Critical Process Died: Fix This Windows Error With Simple Methods

When you receive a Blue Screen of Death issue in the form of Critical process died error, it can be really annoying. If you are experiencing this problem, there can be severe technical issues including software, hardware, and drivers in your PC. There are some users who have complained that this error is occurring mostly after upgrading to Windows 10. You can even get this problem all of a sudden in the middle of an important job. However, it can also occur when Windows detects an unusual data modification on your system. These changes are done by a few critical components, which should not have happened. So, the critical process can involve a defective RAM, Windows drivers or other hardware components. Fortunately, you can still resolve this critical process error by means of a few technical fixes. Hence, check this article to find out the solutions that can fix this Windows error at the earliest.

Reasons Why Critical Process Died

1. The process is dead right after updating your Windows or upgrading the OS. Some users can even face this error while shifting from a 32-bit to a 64-bit system.
2. You can find this issue when your computer wakes up from ‘Sleep’ mode. It prevents you from resuming the task as the BSOD error takes over your display.
3. Sometimes, you can experience this Windows problem just after logging into your system. So, you may have successfully typed your username and password but this error message appears on your screen.
4. Many Windows users are even facing this issue after installing a third-party software update. Also, there are some who got this critical process failure problem while running games.
5. On Windows 10, you may get stuck into reboot loops if you receive this problem. In some cases, your system may show abrupt startup or shutdown issues due to this error.

Now that you are aware of the instances when you can get this error, understanding Critical process died Windows 10 fix will be easier. There can be many other ways in which this issue can affect, but hopefully, you can fix them without much hassle.

Excellent Methods To Resolve Critical Process Died Error

All you need to do is apply the given steps correctly and in the specified order:

Method 1: Reboot Windows In Safe Mode

Whenever this BSOD error occurs on your PC, you can’t use it until the problem resolves. So, the best way to handle this issue is by restarting your Windows 10 in Safe Mode. Now, follow these steps:

To apply this solution, hit the Restart button or simply press and hold the Power button and start your system. As the Windows logo appears on your screen, press both the Shift and F8 buttons simultaneously. It will show the bootup choices under the heading ‘Advanced Boot Options’. Then, select the option of ‘Safe Mode’ and open your PC.

Alternatively, you can reboot your computer in Safe Mode by hitting ‘Shift’ just before the ‘Restart’ option. Then, select ‘Advanced options’ under the section of ‘Troubleshoot’. Choose ‘Startup Settings’, hit ‘Enable Safe Mode’ and click ‘Restart’.

Method 2: Remove Disk Errors From Your System

First, press the Windows button and write cmd. It will show the Command Prompt as a desktop app. Right-click to run it as administrator. On the command window, write ‘sfc /scannow’ and hit the ‘Enter’ key. It will scan your PC for possible errors and remove them.

If the BSOD issue remains the same, write chkdsk C: /f in the command window and hit ‘Enter’. Don’t forget to detect and repair errors in other drives as well. Hence, replace the command as chkdsk D: /f, chkdsk E: /f and so on.

Method 3: Start Deployment Image Servicing And Management Program

You can resolve the issue of Critical process failure by running the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management). However, make sure to apply this method only if method 2 fails and the system errors persist. So, select the Command Prompt from the Windows Start menu and select ‘Run as administrator’ after right-clicking on it.

On the Command Prompt window, write the following commands by hitting ‘Enter’ key after each. Type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth. Then, write Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth. Finally, type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. Restart your PC and see if the critical process is still dead.

Method 4: Clean Boot Windows 10

No matter which components got corrupted as a result of which Critical process died, clean booting your PC can fix it. On Windows 10-based systems, click ‘Start’ and go to the search box. Then, write ‘System Configuration’ and hit ‘Enter’.

Next, go to ‘Services’ tab and scroll down to see the list of Microsoft services. Make sure to tick the box for ‘Hide all Microsoft services’ at the bottom of this list. Then, click on ‘Disable all’ and go to the tab of ‘Startup’, and then go to ‘Services’.  

Now, select ‘Task Manager’ and select all the items in the list. Hit the ‘Disable’ button. You may still choose to keep the programs with low startup impact enabled. Finally, save these changes by hitting the ‘OK’ button and rebooting your computer.

Method 5: Scan PC To Remove Critical Programs

You can run an effective antivirus tool to scan your entire system and fix the Critical process died issue. It will remove the virus or malware, along with adware and spyware that can corrupt the system files. Hence, if running the sfc scan (method 2) doesn’t resolve the error, try this solution.
So, hit the Windows Start button and write ‘defender’ in the search box. As it displays the ‘Windows Defender’, double-click to launch it. On the left pane of Windows Defender Security Center, click on the Shield symbol and choose ‘Advanced scan’. Perform ‘Full scan’ and hopefully, the critical process failure message will no longer appear on your computer.