FIXED: Critical Process Died In Windows 11

Sometimes, your Windows 11 may get stuck in a permanent restarting loop, and an error code stating “Critical Process Died” appears on the screen. This BSOD error with reference code 0x000000EF indicates that a process critical to the system has failed to function and results in a system functionality crash. 

There are several possible causes behind the error, such as malicious applications installed on the system, corrupt or outdated drivers, wrong system updates, and hard drive malfunctioning.

When the issue arises, this error message will be displayed on your screen:

Key Takeaways

• Critical Process Died is a BSOD error that arises in Windows 11 when one or more essential OS tasks fail to perform.
• The factors behind the error include faulty system updates, malware attacks, outdated drivers, and memory issues.
• To fix the error, you can try running system file scans, repairing boot files, reinstalling drivers, and scanning for viruses.

Safe Mode

Windows 11 users may fail to log into the system after encountering the obnoxious BSOD error. In this case, they can log in and proceed with error fixing by enabling Safe Mode.

Here’s how to boot into the mode:

1. Press Windows + I > Windows Settings > Update and Security > Recovery > Advanced Startup > Restart Now.

   

2. From Choose an Options > Hit Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Start-up Settings > Restart.

   

3. Then, according to your preference, select one of the two below-available ways to boot into Safe Mode:
   • Press 4 or F4 to enable the option Safe Mode without the internet.
   • Press 5 or F5 to launch Safe Mode with Networking.

After this, Safe Mode will be enabled. Work on the potential fixes listed below to work around the BSOD error.

Execute SFC, DISM, and CHKDSK

I observed that corrupted system files or malfunctioning disks sometimes cause BSOD system errors in Windows 11. For this purpose, windows provide the potential built-in scanning utilities – System File Checker (SFC), Check Disk (CHKDSK) scan, and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM).

Here’s how to run these system-scanning utilities:

1. Click Start > Search bar > Type cmd > Run as administrator.
2. Execute the SFC scan by entering the below-given command line:

   sfc /scannow

3. Hit the Enter key, wait patiently for the scan to finish, restart your system, and see if the error disappeared.
4. Next is a DISM scan. Type in these three commands one by one and press Enter after each to execute them:

   dism /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth
   dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
   dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

5. Performing a disk check on your computer is an essential step to detect and fix hard drive glitches, which could be the culprit behind the error. By conducting regular scans, you can keep your disk and operating system safe from various errors. 

During the search for solutions to the error, I found a consensus among Reddit users recommending this method.

Update Or Reinstall Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers also become the causing factor behind the BSOD errors. To fix the issue, I discovered reinstalling or updating the system drivers an effective problem solver.

Scan For Viruses And Malware

Malware and virus attacks sometimes cause severe system damage and give rise to BSOD  errors. To clean the system, I ran a threat scan for malware and viruses on our system through the Microsoft Defender Offline Scan built-in tool or the Full Scan option available in Windows 11, which proved beneficial in working around the issue.

As the scan checks the system thoroughly, it may take a while to finish. Hold on and let the procedure wind up and eliminate the corruption, if there is any. See if the error resolves after the scan.

Use Bootrec Command

Another way that many Windows 11 users found helpful, including us, in solving the BSOD issue is by running the bootrec command. Windows Recovery Environment utility for repairing critical disk structures is bootrec. which updates the partition boot sector code and master boot record code. It’s a very useful Windows built-in command-line troubleshooter for boot-related glitches.

Here’s how to execute the command:

1. Open Command Prompt > Run as administrator.
2. Copy the following commands and press Enter after pasting each one given below in the command line.

   bootrec /fixmbr
   bootrec /fixboot
   bootsect /nt60sys
   bootrec /fixboot
   bootrec /rebuild

3. Wait for the commands to run promptly, and it may resolve the error.

This fix effectively worked for me, and I found out that YouTuber viewers also got the error fixed.

Use System Restore

Restoring your system to a predate before the appearance of the obnoxious error, you can fix the issue and continue working peacefully on your Windows 11.

The steps to execute a system restore are as follows:

1. Hit Start > Search bar > Type restore > Create a restore point > System Restore > OK.

   

2. To restore the system to the error-free point, select a date or event before the error.
3. To learn about the drivers and programs affected by the restoration, hit the Scan for affected programs button or click Next > Finish.

Reset Windows

If you have tried all the ways to fix the issue but still can’t get rid of the annoying BSOD error, then resort to resetting your PC. This fix will eliminate all the system errors but ensure all the data is backed up before performing the task, as otherwise, you may lose your crucial files.

 Important: You can save your personal system files by clicking on Keep My Files while other app settings will be reset. By choosing Remove Everything, all the system settings and your files will be removed. 

Windows operating systems frequently experience the “Critical Process Died” error, leading to abrupt system crashes and making the computer unusable. This common issue frequently results in many users’ data loss and workflow disruptions. Microsoft has been working to fix the error through system updates and bug patches.

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• Windows 11 Error “No Such Interface Supported”
• How To Fix Unmountable Boot Volume Error In Windows 11

Arsalan Shakil

[Errors Troubleshooting Expert]

Arsalan Shakil (aka GuyThatDoesEverything on YouTube) is a PC Tech Enthusiast and Electronic Geek. With over 10+ years of experience in Electronics, he then decided to explore Software Engineering to design embedded products and automate existing hardware solutions. 

When he started tearing down old cameras to understand how they worked, he was shocked (literally, when he got zapped by a flash discharge capacitor), giving him the power (debatable) to fall in love with videography/photography. He also started making some fun videos that later became YouTube tech reviews.

Skills:

• 10+ years of experience in Electronics design, embedded solutions, and prototyping
• Majored in Software Engineering
• Research paper publication in IEEE for Embedded Military Uniform & LoRa WAN wireless technology
• Specialized in IoT Solutions
• PC Enthusiast & PC Modder

In his local region, he’s known to expose cheap PSU brands, often claiming fake certification or false claims on the box. He’s a true nerd and needed some friends in his life. Then he met some guys who work at Tech4Gamers, and they also came out to be equal nerds who suggested he join Tech4Gamers as a Hardware Expert.