One of the most dreaded sights for computer users is what is commonly called the Blue screen of death. When the computer screen goes blue, with an error message, you know things are really out of hand. The kernel security check failure is one of the causes of the blue screen of death.
This article will introduce you to what the Kernel security check failure is, what its causes are, and finally, what you can do to fix the problem.
What Is The Kernel Security Check Failure
You’re probably reading this article because you have experienced the Kernel security check failure—or someone you know has. The blue screen of death signals the error.
The error message comes suddenly and effectively shuts down the computer. This is done to prevent further damage that could occur if the error isn’t fixed suddenly.
Some situations in which people have reported experiencing the Kernel security check failure include:
- After waking up from the computer from sleep
- After a RAM upgrade
- While playing a game, and
- While using a particular app.
So what exactly does the kernel security check failure mean? It means one or more files have failed a compatibility or integrity check. Though the error message does not point out what files are defective, your best bet at resolving the problem is by locating those files.
Causes Of The Kernel Security Check Failure
Many factors can lead to kernel security check failure. Some of the most common reasons for the blue screen of death are discussed briefly.
Incompatible drivers
This is the most common cause of kernel security check failure. If you have recently upgraded from windows 8 to 10, it’s possible some of the drivers are not compatible with OS. The same also applies if you recently installed or upgraded drivers.
Outdated drivers
If your drivers need an upgrade, it can lead to kernel security check failure.
Corrupted Windows system files
This can also happen during upgrades. Duplicates or invalid files may be created that cause errors.
Memory problems
If you have a small memory size, it can cause the computer to misbehave. There are also problems with having RAM in need of an upgrade. This is also true if any hardware is damaged or improperly fixed.
Damaged or corrupted hard disk
If the hard disk is not fixed properly or is damaged, it can lead to serious problems.
Virus
This is also a common cause of problems with computers. Viruses can also lead to any of the problems on this list.
Security programs and Corrupted drivers
Troubleshooting Kernel Security Check Failure
Now we know what kernel security check failure is and what the major causes of the failure are, we can now dive into solving the problem. These fixes work if the underlying problem they are meant to address is the cause of the kernel security check failure.
So a solution that involves you changing the harddisk only works of the harddisk is the cause of the kernel failure. With that in mind, let’s dive into the fixes for the kernel security check failure.
1. Use System File Checker and Memory Diagnostic
Using this diagnostic tool helps you find out what specific files are defective, and repair the damage. Here is how to go about using the file checker for diagnosis.
Go to Settings, go to Advanced option then select Startup settings
Click the restart button on the lower right side of the screen. This will make the OS startup with minimal system requirements
When the computer boots hover the mouse around the upper right side of the window.
Click the search feature from the menu and type cmd to open the command prompt.
Right-click on the command prompt and select run as administrator.
Type the command: sfc /scannow and press enter.
After the scan, type exit in the command prompt to exit the window. Move the cursor over the right side of the screen again.
Go to the search feature and find Windows memory diagnostic.
Run as administrator and select Restart now and check for problems.
After a reboot, the OS will check the RAM and display the possible reasons for the error. Once the diagnostics are completed, reboot the PC normally
2. Enable Legacy Advanced Boot Menu
Enabling the advanced boot menu is another fix to the problem. You do this using the command prompt. Follow these steps to enable the legacy advanced boot menu. For this, you’ll need Windows bootable media.
Restart the computer and insert Windows 10 bootable media optical media drive.
Click next on the displayed Windows setup box, then click Repair your computer.
In the Choose an option screen click Troubleshoot, then click Advanced options>>command prompt.
On command prompt type C and press Enter. On C type the command: BCDEDIT/SET {DEFAULT} BOOTMENUPOLICY LEGACY
After the command executes exit the command prompt by typing exit and hitting Enter.
Return to the Choose an option screen, click continue and start the computer normally.
3. Run System Restore
System restore aims to restore the system to a condition it was before it developed any problem. If you had enabled System restore previously, the computer would automatically choose to restore points that can be used whenever you want to restore the system. To try this method follow these steps.
Go to the Control panel and select Recovery. Under Advanced Recovery tools, choose Open System Restore.
In the Restore system files and settings, click next, then select the restore point you want to use. Scan for affected programs and drivers. Click OK to proceed.
Click Next, then Finish. Wait while system restore takes place. Restart the computer once it is completed.
4. Restart Computer In Safe Mode
Restarting your computer in safe mode is another useful technique for solving the problem of kernel security check failure. It helps you identify the software or apps causing the problem. Follow these steps to restart the computer in safe mode.
Open the Start menu, and select the power button option to look through the different power options.
Click the reboot button while pressing the SHIFT key. So, reboot button + SHIFT key simultaneously.
Click Troubleshoot and select Startup Settings. Select the Advanced tab.
Select the Restart option when it appears on the screen. Select Enable safe mode with network.
5. Check Disk For Error
Using the command prompt you can check the hard disk for errors. This helps you identify where exactly the source of the error is. These are the steps involved in checking the disk for errors.
Open the start menu and use the search feature to search for the command prompt.
Right-click on the command prompt and select Run as administrator.
When the command prompt interface opens, type the command: chkdsk C:/f, and press enter.
Note that the letter C should be changed to the letter of the hard drive partition on your computer.
Run the command chkdsk C:/r also.
This is a time-consuming process that can take between 30 minutes and two hours depending on the size of the disk.
Note also that the /f makes sure the file is fixed. If it isn’t added the message will be displayed that the file needs to be fixed without actually fixing it.
/f resolves logical issues with the drive while /r resolves physical issues.
6. Check Memory Slots
Memory problems also cause the kernel security check failure. If the memory slots are not properly fixed or connected, it can lead to this error. Check if the memory slot is properly placed in the socket.
If the slot is damaged, you can replace the memory slot or change the slot in which it is plugged into the motherboard. After checking the memory slots, restart the computer.
7. Check Hard Drive
Check if the hard drive is plugged correctly. If you are sure it is plugged correctly, restart your computer and see if the error persists. If the error persists it is also possible the hard drive needs to be changed.
If you have a spare replace it and see if it solves the problem of kernel security check failure.
8. Update Windows
A Windows update usually solves many problems. During the update, many bugs and defects in the previous version are repaired. Furthermore, software and system applications that have problems are automatically repaired.
Search for Updates on the search bar and follow all the prompts to update Windows.
9. Scan For Virus
Running a virus scan is a good way to find defective files and applications. The antivirus also helps to repair or delete files that are a threat.
10. Delete Software
Deleting software is particularly useful if the problem started after a recent software installation. Instead of consisting of a full system reset, you delete the software most recently installed.
Conclusion
The blue screen of death is a sign that there are problems that need to be resolved. One problem that can cause the blue screen of death is the kernel security check failure. This article has explained the various methods of solving that error. Hope it helps you to fix this error.
