The Windows 10 Critical Process Died error will usually result in a STOP error or BSOD. Unfortunately, Windows won’t actually tell you which critical process has died or specifically why, so our options are limited to general core file troubleshooting. That said, there are more than a few ways to fix the Windows 10 Critical Process Died error.
Typically the error will occur when Windows detects a core file being changed when it shouldn’t be. Windows think this could be malware so shuts the process down. However, it isn’t often malware at all. Bugs within Windows or third-party software are most often the cause.
Fix Windows 10 Critical Process Died error
There are three things we can do to fix the Windows 10 Critical Process Died error before needing a fresh install.
1. Open a CMD window as an administrator.
2. Type or paste ‘sfc /scannow’ and hit Enter.
3. Allow the process to complete and make any repairs.
If that doesn’t work, try DISM.
1. Open a CMD window as an administrator.
2. Type or paste ‘dism/online/cleanup-image/restorehealth’ and hit Enter.
3. Allow the process to complete and make any repairs.
The DISM process will check your core files and download replacements for any corrupt ones it finds directly from Microsoft. In most cases, DISM will fix the error, but if it doesn’t, try a clean boot.
1. Type or paste ‘msconfig’ into the Search Windows Box.
2. In the General tab, click ‘Selective startup’ and uncheck ‘Load startup items’.
3. Select the Services tab, check the ‘Hide all Microsoft Services’ box and select ‘Disable All’.
4. Click Apply and reboot your computer.
If the error no longer appears, it’s a driver or software issue. Uninstall or update any recently installed drivers or software and troubleshoot from there.
Finally, it all those steps fail, it’s time to run a system restore.
1. Navigate to Settings, Update & Security, Recovery.
2. Click ‘Get started’ under ‘Reset this PC’ and perform a system restore.
3. Reboot and retest.
If none of those steps fixes the Windows 10 Critical Process Died error your only option is a fresh install of Windows.
Want to know more about Windows 10?
How to check if Windows 10 is 32 or 64-bit
How to clean install Windows 10 directly without having to upgrade first
How to check your version of Windows 10
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