“Critical Process Died” (also called Blue Screen of Death) is a common error on Windows. Unfortunately, it still exists even on the latest version of the operating system, Windows 11, and can leave users with no access to their computers. This error can be caused by a variety of issues, including corrupted system files, hardware problems, and software conflicts. Fortunately, there are a few ways to fix the “Critical Process Died” error on Windows 11. Here are the top 5 methods for resolving this issue.
1. Run a Clean Boot
A clean boot is a troubleshooting technique that allows you to start Windows 11 with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help identify if a software conflict is causing the “Critical Process Died” error. It’s similar to starting Windows in Safe Mode but provides you with more control over which programs and services start at startup. Here’s how to perform a clean boot:
Step 1: Press the “Windows + R” keyboard shortcut to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
Step 3: In the System Configuration window, select the “Services” tab.
Step 4: Check the “Hide all Microsoft services” checkbox, click “Disable all,” and then select “Apply.”
Step 5: Select the “Startup” tab and select “Open Task Manager.”
Step 6: In the Task Manager, select each startup item and click “Disable.”
Step 7: Close the Task Manager and click “OK” in the System Configuration window.
Step 8: Restart your computer and see if the “Critical Process Died” error still occurs.
2. Check for Corrupted System Files
One of the most common causes of the “Critical Process Died” error is corrupted system files. To check for and repair any corrupted files, you can use the built-in Windows System File Checker tool. Here’s what you need to do.
Step 1: Press the “Windows + X” keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu.
Step 2: Select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” from the menu.
Step 3: Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
Step 4: The System File Checker will now scan your computer for any corrupted files and repair them if necessary.
Step 5: Reboot your PC to see if the error has been resolved.
3. Check for Hardware Issues
Another possible cause of the “Critical Process Died” error is hardware problems. To check for hardware issues, you can run the built-in tools. Here’s how.
Step 1: Press the “Windows + R” keyboard shortcut to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type “msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic” and press Enter.
Step 3: Select “Next” to start the process.
Step 4: Check the Diagnostics results for any issues.
4. Update Your Drivers
Another common cause of the “Critical Process Died” error is outdated or corrupt drivers. To ensure that your drivers are up to date, you can use the Device Manager in Windows 11. Here’s how:
Step 1: Press the “Windows + X” keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu.
Step 2: Select “Device Manager” from the menu.
Step 3: Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark next to them. This indicates that the device has a problem.
Step 4: Right-click on the device and select “Update Driver Software.”
Step 5: Follow the prompts to update the driver.
5. Perform a System Restore
If all else fails, you can try performing a system restore to roll back your computer to a previous state. This can help fix the “Critical Process Died” error if it was caused by a recent software installation or update. Here’s how to perform a system restore on Windows 11:
Step 1: Click on the Search icon in the Taskbar and then type “create a restore point.“
Step 2: Select the first option that pops up.
Step 3: Click on the System Restore button under the System Protection tab.
Step 4: On this screen, you can either pick a restore point yourself or go with the recommended restore point.
Step 5: Follow the prompts to choose a restore point. Make sure to select a point before the error occurred.
It’s worth noting that a System restore will revert your computer’s settings and may cause you to lose some data or installed apps. Be sure to back up your important files before proceeding with the restore.
Fix Critical Issues on Windows 11 in No Time
The “Critical Process Died” error on Windows 11 can be caused by various issues. By using the methods mentioned above, you can fix the error and get your computer running smoothly again. Additionally, it is recommended to keep your computer updated and perform regular maintenance to prevent future errors.
