Buzz
Resolve the Kernel Security Check Failure issue for good
If your Windows system shows the 'Kernel Security Check Failure' message, you're facing a frequent Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error that forces your computer to shut down. The root causes of this error include faulty hardware, memory issues, corrupted files, a damaged hard drive, outdated drivers, or even malware. In this guide, we will walk you through how to effectively troubleshoot and resolve the 'Kernel Security Check Failure' error on your device.
Solutions for 'Kernel Security Check Failure'
Ensure your Windows system is updated by checking for OS and driver updates. Uninstall and reinstall any problematic drivers. Perform a virus scan and use "sfc /scannow" along with "chkdsk C: /f" in Command Prompt to check for file system and disk errors. Test your RAM with the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.
Guidelines
Start your computer in Safe Mode.
Safe Mode is a useful troubleshooting tool that minimizes the risk of crashes. When you boot Windows in Safe Mode, it runs only essential system files, drivers, and programs. Opt for Safe Mode with Networking if you need internet access to investigate the issue. Follow these steps to enter Safe Mode:
- Click the Start menu.
- If Windows won't boot, power on your computer and press and hold the Power button when you see the Windows or manufacturer logo. This forces a shutdown, and after repeating this three times, your computer will enter Recovery Mode.
- Click the Settings icon.
- Click System.
- Choose Update & Security (available on Windows 10).
- Click Recovery.
- Select Restart Now next to "Advanced Startup" to enter Recovery Mode.
- Click Troubleshoot.
- Select Advanced Options.
- Click Startup Settings.
- Click Restart.
- Press 5 to start in Safe Mode with Networking.
Perform a Windows Update.
A recent update for your operating system or drivers might offer a solution. Windows updates frequently include essential security patches and bug fixes, which might address the "Kernel Security Check Failure" error. Follow these steps to update Windows:
- Click the Start menu.
- Select the Settings icon.
- Click System.
- Click Update & Security (on Windows 10).
- Choose Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- If an update is available, click Download and install.
Run a virus and malware scan.
Malware infections can trigger the "Kernel Security Check Failure" error. If your system is compromised by a virus or malware, a thorough scan can help identify and remove it. Launch your antivirus software and initiate a full system scan. Once the scan is complete, quarantine any detected malicious files.
- Windows has a built-in antivirus called Windows Defender. To access it, click the Start menu, type Windows Security, then click Windows Security. Next, go to Virus & Threat Protection and choose either Quick Scan or Scan Now.
- If you'd like an extra layer of protection, you can download and use the free version of Malwarebytes for scanning.
Inspect your minidump files.
Minidump (.dmp) files are valuable for diagnosing BSOD issues. If Windows crashes with the "Kernel Security Check Failure" error, it likely created a minidump (.dmp) file. These files are typically stored in the "C:\Windows\minidump" directory. You can use specialized programs to analyze these minidumps for errors, such as WinDbg from the Microsoft Store or BlueScreenView from https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/blue_screen_view.html/.
- To use WinDbg, install the program and load a minidump file from the time of the crash. Enter the command "!analyze -v" in the terminal and look for errors in the "Debug Analysis" section. You can search online for error codes or related files to pinpoint the cause of the crash, like a faulty driver or hardware issue.
- For BlueScreenView, install the tool and load the corresponding dump file. It will analyze the file and highlight problematic files or programs in red, showing error codes related to the crash.
Remove any problematic software.
A recently installed program might be the source of the issue. Uninstall any software you added around the time the crash began, especially if it's from an untrusted or unknown developer. Follow these steps to remove the program:
- Click the Start menu.
- Click the Settings icon.
- Go to Apps.
- Choose Installed Apps or Apps & Features.
- From the "Sort By" dropdown, select "Date installed" to see recent installations.
- Find any software installed around the time the issue started.
- Click the three-dot icon (⋯) next to the app (Windows 11 only).
- Select Uninstall and follow the prompts to complete the process.
Update or reinstall your drivers.
A faulty or outdated driver could be the issue. If the kernel error began after a driver update, it’s likely the culprit. You can review your minidump files to see which specific driver caused the crash. Windows typically updates drivers automatically, but not all updates might be installed. It’s recommended to at least update your disk and graphics drivers. If this doesn't resolve the issue, you can uninstall and reinstall the driver from the manufacturer's website.
- To check for missing drivers in Windows Update, go to Advanced Options > Optional Updates. If any drivers are listed, select the ones you want to install and click Download & Install.
- To manually check for driver updates:
- Right-click the Windows Start menu.
- Click Device Manager.
- Expand a category (e.g., "Disk Drives," "Display Adapters").
- Right-click a driver.
- Click Update Driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers.
- Follow the prompts to complete the update.
- If you wish to uninstall a driver, right-click it and select Uninstall Driver. Then, download the latest version from the manufacturer's website.
Run a RAM test.
Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool to check for RAM issues. This tool will restart your system and scan your memory for problems. To run the test, follow these steps:
- Click the Windows Start menu.
- Search for Windows Memory Diagnostic.
- Click the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.
- Click Restart Now and Check for Problems.
Check your files for errors.
Corrupted files may be responsible for kernel errors. You can use the Windows file checker utility via the Command Prompt to scan your drive for corrupt files and repair any that are found. To run the file checker, follow these steps:
- Click the Start menu.
- Search for cmd.
- Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
- Type SFC /scannow and hit Enter.
Run a check on your hard drive for errors.
Your hard drive could be causing the "Kernel Security Check Failure" error. You can use the built-in Windows disk checker tool through the Command Prompt to inspect and fix issues with your hard drive. Follow these steps to run the disk checker utility:
- Click the Start menu.
- Search for cmd.
- Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
- Type chkdsk C: /f and hit Enter.
- Press Y and press Enter again.
Consider reinstalling Windows.
If kernel errors persist, your Windows registry might be corrupted. Issues within the Windows registry or damaged system files can lead to crashes and kernel errors. In such cases, you may need to reinstall Windows. Ensure you back up your important files before proceeding, as this step should only be taken as a last resort.
- During the reinstallation process, you can choose to either keep your files or remove everything. Removing everything will erase all data from your hard drive. First, try to keep your files. If the issue persists, consider wiping everything. To reinstall Windows, follow these steps:
- Click the Start menu.
- If necessary, boot into Recovery Mode by turning on your computer and holding the Power button when you see the Windows or manufacturer's logo. Repeat this three times to trigger Recovery Mode.
- Alternatively, you can create a Windows bootable USB and use it to reinstall Windows.
- Click the Settings icon.
- Go to System.
- Click Update & Security (for Windows 10 only).
- Select Recovery.
- Click Reset PC or Get Started under the "Reset this PC" option.
- Select Keep my files.
- If the problem persists, click Remove everything.
- Click Cloud download to obtain a fresh copy of Windows.
- If this option isn't available, or if you're not connected to the internet, select Local reinstall.
- Click Next, followed by another Next.
- Click Reset to begin the reinstallation process.
- Click the Start menu.
