Kernel Security Check Failure? Quick Fixes That Work for Windows!

Kernel Security Check Failure

How to Increase Computer Security And Stop Cyber Attacks?

You are not alone if you received the Kernel Security Check Failure error on your Windows 10 PC. This error is commonly associated with the blue screen of death (BSOD) and could lead to sudden system crashes. As alarming as that may sound, the bright side is it is a solvable problem — In this blog, we’ll walk you through what leads to the Kernel Security Check Failure error in the first place and offer up some quick fixes to return your computer to normal.

What Is Kernel Security Check Failure?

The Windows stop code Kernel Security Check Failure error appears when the Windows operating system identifies corruption in system files or drivers or encounters hardware issues that are likely to interfere with system stability. This is an inbuilt security check by Windows to avoid exceptional circumstances.

Some Common Causes of Kernel Security Check Failure

Here are a few common causes for this error:

  • Corrupt or outdated drivers: It may trigger the error if your drivers are non-matching or obsolete.
  • Corrupt system files: Windows system files can be damaged due to viruses, incomplete updates, and software conflicts.
  • Memory (RAM) issues: A bad RAM module can bring the system to a halt.
  • Problematic drive errors: If your hard drive is failing, it will be unable to read/write data correctly, thus raising this error.
  • Overclocking: When a hardware component is overclocked, it can lead to instability due to pushing it beyond its limits.
  • Windows updates or a software conflict: A recent update or a new software installation — could have caused the issue.

 

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How to Troubleshoot Windows Kernel Security Check Failure

Now that you know the causes, let’s explore some working fixes to fix the issue.

Now that you know the causes, let’s look at some effective fixes to resolve the issue.

Fix 1: Restart Your PC in Safe Mode

Booting into Safe Mode allows Windows to load only essential drivers and services, which can help troubleshoot.

Steps to enter Safe Mode:

  1. Restart your PC and press F8 or Shift + F8 while booting.
  2. If that doesn’t work, force your PC to shut down three times to trigger Automatic Repair Mode.
  3. Click on Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  4. Press 4 or F4 to boot into Safe Mode.

Once in Safe Mode, try uninstalling recent updates, rolling back drivers, or running system scans (explained below).

Fix 2: Update or Roll Back Drivers

Since outdated or incompatible drivers are a common cause of this error, updating or rolling back drivers may help.

To update drivers:

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Locate any devices with a yellow exclamation mark.
  3. Right-click and choose the Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.

To roll back a driver:

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Right-click on the recently updated driver and select Properties.
  3. Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver.
  4. Restart your PC.

Fix 3: Run System File Checker (SFC) and Check Disk (CHKDSK)

Corrupt system files can trigger BSOD errors. Running built-in Windows repair tools can help.

To run SFC scan:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the process to complete and restart your PC.

To run CHKDSK:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter.
  3. If prompted, type Y and restart your PC to let Windows scan and repair the disk.

Fix 4: Check RAM for Errors

Faulty RAM can lead to system crashes. Use Windows Memory Diagnostic to check for RAM issues.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type exe, and hit Enter.
  2. Select Restart now and check for problems.
  3. Let the tool scan and follow any repair instructions.

If errors are found, you may need to replace your RAM.

 

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Fix 5: Disable Overclocking

If you’ve overclocked your CPU or GPU, it can cause system instability.

To disable overclocking:

  1. Restart your PC and enter BIOS by pressing F2, F10, or Del (varies by manufacturer).
  2. Look for overclocking settings under Advanced, Performance, or Tweaker.
  3. Reset settings to Default or Auto.
  4. Save changes and exit.

Fix 6: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and programs to identify conflicts.

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
  2. Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and click Disable all.
  3. Under the Startup tab, click Open Task Manager and disable all startup items.
  4. Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

Fix 7: Uninstall Recent Updates or Programs

If the error started after a Windows update or new software installation, uninstalling it may help.

To uninstall updates:

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
  3. Click View update history > Uninstall updates.
  4. Find the recent update, right-click, and select Uninstall.

To uninstall software:

  1. Press Win + R, type cpl, and hit Enter.
  2. Locate the recently installed program.
  3. Right-click and select Uninstall.
  4. Restart your PC.

Fix 8: Reset or Reinstall Windows

If none of the above methods work, resetting Windows may be necessary.

To reset Windows 10:

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Update & Security > Recovery.
  3. Click Get Started under Reset this PC.
  4. Choose Keep my files (recommended) or Remove everything.
  5. Follow the prompts to complete the reset.

If resetting doesn’t work, consider a clean reinstall of Windows 10.

Wrapping up

But with some simple troubleshooting steps, you can soon fix the kernel security check failure in Windows 10 and kernel security check failure in Windows 11. Try basic fixes such as updating drivers and scanning the system for issues first, then go for more complex methods such as checking RAM or resetting Windows. If the problem still exists, seek professional help or check if there is a hardware issue.

Kishan Rana

I'm Kishan Rana, an IT engineer and avid technology enthusiast. Blogging is my passion and I love to write about technological wonders. Being an SEO professional with around 8 years of experience with good leads I provide SEO services to top-level companies around the globe.

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