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Fix Critical Process Died in Windows 10 Stop Code in 5 Steps

Surefire solutions to fix the Critical process died error

7 min. read

Updated onMarch 20, 2024

updated onMarch 20, 2024

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Key notes

The Critical process died issue is basically caused when a critical component of Windows detects that data has been modified when it should not have been.

This element could be a bad driver,a memory error, etc. Most of the time, this error suddenly occurs when users are working on their PCs. Fortunately, there are a couple of ways to fix this issue so stick with us and check all the solutions below to fix the Critical process died BSoD.

What does Critical process died mean on my computer?

If you see the Critical process died error on your computer, it means that an important process that your PC needs to run ended abruptly.

This can be drivers, system files, or other important components.

What causes Critical process died?

This has a wide range of causes. Below are some of the notable ones:

There are many instances where this error may occur. This troubleshooting guide will show you how to fix this annoying issue in the following instances:

How do I fix Windows 10 critical process died?

1. Run SFC and DISM scans

SFC and DISM are some of the built-in tools for repairing corrupt and broken system files on Windows PC. Alternatively, we will recommend using adedicated toolto repair these files in case you can boot into your PC.

2. Run CHDKDSK

Faulty memory partitions can also lead to a critical process died error on your PC. The command above helps to check and fix errors on your hard drive. Remember to restart your PC after running the commands.

3. Update drivers

Bad drivers or drivers that wrongly use memory could also cause the Critical process died Windows 10 error.

It should be noted that updating all your drivers manually can be time-consuming. Hence, we suggest doing it automatically with a tailored solution.

Aside from the improved speed, an automated updating tool likeOutbyte Driver Updaterwill help you to avoid permanent damage to your PC caused by downloading and installing the wrong driver versions.

4. Clean boot to fix Critical process died error

A clean boot starts Windows by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, thus making it perfect for troubleshooting this error.

TypeSystem Configurationin the search box and hitEnter.
On theServicestab select theHide all Microsoft servicescheck box and clickDisable all.
Click onOpen Task Manager.
On theStartuptab inTask Managerselect all items and clickDisable.
CloseTask Manager.
On theStartuptab of theSystem Configurationdialog box, clickOKand restart your computer.

5. Perform a clean install

The critical process died error can be pretty annoying and it can sometimes have devastating effects. We hope that you were able to fix the issue with this guide.

You may also use our guide onhow to create a restore point and use itto return Windows to a previous state in time.

If you have upgraded your PC and you encounter theCritical process died error on Windows 11, check our detailed guide on how to fix it easily.

Feel free to use the comments below to let us know which solution worked for you.

Fix Critical Process Died in Windows 10 Stop Code in 5 Steps#

What does Critical process died mean on my computer?#

What causes Critical process died?#

How do I fix Windows 10 critical process died?#

1. Run SFC and DISM scans#

2. Run CHDKDSK#

3. Update drivers#

4. Clean boot to fix Critical process died error#

5. Perform a clean install#