The “Critical Process Died” stop code is a common Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error in Windows 10. It indicates that a critical system process has unexpectedly terminated, causing Windows to crash. This can be caused by various factors, including hardware issues, driver problems, and software conflicts.
Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try to fix the “Critical Process Died” stop code in Windows 10:
1. Restart your computer: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches or software conflicts that might be causing the BSOD error.
2. Run the Hardware and Device Troubleshooter: Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix common hardware and device problems. To run the troubleshooter:
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
- Under “Find and fix other problems,” select “Hardware and Devices” and click on “Run the troubleshooter.”
3. Run the System File Checker (SFC) scan: The SFC scan can check for and repair corrupt system files. To run an SFC scan, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type the following command:
sfc /scannow
4. Run the DISM scan: The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can fix problems with the Windows image. To run a DISM scan, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type the following commands:
DISM /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
DISM /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
5. Update your drivers: Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause BSOD errors. Update all your drivers, especially graphics card drivers, chipset drivers, and network adapter drivers, to the latest versions from the manufacturer’s website or use a driver update tool.
6. Check for malware or viruses: Malware infections can interfere with system processes and cause instability, leading to BSOD errors. Run a thorough scan with a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program to eliminate any potential threats.
7. Uninstall recently installed software: If you started experiencing BSOD errors after installing a new piece of software, try uninstalling the software to see if it fixes the problem.
8. Perform a system restore: If you’ve tried everything else and you’re still getting BSOD errors, you can try performing a system restore. This will restore your computer to a previous state, which may fix the problem.
If you’re still having trouble fixing the “Critical Process Died” stop code, you may need to contact Microsoft support for further assistance.