At times, when you start your computer, suddenly there is a blue screen showing “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We’re just collecting some error info, and then we’ll restart for you.”. This is also called the BSoD critical process died error.
Do not panic as we have all the possible solutions to make sure that you get rid of the problem. This is one of the common problems faced by many Windows users. This keeps preventing you from doing any work and keeps on restarting the system. If you face the blue screen with the same message every time you power on the PC then check the instructions provided below till the end.
Probable Causes for Critical_process_died windows 10
Before you move to the fixes you need to know about the causes of this issue, to ensure that you can take the possible precautions so that you don’t face the similar issue further. Windows is an open platform that supports all types of third-party applications in its system. Therefore, sometimes when the core files are having some problems or when some bugs are interacting with the Windows core files, it displays “Windows critical process died”.
In most of the cases, the critical_process_died occurs due to unauthorized modification in the data. Among which the most notorious are the sound card drivers. These are full of bugs and try to make modifications in the core data files. Sometimes this can occur due to the presence of viruses or malware that are trying to make changes in the data files. However, the Critical process died Windows 10 can happen due to a lot of causes apart from what mentioned.
5 Easy Methods to Fix the Windows 10 Critical Process Died Error
Without wasting any more time, let’s jump to the fixes to solve the issue. In this guide, we have provided all the instructions starting from driver damage to virus affected files to solve the issue.
Safe Mode and Clean boot
Windows 10 Critical Process Died on Boot can be fixed by performing a Clean boot by entering into the Safe boot. This will let you know the reason that is causing the issue.
Enter into the Safe Mode in Windows 10:
- Reboot several times until you see the three dots on the corner.
- Then to see the Advanced options, click on Troubleshoot.
- Go to the Startup Setting from the Advanced options.
- You have to click on the Restart button to reboot.
- Lastly, select the Enable Safe Boot options.
Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 10:
- Now when the system starts, open the Start Menu and then type “msconfig” in the search bar to open System Configuration. Alternatively, you press and hold the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog and then type “msconfig” in the bar and hit Enter.
- Then open the Services tab and then mark the box next to the “Hide all Microsoft Services” option.
- After that, hit the Startup tab and open the Task Manager.
- In the list, disable all the applications you see.
- Lastly, restart the PC.
This method will Safe Boot as well as Clean Boot the PC. This sometimes solves the issues temporarily. But this step is important so that you can go with the next solutions.
1. Try System Restore in Windows 10
You can manually uninstall the problematic application or driver from the system or you can choose to restore the system to a point in time when the application was not there. Ensure that you have a backup of Windows 10 before the System restore.
- Click on the Windows icon to open the Start Menu, then click on the search bar and type “system restore”.
- Now, you have to click on the “Create a Restore point” option.
- Then click on System Restore which is located under the System Protection options.
- Thereafter, a list of all the restore points will be shown to you. Now select any restore point and confirm it to continue.
- You now have to wait until the changes are being made by Windows.
Not to worry, System Restore does not remove or replace any of your personal data from the system. And once the process is complete, check if all the applications are working perfectly. If not then reinstall them.
2. Use the SFC (System File Checker) Scan
To check the presence of any corrupted files in the Windows system, the SFC scans play an important role. This is an utility tool for Windows by Microsoft, that prevents replacements of files or any other changes in the core file.
- Press and hold Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Then in the search box type “cmd” and hit Enter, to open the Command Prompt. Alternatively, you can use the search box in the Start menu as well and then click on Run as Administrator.
- Now in the Command Prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” and press the Enter button.
- You now have to wait until the process is finished, then restart the system.
3. Check for Driver Updates
According to many users, this issue occurs due to outdated drivers. So you can try to solve the issue by this method as well. Check that you are up to date with the drivers of the system. Simply go to the Device Manager of the System and then check if any driver is outdated. If you find any driver is outdated then you can go to the manufacturer’s official website. Download the latest version and install it in the system. However, you can also use a third-party application to help you out with the driver updates in a more easy way.
4. Scan for Virus or Malware
Many users have reported that the issue can sometimes occur due to the presence of viruses or malware in the system. They infect the core files of the system and try to modify them, thus resulting in the issue. So you scan the system with the Windows Defender. Perhaps you can install third-party antivirus in the system and run a full scan of the system.
5. Test the Performances of the Hardware in the System
Once you got a new PC system or you have assembled by yourself, you should check the ability of the hardware. To do that, you can put the system into pressure. And thereby check the load capacity of the hardwares in the system. To do so, you will get a lot of options on the internet that will put the system into a test to check all the hardwares.
Summing Up
If you are here with the Windows stop code critical process died error, then you can try the above instructions to fix the issue. But before you implement the solutions you need to clean boot the system. However, if you are in Windows 10 Critical Process died no Safe Mode, then you can try the System File Checker scan to get rid of the issue.