How to Fix KERNEL SECURITY CHECK FAILURE Error on Windows 11 (BSOD Guide)

The KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE error is one of the most frustrating Windows blue screen crashes because it appears randomly and survives basic fixes. Many users see ntoskrnl.exe listed in crash logs, which often causes confusion.

This guide explains why the error happens and shows proven steps that actually fix it, especially when Windows updates and reinstalls fail.

Why KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE Appears on Windows 11

Windows triggers this stop code when it detects illegal memory activity inside the kernel.

This usually happens when:

• A driver corrupts kernel memory
• RAM delivers unstable data
• Firmware or storage controllers behave incorrectly

ntoskrnl.exe appears because it detects the corruption, not because it caused it.

Step 1: Disable XMP / DOCP in BIOS (Critical)

Unstable RAM is the number-one cause of this error.

Even high-quality RAM can crash at advertised speeds.

What to do:

1. Restart your PC
2. Enter BIOS (usually DEL or F2)
3. Locate memory settings
4. Disable XMP / DOCP
5. Save and exit

Run the system for 24–48 hours.

If crashes stop, RAM instability caused the issue.

Step 2: Use Driver Verifier to Find the Real Driver

Driver Verifier forces faulty drivers to crash immediately and reveal themselves.

Enable Driver Verifier

1. Press Win + R
2. Type verifier and press Enter
3. Select Create standard settings
4. Choose Select drivers from a list
5. Check only non-Microsoft drivers
6. Restart the PC

What to expect

• A new BSOD may appear
• The crash screen will name the actual faulty driver

If Windows fails to boot

1. Boot into Safe Mode
2. Open Command Prompt
3. Run:

verifier /reset

Step 3: Remove Known Problem Software

Some software installs low-level drivers that corrupt kernel memory.

Temporarily uninstall:

• RGB control software (Aura, Mystic Light, iCUE)
• Audio enhancement tools (Nahimic, Sonic Studio)
• Third-party antivirus
• Hardware monitoring tools
• Virtual machine software

Restart after removal and test stability.

Step 4: Update SSD / NVMe Firmware (Not Just Drivers)

Outdated storage firmware can corrupt memory silently.

What to check:

• Visit your SSD manufacturer’s website
• Install the latest firmware, not Windows drivers
• Restart after the update

This step is especially important for NVMe drives.

Step 5: Run Advanced RAM Testing (If Needed)

Windows Memory Diagnostic often misses real issues.

Use MemTest86:

1. Create a bootable USB
2. Boot from the USB
3. Run at least 4 full passes

Any error means the RAM is faulty or unstable.

Step 6: Reset CPU Overclocking and Undervolting

If you use:

• PBO
• CPU undervolting
• Manual overclocks

Reset everything to stock settings in BIOS.

Kernel memory errors often appear only under boost conditions.

When Hardware Replacement Is Necessary

Consider hardware repair only if:

• Driver Verifier finds nothing
• XMP is disabled
• MemTest86 reports errors
• Firmware updates do not help

At that point, the likely faulty parts are:

• RAM module
• Motherboard memory controller
• SSD controller

FAQs

What causes KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE on Windows 11?

KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE on Windows 11 usually occurs when a driver corrupts kernel memory, RAM becomes unstable, or firmware delivers invalid data to the Windows kernel. Faulty drivers, XMP-enabled RAM, and outdated SSD firmware are the most common causes.

Is ntoskrnl.exe responsible for KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE?

No, ntoskrnl.exe does not cause the error. It only detects kernel memory corruption and triggers the crash to protect the system. A third-party driver or unstable hardware causes the actual issue.

Can faulty RAM cause KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE?

Yes. Unstable or overclocked RAM is one of the leading causes of KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE on Windows 11. Even if memory tests pass, XMP-enabled RAM can still cause random kernel crashes.

Does reinstalling Windows fix KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE?

In most cases, reinstalling Windows does not fix KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE. The error usually comes from drivers, RAM instability, or firmware issues that remain after reinstalling the operating system.

How do I find the driver causing KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE?

You can identify the faulty driver by using Driver Verifier. It forces unstable drivers to crash immediately and displays the driver name in the blue screen, making diagnosis faster and accurate.

Why does KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE happen randomly?

The crash appears random because kernel memory corruption depends on timing, background processes, and memory allocation. The system may run for hours before triggering the same BSOD.

Can SSD or NVMe drives cause KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE?

Yes. Outdated or buggy SSD/NVMe firmware can corrupt memory before Windows detects it. Updating storage firmware often resolves unexplained KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE crashes.

Should I disable XMP to fix KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE?

Yes. Disabling XMP or DOCP in BIOS is one of the most effective fixes. Running RAM at default JEDEC speeds often stops the crashes completely.

Is KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE a hardware failure?

Not always. Many cases involve driver bugs or memory instability. Hardware replacement is only necessary if Driver Verifier shows no issues and advanced RAM tests fail.

Can overclocking cause KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE on Windows 11?

Yes. CPU overclocking, undervolting, or aggressive boost features can destabilize kernel memory and trigger KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE, especially under load or idle transitions.