How to Resolve the “Kernel Security Check Failure” Error in Windows 10 – 2025

How to Resolve the “Kernel Security Check Failure” Error in Windows 10

The “Kernel Security Check Failure” error is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) issue that occurs in Windows 10 when the system detects corrupt files, incompatible drivers, or hardware problems. This error forces the computer to restart, potentially causing data loss and disruptions. Fortunately, there are several methods to troubleshoot and fix this issue. This guide will walk you through step-by-step solutions to resolve the problem.

WHAT CAUSES THE “KERNEL SECURITY CHECK FAILURE” ERROR?

Several factors can trigger this error, including:

• Corrupt or Outdated Drivers – Incompatible or damaged drivers can cause system instability.
• Memory Issues – Faulty RAM can lead to critical system errors.
• Corrupt System Files – Missing or damaged Windows files may trigger BSOD errors.
• Hard Drive Errors – A failing hard drive can result in frequent crashes.
• Software Conflicts – Third-party applications, especially security software, may interfere with system processes.
• Windows Updates – A recent update may contain bugs or compatibility issues.

SOLUTIONS TO FIX THE “KERNEL SECURITY CHECK FAILURE” ERROR

Try the following troubleshooting methods to resolve the error and stabilize your system.

1. RESTART YOUR COMPUTER

Before attempting complex solutions, restart your PC to clear temporary glitches.

Steps to Restart:

1. Click on the Start Menu.
2. Select Power > Restart.
3. Check if the error persists after rebooting.

2. UPDATE WINDOWS AND DRIVERS

Outdated system files or drivers can cause compatibility issues, leading to BSOD errors.

Steps to Update Windows:

1. Open Settings (Windows + I).
2. Click Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
4. Restart your computer after installation.

Steps to Update Drivers:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand categories like Display adapters or Network adapters.
3. Right-click each driver and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
5. Restart your PC after updating drivers.

3. RUN WINDOWS MEMORY DIAGNOSTIC TOOL

Faulty RAM can trigger kernel security errors.

Steps to Check RAM:

1. Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
2. Select Restart now and check for problems.
3. Your PC will reboot and scan for memory issues.
4. After the test, check the results in Event Viewer.

4. RUN SYSTEM FILE CHECKER (SFC) AND DISM SCANS

These tools help repair corrupt system files.

Steps to Run SFC Scan:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.
4. Restart your PC and check if the issue persists.

Steps to Run DISM Scan:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following commands and press Enter after each:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

3. Restart your computer after the scan completes.

5. CHECK YOUR HARD DRIVE FOR ERRORS

A failing hard drive can trigger BSOD errors.

Steps to Check Disk for Errors:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type chkdsk C: /f /r /x and press Enter.
3. Type Y to schedule a scan and restart your PC.
4. The system will check and fix disk errors during boot.

6. BOOT INTO SAFE MODE

If the error prevents normal booting, try Safe Mode.

Steps to Boot into Safe Mode:

1. Restart your computer and press F8 or Shift + F8 before Windows loads.
2. Select Advanced options > Startup Settings.
3. Choose Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
4. If the error doesn’t appear in Safe Mode, a driver or software conflict may be the cause.

7. UNINSTALL RECENTLY INSTALLED PROGRAMS

If the error started after installing new software, uninstalling it might help.

Steps to Uninstall a Program:

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Click Programs > Programs and Features.
3. Locate the recently installed program and click Uninstall.
4. Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

8. TEMPORARILY DISABLE THIRD-PARTY ANTIVIRUS

Some antivirus software interferes with Windows security features.

Steps to Disable Antivirus:

1. Open your antivirus software.
2. Disable Real-time protection.
3. Restart your PC and see if the error disappears.

If the issue is resolved, consider using a different antivirus solution.

9. PERFORM A SYSTEM RESTORE

If the error appeared recently, rolling back to an earlier system state might help.

Steps to Perform System Restore:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
2. Click Next and choose a restore point before the error occurred.
3. Click Next and then Finish.
4. Wait for the process to complete and restart your PC.

10. RESET WINDOWS 10 AS A LAST RESORT

If none of the above methods work, resetting Windows can fix deep system issues.

Steps to Reset Windows:

1. Open Settings (Windows + I).
2. Click Update & Security > Recovery.
3. Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
4. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The “Kernel Security Check Failure” error in Windows 10 can be frustrating, but following these troubleshooting steps should help you fix the issue. Whether it’s updating drivers, checking your RAM, or repairing system files, one of these methods will likely resolve the problem. If the issue persists, consider seeking professional technical support.