How to Fix Critical Process Died Error in Windows 11

ByCaesar Hours

The “Critical Process Died” error is a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) error code that can occur in Windows 11. This error code can lead to system crashes and disrupt the proper functioning of your computer. There are several potential causes for encountering this error, including random bugs, memory problems, malicious applications on your system, corrupted system updates, corrupted Windows files, and outdated or corrupted drivers. Fixing the “Critical Process Died” error in Windows 11 can be challenging if you’re unsure of the underlying reason for encountering this error.

Fix Critical Process Died Error in Windows 11

If you come across the “critical_process_died” error in Windows 11, there is no need to worry. This article will provide you with troubleshooting methods to resolve the Critical Process Died error in Windows 11.

Fix 1: Boot Into Safe Mode | CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED

If you are unable to boot into your PC normally, you can try booting into safe mode. Follow the steps below to boot into safe mode:

  1. Press and hold the power button on your PC for 10 seconds to turn it off.
  2. Turn on your PC and then immediately turn it off while it is still booting. Repeat this process two or three times.
  3. After a few attempts, you will see the “Preparing Automatic Repair” message on the screen, and your PC will boot into automatic repair mode.
  4. On the next screen, click on “Advanced options” and then select “Troubleshoot”.
  5. In the Troubleshoot screen, click on “Advanced options”.
  6. Then click on “Startup Settings” and select “Restart”.
  7. When your system restarts, you will see a list of startup settings. Press the key associated with safe mode to boot your PC into safe mode.

However, if you can already boot into your PC normally, you can proceed directly to the fixes without entering safe mode.

Fix 2: Run Troubleshooter

To use the built-in troubleshooter in Windows to diagnose and fix system issues, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings on your PC.
  2. By default, you will be taken to the System section. If not, click on the System option in the left sidebar of the Settings.
  3. In the System settings, click on the “Troubleshoot” option, and then select “Other troubleshooters”.
  4. You will see a list of various troubleshooting options. Click on “Run” next to each troubleshooter individually.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions for each troubleshooter and let it scan your system for any problems.
  6. Once the troubleshooter has completed its process, it will attempt to fix any issues it found.
  7. Repeat this process for all the available troubleshooters.
  8. After running all the troubleshooters, the identified issues should now be resolved.

Using the built-in troubleshooters can help identify and fix common problems in your Windows system, ensuring that it functions smoothly.

Fix 3: Update The Drivers

If the critical_process_died error persists even after running the troubleshooters, you can try updating your drivers. Follow these steps:

  1. In the Start Menu, search for “Device Manager” and open it.
  2. In the Device Manager, locate the device that has an exclamation mark next to it. Expand the device category by double-clicking on it.
  3. Right-click on the specific driver with the exclamation mark and select “Update driver.”
  4. Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will search online for the latest driver updates and install them if available.
  5. Once the driver update is complete, restart your PC to apply the changes.
  6. After the restart, the critical_process_died error should no longer occur.

Alternatively, you can use third-party applications such as Driver Booster or DriverPack Solution to update the drivers on your PC. These tools can automatically scan your system, identify outdated drivers, and download the latest versions for you.

By updating your drivers, you ensure that your hardware components are compatible and functioning correctly, which can help resolve the critical_process_died error in Windows 10.

Fix 4: Reinstall The Drivers

If you continue to encounter the error, you can try reinstalling the drivers. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Device Manager from the Start Menu.
  2. Expand the device category that has an exclamation mark by double-clicking on it.
  3. Right-click on the driver with the exclamation mark and select “Uninstall device.” This will uninstall the driver.
  4. After uninstalling the drivers, restart your PC. This will initiate the installation of the drivers.
  5. You can check whether the drivers are installed by opening the Device Manager. If the drivers are not installed, click on the “Action” tab and then click on “Scan for hardware changes.” This will install the drivers on your PC.

Reinstalling the drivers can help resolve any issues or conflicts that may be causing the critical_process_died error. By reinstalling the drivers, you ensure that your system has the latest and compatible drivers for your hardware components.

Fix 5: Run SFC Scan

If you encounter the Critical Process Died error in Windows 11 due to corrupted system files, you can try running an SFC scan to identify and fix the issues. Follow these steps:

  1. In the Start Menu, search for Command Prompt. Right-click on it and select “Run as administrator.” This will open the Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the command “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
  3. The SFC (System File Checker) scan will begin, checking your PC for any corrupted files. Allow the process to complete, and do not close the Command Prompt window until it finishes.

The SFC scan will scan your system files and attempt to repair any corrupted files it finds. This process may take some time, so be patient and let it complete. Once the scan is finished, you will receive a report on the status of the scanned files. If any issues were found and successfully repaired, you may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Fix 6: Run DISM 

To resolve issues with your system, you can utilize the Deployment Image Servicing and Management Tool (DISM). Follow these steps to run a DISM check:

  1. In the Start menu, search for Command Prompt. Right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator” to open it with administrative privileges.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the command “Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth” and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the command to finish executing. It will check the health of your system image.
  4. Next, type the command “Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth” and press Enter.
  5. Allow the command to run. It will scan the system image for any issues.
  6. Finally, enter the command “Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” and press Enter. This command will restore the system image to its healthy state and fix any problems detected.

