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Mutex Level Number Violation BSOD: 7 Ways to Fix it

Check for any conflicting software or drivers

5 min. read

Updated onApril 2, 2024

updated onApril 2, 2024

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Key notes

TheMUTEX_LEVEL_NUMBER_VIOLATIONBSOD error is rather uncommon in Windows, but this also makes troubleshooting all the more difficult. A quick Internet search doesn’t yield any productive results, nor do you get any solutions for it.

Also, it was primarily encountered on the earlier iterations of the OS and reported cases of MUTEX_LEVEL_NUMBER_VIOLATION on Windows 10 are few. So, let’s get straight to it!

What is theMUTEX_LEVEL_NUMBER_VIOLATIONBSOD?

TheMUTEX_LEVEL_NUMBER_VIOLATIONblue screen of death error with a bug check value of0x0000000Dappears when a thread (operating system) attempts to acquire a lower level mutex that it doesn’t already own but can’t find one.

How do I fix the MUTEX_LEVEL_NUMBER_VIOLATION error?

Before we start with the slightly complex solutions, try these quick ones:

1. Repair the corrupt system files

Running the DISM commandsand SFC scan will repair all thecorrupt system files. The two replace all such files with their cached copy stored on the PC.

Remember, this also helps fix theKernel Mode Heap CorruptionBSoD. We recommend trying specializedBSoD repair softwareas a faster and safer alternative.

2. Update the drivers

TheMUTEX_LEVEL_NUMBER_VIOLATIONcrash in Windows usually appears due to driver conflicts, andupdating the driversdoes the trick. Remember, you will have to update all the drivers. This also helps with theSYSTEM EXIT OWNED MUTEXerror.

Besides, if Windows can’t find a better one, head to the manufacturer’s website, locate the latest version, andmanually install the driver.

3. Roll back recent driver updates

If the latest driver version is triggering the error,roll back to the previous stable version. Also, you can always manually install a previous driver version from the manufacturer’s website if theRoll Back Driverbutton is greyed out.

4. Uninstall conflicting apps

In case theMUTEX_LEVEL_NUMBER_VIOLATIONerror reappears, keepuninstalling appsuntil you find and remove the conflicting one. After that, reinstall the apps that were removed in the process.

5. Uninstall recent Windows updates

6. Perform an in-place upgrade

7. Install the latest iteration of Windows

When nothing else works, it’s time you upgrade the OS. At the moment, Windows 11 is the latest iteration. So, first, use thePC Health Check appto verify whether your system is compatible. If it is,install Windows 11.

Besides, if the device is not compatible with the latest iteration, you should still be able todownload Windows 10. So, go with that instead because theMUTEX_LEVEL_NUMBER_VIOLATIONblue screen error usually affects outdated, unsupported iterations of Windows.

Before you leave, discover thebest PC repair softwareand get one to prevent similar errors from appearing.

For any queries or to share more solutions with us, drop a comment below.

Mutex Level Number Violation BSOD: 7 Ways to Fix it#

How do I fix the MUTEX_LEVEL_NUMBER_VIOLATION error?#

1. Repair the corrupt system files#

2. Update the drivers#

3. Roll back recent driver updates#

4. Uninstall conflicting apps#

5. Uninstall recent Windows updates#

6. Perform an in-place upgrade#

7. Install the latest iteration of Windows#