The CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) occurs when a critical Windows system process stops working unexpectedly. When this error happens during startup, Windows may enter a continuous boot loop, restarting repeatedly and never reaching the desktop.
This issue is commonly linked to corrupted system files, failed Windows updates, incompatible drivers, disk errors, or third-party software conflicts.
Step 1: Enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
If Windows is stuck in a boot loop:
- Power on the system
- Force shut down while Windows is loading
- Repeat this 2–3 times
- Windows will show Preparing Automatic Repair
Navigate to: Advanced options → Troubleshoot → Advanced options
All fixes below start from here.
Step 2: Run Startup Repair (Recommended First)
Startup Repair automatically fixes boot-related issues.
- Select Startup Repair
- Choose your Windows account
- Enter your password if prompted
- Wait for the repair process to finish
Restart the system and check if Windows boots normally.
Step 3: Boot Windows in Safe Mode
Safe Mode loads Windows with essential drivers only.
- Advanced options → Startup Settings
- Click Restart
- Press 4 or F4 for Safe Mode
If Windows boots successfully, the issue is likely caused by drivers or third-party software.
Step 4: Run System File Checker (SFC)
Corrupted system files are a major cause of this BSOD.
- Advanced options → Command Prompt
- Run:
sfc /scannow - Wait for the scan to complete
- Restart Windows
If errors remain, continue with DISM.
Step 5: Repair Windows Image Using DISM
DISM repairs the Windows system image itself.
Run this command in Command Prompt:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthOnce completed, restart the system.
Step 6: Check Disk for File System Errors
Disk corruption can trigger repeated system crashes.
- Open Command Prompt
- Run:
chkdsk C: /f /r - Press Y if prompted
- Restart and allow the disk scan to finish
This process may take time but is important.
Step 7: Uninstall Recent Windows Updates
If the error started after an update:
- Advanced options → Uninstall Updates
- Choose Uninstall latest quality update
- Restart Windows
Avoid uninstalling feature updates unless necessary.
Step 8: Remove Problematic Drivers
If Safe Mode works:
- Press Win + X → Device Manager
- Check for recently installed drivers
- Right-click the driver → Uninstall device
- Restart Windows
Windows will reinstall stable drivers automatically.
Step 9: Disable or Remove Third-Party Antivirus
Some antivirus software can interfere with critical Windows processes.
- Boot into Safe Mode
- Uninstall third-party antivirus tools
- Restart Windows
Windows Security (Defender) will enable automatically.
Step 10: Use System Restore (If Available)
System Restore rolls back Windows to a previous stable state.
- Advanced options → System Restore
- Select a restore point before the error
- Complete the restore process
Personal files remain unaffected.
Step 11: Reset Windows (Last Resort)
If none of the fixes work:
- Troubleshoot → Reset this PC
- Choose Keep my files
- Follow on-screen instructions
Installed apps will be removed, but personal data stays intact.
When Hardware May Be the Cause
Consider hardware diagnostics if:
- The BSOD continues after reset
- Disk errors keep returning
- Random shutdowns occur
Check:
- SSD or HDD health
- RAM using Windows Memory Diagnostic
- Power supply stability
FAQs
What is the CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED BSOD error in Windows?
CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED is a Windows blue screen error that occurs when an essential system process stops unexpectedly, forcing Windows to shut down to prevent further damage.
Why does CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED cause a boot loop?
This error can create a boot loop when corrupted system files, failed updates, or faulty drivers load during startup and crash Windows repeatedly before it reaches the desktop.
Can corrupted system files trigger CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED?
Yes, damaged or missing Windows system files are one of the most common causes of the CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED BSOD, especially after updates or improper shutdowns.
Does Startup Repair fix the CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED boot loop?
Startup Repair can fix this issue if the boot loop is caused by corrupted startup files, registry errors, or failed boot configuration changes.
Will Safe Mode work if Windows is stuck in a CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED loop?
Safe Mode may work because it loads Windows with minimal drivers, allowing users to remove problematic drivers or software causing the crash.
Can Windows updates cause the CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED error?
Yes, incomplete or buggy Windows updates can break critical system processes and lead to CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED errors during startup.
Does running SFC and DISM fix this BSOD permanently?
In many cases, running SFC and DISM repairs corrupted system files and restores Windows stability, permanently fixing the CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED error.
Is resetting Windows necessary to fix CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED?
Resetting Windows is only required if recovery tools, system file repairs, and driver fixes fail, and it usually resolves software-related causes of the error.
Can hardware problems cause CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED BSOD?
Yes, failing storage drives, faulty RAM, or unstable power supply issues can also trigger CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED errors, especially if the problem persists after a reset.
Will I lose data while fixing the CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED boot loop?
Most fixes, including Startup Repair, SFC, DISM, and System Restore, do not delete personal files, but creating a backup is recommended before performing a reset.More Tech Fixes
Always try Startup Repair, SFC, DISM, and disk checks before resetting Windows. These steps resolve most CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED boot loop issues without data loss.