Please note that the DISM check may take some time to complete. Do not close the Command Prompt window until the process finishes. Once the DISM check is done, restart your computer to apply the repairs made by the tool.

Fix 7: Scan Your PC With Antivirus

If you are experiencing the Critical Process Died error in Windows 11, it may be due to a virus on your PC. To address this, it is recommended to perform a thorough antivirus scan on your computer. Follow these steps to scan your PC for viruses:

  1. If you have a third-party antivirus program installed on your PC, open the antivirus software.
  2. Initiate a full system scan to thoroughly check for any viruses or malware.
  3. Allow the antivirus software to complete the scan, and follow any prompts or instructions provided.
  4. If you do not have a third-party antivirus program installed, you can use Windows Defender, the built-in antivirus software in Windows 11.
  5. Open the Start menu and search for “Windows Security” or “Windows Defender Security Center” and open it.
  6. In the Windows Security app, select “Virus & threat protection” or a similar option.
  7. Click on “Quick scan” or “Full scan” to initiate the virus scan. Choose the option that performs a comprehensive scan of your PC.
  8. Wait for the scan to finish, and Windows Defender will automatically handle any detected threats.

Performing a thorough virus scan using either your third-party antivirus software or Windows Defender should help resolve the issue you are facing.

Fix 8: Uninstall The Program Causing The Problem

If you experience the BSOD error after installing a particular application on your PC, it is recommended to uninstall the application. Corrupt program files can often lead to this error. Follow these steps to uninstall the third-party program causing the issue:

  1. Open the Start Menu and search for “Control Panel,” then open it.
  2. In the Control Panel, locate and click on the “Uninstall a program” option.
  3. A list of installed programs will be displayed. Find the program that you suspect is causing the error.
  4. Select the program from the list and click on the “Uninstall” button.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
  6. Once the program has been successfully uninstalled, restart your PC.
  7. After the restart, check if the BSOD error persists. If the error no longer appears, it indicates that the uninstalled program was causing the issue.

By uninstalling the third-party program that may be causing the error and restarting your PC, you should be able to resolve the issue and prevent further occurrences of the BSOD error.

Fix 9: Uninstall Windows Update

If you have started experiencing the critical_process_died error in Windows 11 after installing a specific Windows update, it is recommended to uninstall that update. Follow these steps to uninstall a Windows update:

  1. Press the Windows key + I key combination to open the Settings on your PC.
  2. In the Settings window, navigate to the “Windows Update” section from the left sidebar.
  3. Click on “Update history” to view all the updates that have been installed on your system.
  4. Select “Uninstall updates.”
  5. A new window will appear, displaying a list of installed updates. Locate the problematic update that you suspect is causing the error.
  6. Select the problematic update and click on “Uninstall” to remove it from your system.
  7. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
  8. Once the update has been successfully uninstalled, restart your PC.
  9. After the restart, check if the critical_process_died error persists. If the error no longer occurs, it indicates that the uninstalled Windows update was causing the issue.

By uninstalling the problematic Windows update and restarting your PC, you should be able to resolve the critical_process_died error and prevent its recurrence.

Fix 10: Perform A Clean Boot

If you are encountering the critical_process_died error in Windows 11 due to a malfunctioning service, performing a clean boot can help resolve the issue. A clean boot allows you to start your system with only essential services, programs, and drivers, eliminating potential conflicts. Follow the steps below to perform a clean boot:

  1. Press the Windows key + R key combination to open the Run dialog box. Type “msconfig” and click on OK.
  2. The System Configuration window will appear.
  3. In the General tab of the System Configuration, select “Diagnostic startup” and click on OK.
  4. You will be prompted to restart your system. Click on the Restart option to proceed.
  5. After your system restarts, open the Start menu and search for “services.”
  6. In the Services window, identify the services that are not running. Right-click on each service and select “Start” to initiate them. Repeat this process for all services that are currently not running.
  7. This clean boot configuration should help resolve the critical_process_died error in Windows 11. If the error persists, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

Performing a clean boot can help isolate the problematic service that is causing the error, allowing you to troubleshoot further and find a solution to the critical_process_died error in Windows 11.

Fix 11: Perform System Restore

If you have previously created a restore point before encountering the error, you can try using System Restore to revert your system back to a previous state when the error was not present. This process will undo any changes made to your system since the restore point was created. Follow the steps below to perform System Restore:

  1. Open the Start menu and search for “Create a restore point” and open it. This will take you to the System Protection tab in the System Properties window.
  2. Click on “System Restore” in the System Protection tab.
  3. In the System Restore window, select “Choose a different restore point” and click on Next.
  4. Now, choose the desired restore point that you previously created and click on Next. If you want to review the programs and files that will be affected by the restore, you can click on “Scan for affected programs” in the same window.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the system restore process.
  6. It’s important to note that this method will only work if you have a previously created restore point. Windows automatically creates restore points, but only if you have set up the feature. If you have not created a restore point earlier, this method will not be applicable.

Using System Restore allows you to revert your system to a stable state, potentially resolving the critical_process_died error in Windows 11 by undoing any recent changes that may have caused the issue.

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Final Words

If you are encountering the Critical Process Died error in Windows 11, the troubleshooting steps mentioned in this article will help you in resolving the issue. Follow the provided instructions to address the problem effectively.

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