prompted to schedule the disk check for the next restart. Type 'Y' and press Enter. Restart your computer for the check to run.
Method 5: Perform a Clean Boot
Step 1: Press Windows Key + R, type 'msconfig', and press Enter.
Step 2: In the System Configuration window, go to the 'Services' tab.
Step 3: Check 'Hide all Microsoft services' and then click 'Disable all'.
Step 4: Go to the 'Startup' tab and click 'Open Task Manager'.
Step 5: In Task Manager, disable all startup items.
Step 6: Close Task Manager and click 'Apply' and 'OK' in the System Configuration window.
Step 7: Restart your computer. If the problem is resolved, enable services and startup items one by one to identify the culprit.