Solving Windows 10 Critical Process Died: Easy Fixes

This error causes Windows 10 to crash suddenly. This error occurs when a critical system process fails to work correctly.

Don’t panic if you encounter this error! This guide will provide you with the steps to correct it and possible causes. In this article we guide you how Solving Windows 10 Critical Process Died: Easy Fixes

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What causes the error “Critical Process Dies”?

This error can be caused by several factors, including

Windows files can be corrupted.
Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible driver.

Hardware problems – Hard drives, RAM or other components that are failing.
Malware and Viruses: Harmful software that interferes with the system’s processes.
Windows Updates – A recent update causing system instability.

Fixes Step-by-Step for the “Critical Process Dies” Error

Fix 1: Restart your computer in Safe Mode

Safe Mode is a good option if you are unable to access Windows.

How to enter Safe Mode

Press the power button and turn your computer back on.
Force your PC to shut down when Windows begins loading (hold the power button for a few seconds until it turns off).

Continue this process three times to access Advanced Startup Mode.
Select Advanced Options, Startup Settings and Restart.
Select Enable Safe Mode With Networking (Option 5)

If your PC starts in Safe Mode and does not crash, it is most likely a driver or software issue.

Fix 2: Run System File Checker and DISM

The “Critical Process died” error can be caused by corrupt system files. These files can be repaired by running SFC and DISM.

How to run SFC and DISM

Open Command Prompt (Press Win + S and type “cmd”). Right-click to choose “Run As Administrator”.

Type the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

Wait for the scan to complete. If errors are found, they will be repaired automatically.

Next, type these DISM commands one by one, pressing Enter after each

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart your PC and check if the error is resolved.

Fix 3: Update Drivers or Rollback Drivers

The “Critical Process Died error” can be caused by faulty drivers. Update or roll back drivers to fix the problem.

How to update drivers:

Select Device Manager by pressing Win + X.

Watch out for drivers who have a yellow warning signal (especially audio and display drivers).
Click the driver, then choose Update driver to search for drivers automatically.
Restart your PC after updating.

How to roll back drivers:

Open Device Manager.
Click on the driver you just updated and select Properties.

Select Roll back Driver from the Driver tab (if it is available).
Start your computer and see if you can fix the problem.

Fix 4: Perform a Clean Boot

The Clean Boot will help you identify the software conflict that is causing your error.

How to Clean a Boot

Enter msconfig by pressing Win + R.
Hide all Microsoft Services can be selected in the Services tab.

Click Disable All to disable unnecessary services.
Click on the Open Task Manager button under the Startup tab.
Disable startup programs by removing them one at a time.

Start your computer and see if you can fix the problem.

Fix 5: Run Windows Memory Diagnosis Tool

Windows may crash if your RAM is defective. Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool is able to check for problems.

Memory Diagnostics:

Enter mdsched.exe by pressing Win + R.
Click Restart Now and Check for Problems.
The PC will reboot and check for memory problems.

You may need to replace your RAM if you detect errors.

Fix 6: Uninstall recent Windows updates

Remove the Windows update if the error occurred after the update.

How to uninstall an update:

To open Settings, press Win + I.
Update and Security – Windows Update.
Click on Uninstall Updates.

Click Uninstall after selecting the latest update.
Start your computer and check if it resolves the problem.

Fix 7: Check Hard Drive for Errors

A failing hard drive can also cause the “Critical Process Died” error. Running CHKDSK can check and fix disk errors.

How to Run CHKDSK:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Type the following command and press Enter:

chkdsk C: /f /r /x

Type Y and press Enter to schedule a scan on the next restart.
Restart your PC and let the scan complete.

Fix 8: Reset Windows 10

If none or all of the above fixes do not work, Windows reset may be your last option.

How to Reset Windows 10

Press Win+I to open Settings.

Go to Updates & Security and select Recovery.
Click Get Started under Reset this PC.
Choose to Keep your files (to save personal files) and/or Remove everything.

Follow the instructions onscreen to reset your PC.

FAQs

How do you prevent this “Critical Process Died Error” in the future.

Windows and drivers should always be kept up to date.

Avoid installing untrusted software.
Regularly check your computer for viruses and other errors.

Will reinstalling Windows erase all my data?

Your personal files are protected if you choose to “Keep my file” when you do a reset. But it is always wise to backup important data.

Can this error be caused by a failing SSD drive?

Yes, a failed SSD or hard disk can corrupt the system files. This will lead to BSOD issues like “Critical Process has Died.” CHKDSK is a good way to check for errors on your hard drive.

Why does the PC crash randomly?

This can be caused by a corrupt system file, RAM or overheating. SFC/DISM scans are recommended.

Should I replace the RAM if this error is occurring frequently?

Replace RAM if Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool finds a problem.

The following are the conclusions:

If you are experiencing the “Critical Process Died”, it can be frustrating. But by following our step-bystep guide, you will be able to fix this error and prevent further crashes. Consider resetting Windows to default settings or checking your hardware.