Critical Process Died error on Windows 11 is one of the Blue Screen of Death errors. These errors are very frustrating when you come across them on your computer and can be the most difficult to fix.
This error sometimes occurs randomly; at other times, it can come up when you are trying to boot Windows.
Repairing it may be time demanding and painstaking because it is not easy to find the leading cause that causes the error.
Is critical process died a serious error?
These errors make your computer crash and boot suddenly, causing you to lose unsaved data. So, we can say it is pretty much serious.
Windows 11 critical process died error is one of the most common BSOD errors. This is because it leads to unexpected corruption of a critical Windows background process like winlogon.exe, csrss.exe, or services.exe.
These are critical processes to the entire computer functions and operation. Hence, Windows causes this error to be displayed to protect the integrity of the computer’s OS. It has been linked to various common causes, which are listed below:
- Corrupt drivers: Drivers infected with malware have proven to cause this problem. Hardware issues are closely linked to BSoD errors.
- Outdated drivers: Sometimes, drivers are due for updating, and you might ignore this. Then you should expect the critical process died error.
- Wrong system update: Every computer has its compatible updates. Using the wrong one may cause critical processes to die.
- Memory problems: You might want to check how your RAM is doing. Faulty or overworked memory can cause the critical process to die.
- Malicious applications installed on the system: You might download some applications because they are free or recommended by an amateur. This app may cause your PC to fail.
- Bad sectors in the hard drive: Hardware issues are closely linked to the critical process died error. You might want to check the hard drive sectors to see if there is a bad one.
As we go into the solutions for critical process died on windows 11, please back up your essential files before implementing the fixes. This will help you avoid data loss in case of an accident.
How do I fix critical process died on Windows 11?
1. Boot Windows 11 in safe mode
- Click the Power icon on the login screen, hold Shift, and select Restart.
- Choose Troubleshoot from the next menu options.
- Select Advanced options.
- Afterward, click Advanced options to access other options. Now click Startup Settings.
- After that is done, click Restart.
- Press 5 on your keyboard to start Safe Mode with Networking.
2. Troubleshoot Hardware
- Press Windows + R to launch the Run dialog. Then type in the code below and press Enter.
msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
- Now click Next to open the troubleshooter. Select the appropriate response to complete troubleshooting when prompted.
- Check to see if the Windows 11 critical process died error has been resolved when the troubleshooting is complete.
3. Update outdated drivers
- Press Windows + X hotkeys to open the Quick Link menu.
- Then click Device Manager.
- Locate any drivers with a yellow exclamation mark. Right-click on it and then select Uninstall driver.
- Now restart the computer.
- Windows will automatically download a suitable replacement for it. Once done, check again for a reoccurrence of the error.
4. Restart Windows 11
- Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings dialog.
- Scroll to the System section and click Recovery.
- Then click on the Reset PC button.
- Choose the desired option.
- Choose your preferred reinstall type. Please use the Local reinstall.
- Now verify your reinstall settings.
- Select Reset to begin the process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete it.
In many cases, it’s advisable to use Remove everything. However, choosing this option means you should back up your files to prevent the loss of important files.
5. Remove bad updates
- Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog and enter the code below, followed by clicking OK.
appwiz.cpl
- Navigate to View installed updates.
- Double-click on the update you desire to remove.
6. Scan for virus and malware
- In the search box, search for Windows Security.
- Click on the relevant search result to open the application.
- Now click Virus & threat protection.
- Next, click on the Scan options to view all scans that are available.
- Choose the Full scan option and click on the Scan now button to do a deep scan on your PC for viruses or malware.
The frustration that comes with BSoD errors can be overwhelming. This guide is fitted to your needs and designed to relieve you of this frustration. These 6 solutions will help you fix the issues.
We recommend you check your PC daily to avoid sudden occurrences. Leave us a comment below to share which solution better helped you resolve your critical process died error on your Windows 11 PC.