Below are the top solutions for the Windows 11 Critical Process Died alert. Itâs recommended that you work through these solutions in order, as theyâre listed from the most effective and simplest to more advanced and intensive.
How to Fix the Critical Process Died Error
Here are the top solutions for the Windows 11 Critical Process Died alert. It’s recommended that you work through these fixes in the order presented, as they’re listed from most effective and easiest to more advanced and intensive.
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Check hardware connections. A loose cable can cause a Critical Process Died error at startup. Ensure the power cable, monitor, USB cord, and other cables are securely connected.
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Connected devices can sometimes trigger Windows 11 Critical Process Died error messages. Shutdown your PC, remove all connected devices, and then turn your computer on again. If the error message doesn’t appear, one of the disconnected devices might be the cause.
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Update your drivers. Ensure you have the latest drivers installed for your Windows 11 computer. If you’ve disconnected some devices, reconnect them now and update their drivers.
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Update Windows 11. Performing a Windows update can boost device stability and install essential security updates that might help prevent crashes.
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Scan for viruses and malware. After confirming you have the latest Windows security updates, perform a malware and virus scan to detect and remove threats that may have impacted your device.
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Update your Windows games and apps. If you encountered the Windows 11 Critical Process Died error while gaming or using an app, they may have caused the crash. Update the software you used during the crash, look for updates for other apps and games, and restart your computer.
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Remove Windows 11 junk files. Processes like emptying the Recycle Bin, deleting temporary files, and running Disk Cleanup can help your computer run faster and potentially reduce the risk of a Windows 11 Critical Process Died crash.
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Free up some space. A lack of free space can cause the STOP code Critical Process Died error message, so freeing up storage space could prevent this from happening again.
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Run Startup Repair. If youâre not at the screen already, access the Windows 11 Advanced Startup Options screen and start the Startup Repair tool. This feature will automatically scan and repair your computer for the causes of the Critical Process Died error.
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Run Windows troubleshooters. Open Settings and select System > Troubleshoot to conduct a brief search for any problems that may have been missed by the above processes.
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Open Command Prompt and run the sfc /scannow command. This will activate a process to automatically scan and repair damaged files on your Windows 11 PC.
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Perform a system restore. If you continue getting the Windows 11 Critical Process Died error on startup and suspect it occurred after an app or operating system update, you can roll back these changes with a system restore.
A system restore won’t affect saved files, but the process could undo some app and operating system settings and preferences you’ve changed.
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Reset your Windows 11 computer. If all else fails, reset your computer using the Reset This PC feature. You can choose to remove all files and start fresh or keep your files while reinstalling essential system files.
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Reinstall Windows 11. As a last resort, completely reinstall the Windows 11 operating system after exploring all other options. This erases everything and returns your device to its original state.
What Is the Critical Process Died STOP Code?
The Critical Process Died STOP code is one of many error messages displayed on a STOP Error screen, commonly known as the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD).
The STOP Error screen covers the entire display and is usually accompanied by a message saying, “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We’re just collecting some error info, and then we’ll restart for you.”
The Critical Process Died STOP code error message screen can’t be closed like a regular Windows 11 error message, requiring the user to wait for the process to complete and for the device to restart automatically.
Don’t try to restart or turn off your Windows 11 computer if a process is shown as active on the BSOD. Wait for it to finish before proceeding.
What Causes Critical Process Died Errors?
Windows 11 Critical Process Died error messages are usually triggered by:
- New hardware or software
- A data conflict
- Insufficient free memory
Malware and viruses can also cause the STOP code Critical Process Died error.
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