The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with the error code CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED is a common issue in Windows operating systems. This error typically occurs when a critical system process fails or terminates unexpectedly. It can be caused by corrupted system files, faulty hardware, outdated drivers, or malware.

Solutions:

1. Restart Your Computer

  • Sometimes, the error is temporary. Restart your computer to see if the issue resolves itself.

2. Boot into Safe Mode

  • Restart your computer and boot into Safe Mode to isolate the issue:
    1. Press F8 or Shift + F8 during startup (or use the Windows Recovery Environment).
    2. Select Safe Mode from the boot options.
  • If the error doesn’t occur in Safe Mode, it’s likely caused by third-party software or drivers.

3. Run System File Checker (SFC)

  • Corrupted system files can cause this error. Use the SFC tool to scan and repair files:
    1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
    2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
    3. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.

4. Check for Windows Updates

  • Outdated system files or drivers can trigger the error. Ensure your system is up to date:
    1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
    2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

5. Update or Roll Back Drivers

  • Faulty or outdated drivers can cause the CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED error:
    1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
    2. Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark (indicating issues).
    3. Right-click the device and select Update driver or Roll back driver if it was recently updated.

6. Scan for Malware

  • Malware can interfere with critical system processes. Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program:
    1. Open Windows Security.
    2. Go to Virus & Threat Protection and run a full scan.

7. Check Disk for Errors

  • Use the CHKDSK tool to check for and repair disk errors:
    1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
    2. Type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter.
    3. Restart your computer to allow the tool to run.

8. Perform a System Restore

  • If the issue started recently, revert your system to a previous state using System Restore:
    1. Type System Restore in the Start menu and open it.
    2. Follow the prompts to restore your system to a point before the error occurred.

9. Reset or Reinstall Windows

  • If none of the above solutions work, consider resetting or reinstalling Windows:
    1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
    2. Choose Reset this PC and follow the instructions.

10. Check Hardware

  • Faulty hardware (e.g., RAM, hard drive) can cause this error. Run hardware diagnostics:
    1. Use tools like Windows Memory Diagnostic to check RAM.
    2. Check your hard drive’s health using tools like CrystalDiskInfo.

Preventive Measures:

·         Regularly update your operating system and drivers.

·         Install reliable antivirus software and perform regular scans.

·         Avoid installing untrusted software or drivers.

·         Create system restore points before making significant changes to your system.