How to Fix The critical_process_died on Windows 10/11?

A “Critical Process Died” error, usually coming with a Blue Screen of Death, means something very serious has happened: a fundamental system process has stopped working as it should. This can stall your work and possibly keep putting your system into repeated restarts-a very frustrating error loop. In this article on Outbyte we will give you a detailed guide how to fix the error.

Common Causes of Critical_Process_Died

The Critical_Process_Died error appears when Windows recognizes unauthorized changes to its core components or corrupted data and then stops the process to prevent more damage.

1. Faulty Updates – Recent updates may cause issues.
2. Corrupted System Files – Broken files can trigger this error.
3. Incompatible Drivers – Outdated or bad drivers often cause errors.

This error can appear unexpectedly, even on new or well-maintained systems. If the cause isn’t clear, try multiple solutions from this guide. Test your system after each step to find what works.

Steps to Resolve Critical_Process_Died on Windows 10/11

If you’re stuck in a boot loop with a Blue Screen of Death, restart your computer in Safe Mode. Safe Mode runs Windows with minimal files, programs, and drivers, disabling extras to help troubleshoot issues. Running a scan with an Outbyte PC Repair tool can also help fix problems and prevent errors like Critical_Process_Died.

How to Boot into Safe Mode

If your computer is stuck in a “Critical Process Died” loop, booting into Safe Mode can isolate the problem. In Safe Mode, only essential processes run, making it easier to troubleshoot.

1. Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly during boot.
2. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the options.

Fix #1: Use the Hardware and Device Troubleshooting Tool

Troubleshoot hardware problems with the native Windows troubleshooting utility. Not available any longer through the Settings menu, but quite easily reached through Command Prompt.

• Open the Command Prompt and type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic, then press Enter.
• Click Next in the next window, and Windows will look at your system for hardware issues.
• When it is done, it will pop up with a report with its conclusions.

Fix #2: Run the DISM Tool

If the issue continues, then Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management (DISM) will repair the damaged system image.

• Open the elevated Command Prompt. After that, execute the following command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
• This may take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes; it’s all normal if the progress bar stuck at 20%.
• Once the scan completes, restart your computer.

Fix #3: Perform an SFC Scan

The System File Checker utility replaces corrupted or incorrectly changed system files.

• Run SFC from the elevated Command Prompt. In the Command Prompt window, type in sfc /scannow and press Enter.
• The scanning of problems will start and try to repair them automatically if found.
• After it finishes, check the results and restart your PC for applying changes.

Fix #4: Run a Full Malware Scan

Malware can damage critical system files, leading to this error. Use your antivirus or Windows Security to scan and remove threats.

Fix #5: Update Device Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can interfere with system processes. To update drivers:

• Open Device Manager by pressing Windows + X.
• Locate devices with yellow warning icons, right-click, and select Update Driver.

Alternatively, use a reliable Outbyte Driver Updater tool to simplify the process.

In our Driver library you can find the most suitable System Drivers for your OS and a short guide on how to install it.

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Fix #6: Uninstall Recent Updates

If the error began after a recent update, use the following steps to roll it back: Go to Settings > Update & Security > View Update History. Click on Uninstall Updates and then remove the problematic update.

Fix #7: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot will help identify issues by starting your computer with minimal programs/drivers.

How to perform a clean boot:

• Open System Configuration from the Start menu.
• Under the Services tab, uncheck the box that says Hide all Microsoft Services, then click on Disable All.
• Click on the Startup tab and then click on Open Task Manager.
• In the Task Manager, beneath the Startup tab, disable all items.
• Now restart your computer.

The process below decreases active programs and services to isolate which the problem is coming from.

Fix #8: Perform a System Restore

A System Restore can revert your computer to a previous state when it worked correctly:

• In the search bar, type Create a Restore Point, and press Enter.
• Run System Restore then select your restore point and follow the wizard.

Fix #9: Reset Windows

When all else fails, a Windows reset offers a fresh start:

• Head to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
• Under Reset This PC, select Get Started.
• Select Keep My Files or Remove Everything, whichever works best.

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