How To Fix the “Kernel Security Check Failure” Error in Windows 10

The “Kernel Security Check Failure” error in Windows 10 usually indicates that there is a problem with the system’s memory (RAM) or a device driver issue. Here are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix this error:

Method 1: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic

  1. Open Windows Memory Diagnostic:
    • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
    • Type mdsched.exe and press Enter to open the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.
  2. Choose How to Restart:
    • You’ll be prompted to restart your computer now or on the next restart. Choose the option that suits you.
  3. Run Memory Test:
    • Windows will restart, and the Memory Diagnostic tool will run a thorough test on your RAM. This process may take some time.

Method 2: Update Device Drivers

  1. Update Graphics Drivers:
    • Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can cause this error. Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer and update to the latest drivers.
  2. Update Other Drivers:
    • Ensure that other drivers, especially chipset, network, and storage drivers, are up to date. You can use the Device Manager to check for updates.

Method 3: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
    • Right-click on the Start button and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “PowerShell (Admin).”
  2. Run SFC Scan:
    • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. This command will scan and attempt to repair corrupted system files.
  3. Run DISM Scan:
    • If the SFC scan doesn’t resolve the issue, run a DISM (Deployment Image Service and Management Tool) scan:
      dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
  4. Restart Your Computer:
    • After both scans are complete, restart your computer.

Method 4: Check for Windows Updates

  1. Check for Updates:
    • Go to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update.”
  2. Install Updates:
    • Install any pending updates, including optional updates.

Method 5: Uninstall Recently Installed Software

  1. Uninstall Recent Software:
    • If you recently installed new software or drivers before encountering the error, try uninstalling them to see if the issue resolves.

Method 6: Check for Disk Errors

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
    • Right-click on the Start button and select “Command Prompt (Admin).”
  2. Run CHKDSK:
    • Type chkdsk /f and press Enter. If prompted to schedule a scan on the next restart, type Y and press Enter.
  3. Restart Your Computer:
    • Restart your computer to allow CHKDSK to check and repair disk errors.

Method 7: Disable Overclocking

  1. Disable Overclocking:
    • If your system is overclocked, try disabling overclocking settings in the BIOS/UEFI and revert to default settings.

Method 8: Check for Malware

  1. Run a Full Antivirus Scan:
    • Perform a thorough antivirus or anti-malware scan to check for any malware that might be causing the issue.

Method 9: Check Hardware

  1. Check Hardware:
    • If all else fails, it’s possible that there is a hardware issue. Check for faulty RAM or other hardware problems.

After trying these methods, monitor your system to see if the “Kernel Security Check Failure” error persists. If the problem continues, consider seeking help from Microsoft support or a professional technician to diagnose and address any underlying hardware issues.

Leave a Reply