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How to Fix “Critical Process Died” Blue Screen Error on Windows 10 & 11 — [2025 Guide]

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By Geeks and Wireless, Lorton VA – Your Local PC Repair Experts

🚨 Introduction

You’re browsing the web or working on a project, and suddenly your screen turns blue. Then you see the dreaded message:

CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED

This common error in Windows 10 and 11 leaves thousands of users confused and frustrated. But don’t worry — in this guide, Geeks and Wireless will break down what it means, what causes it, and exactly how to fix it step by step.

✅ Whether you’re a beginner or experienced PC user, this 2,000-word tutorial has everything you need.

🔍 What is the “Critical Process Died” Error?

This Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) occurs when a critical system process fails or terminates unexpectedly. It’s often linked to:

Windows shuts down automatically to prevent further damage.

🧠 Why It Happens — Common Causes

Let’s break down the technical reasons behind this issue:

CauseDescription
🧩 Driver ConflictsA new or outdated driver might crash your system
💾 Corrupted FilesDamaged Windows files can trigger BSOD
🔐 Malware/VirusesSecurity breaches or rogue programs
⚙️ Bad Windows UpdateIncomplete or buggy system updates
🔧 Faulty RAM/SSDHardware failure during read/write cycles

🛠️ How to Fix “Critical Process Died” Step-by-Step

⚠️ Note:

Before trying these steps, backup your data if possible. You might need a bootable USB if your PC won’t start normally.

✅ Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode

Why? Safe Mode runs your system with minimal drivers and helps isolate the cause.

Steps:

  1. Hold the Power button for 10 seconds to turn off.
  2. Press Power again and as Windows begins to load, press Shift + F8 or F11 repeatedly.
  3. Navigate to:
    • Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart
  4. Select Enable Safe Mode with Networking (Option 5).

✅ Step 2: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

These tools check for and repair corrupt system files.

In Safe Mode:

  1. Press Win + X > Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin)
  2. Type the following commands:
bashCopyEditsfc /scannow

Wait for it to complete.

  1. Then run:
swiftCopyEditDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  1. Restart your computer normally and check if the error is gone.

✅ Step 3: Update or Roll Back Drivers

Faulty drivers are one of the top causes for this BSOD.

To update:

  1. Press Win + X > Device Manager
  2. Expand Display adapters, Network adapters, and Sound controllers
  3. Right-click each and choose Update Driver > Search Automatically

To roll back (if it started after recent update):

  1. Right-click the device > Properties > Driver Tab
  2. Click Roll Back Driver

✅ Step 4: Uninstall Recent Windows Updates

Sometimes, a bad update breaks something.

To uninstall:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
  2. Click Update history > Uninstall updates
  3. Remove the most recent KB update if the problem started after installing it.

✅ Step 5: Scan for Malware

Use Windows Defender or any trusted tool like Malwarebytes.

  1. Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection
  2. Click Scan Options > Full Scan
  3. Let it finish and remove any threats.

✅ Step 6: Check RAM and SSD Health

🧪 For RAM:

  1. Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe and hit Enter.
  2. Choose Restart now and check for problems

💽 For SSD:

Use CrystalDiskInfo or Command Prompt:

arduinoCopyEditwmic diskdrive get status

Look for “OK” next to your drive.

✅ Step 7: Perform a System Restore

If the issue started recently, System Restore can roll you back to a clean state.

  1. Press Win + S, search for “System Restore”
  2. Select a restore point before the error began
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions

✅ Step 8: Reset Windows (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, you can reset Windows:

  1. Go to Settings > System > Recovery
  2. Click Reset this PC
  3. Choose:
    • Keep my files (recommended)
    • Or Remove everything for a clean install

This will reinstall Windows and fix most deep-rooted issues.

💬 Real-Life Example from Geeks and Wireless

We recently helped a customer whose HP gaming laptop showed this error after a faulty AMD driver update. After booting into Safe Mode and rolling back the driver, the system was stable again. We also updated their SSD firmware to prevent future crashes.

🔧 Expert Tips to Prevent Future BSODs

📍 Need Help Fixing Your Computer in Lorton, VA?

If you’re stuck, don’t worry — bring your device to Geeks and Wireless and let our certified technicians fix it fast.

📞 Call: (703) XXX-XXXX
📍 Visit: 7000C Newington Rd, Lorton, VA
🌐 www.geeksandwireless.com

We fix all kinds of PC and laptop issues including:

📈 Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Be a Tech Expert

Fixing the “Critical Process Died” error is very doable with the right steps. If you try the methods above, chances are high that you’ll get your system working again — but if not, let the pros at Geeks and Wireless take care of it. Call 703 – 339 – 7003 right away to get a free estimate.

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