kernel Security Check Failure Error in Windows 11 (solved)

The “Kernel Security Check Failure” error on Windows 11 indicates that some system files or components failed an integrity or compatibility check. When this error occurs, your system will crash and display a blue screen with the stop code kernel security check failure. This means something is wrong with the core components of your operating system, such as the kernel, drivers, or system files. The kernel is a crucial part of the operating system responsible for managing system resources and executing system processes. This error is typically associated with issues related to hardware or incompatible drivers. Here are some common reasons and effective solutions to fix the KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE error in Windows 11.

kernel security check failure Windows 11

The “KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE” error usually occurs when the operating system’s kernel detects a security violation. This can happen due to various reasons, such as corrupted system files, incompatible or outdated drivers, memory issues, or hardware problems.

When this error occurs, it typically indicates a critical failure in a system process or driver, leading to the system shutting down to prevent potential damage.

What causes the KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE error?

• Corrupted system files: If critical system files are corrupted, it can lead to this error.
• Faulty hardware: Issues with hardware components such as RAM, hard drive, or graphics card can trigger the error.
• Driver issues: Incompatible or outdated drivers can cause conflicts and result in the kernel_security_check_failure.
• Memory issues: Problems with system memory, such as faulty RAM, can lead to this error.
• Malware infections: Virus or Malware infections can also cause the KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE error.

Depending on the cause of the Blue screen error, there are different solutions that you can try to fix the blue screen kernel security check failure error.

Remove External Devices and Reboot

External devices like USB drives, printers, and external hard drives can sometimes introduce conflicts that lead to BSOD errors, including the “kernel_security_check_failure.” By disconnecting these devices, you eliminate the possibility of their drivers or interactions causing the error.

Let’s first disconnect all external devices connected to your PC (Expect keyboard and mouse) and restart your Device.

It clears temporary glitches, reloads drivers, and can fix issues caused by software hiccups

If the error disappears after removing the external devices, you can then reconnect them one by one to identify which device might be responsible for the issue.

Start Windows in Safe Mode

Well if the error continues, or due to blue screen kernel_security_check_failure failure you are unable to access Windows normally, it’s recommended to boot into safe mode and apply the solutions below.

Starting your PC in safe mode, boot your system with only the essential drivers and services. This can help you isolate and identify any problematic drivers or software that might cause the error.

You can hold the shift key and restart Windows 11 to access the Windows recovery environment. Or you can boot from installation media and select repair computer.

• Next, select the Troubleshoot option, then click on Advanced options.

• On the advanced screen, click on Startup settings then restart.

• And finally, click F5 to start Windows 11 safe mode, F6 to enable internet access on safe mode.

Update your drivers

Updating your drivers is one of the easiest and most effective solutions to fix the kernel security check failure, especially if you have recently installed new hardware or software. Drivers are essential for the communication between your devices and your operating system, and they need to be compatible and up-to-date to function properly.

To update your drivers in Windows 11,

• Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager,
• This will display all devices and peripherals connected to your PC,

Expand them, and look if any driver name has a yellow exclamation mark, uninstall it or disable it. You can do it by right-clicking on that driver name.

To update any driver there, just right-click on it select update driver, select the first option, search automatically for the driver and follow on-screen instructions.

For a few uses, kernel security check failure error started after upgrading Windows 11, removing existing drivers (Graphics drivers), and installing the latest versions, help them fix the problem.

Also, you can Visit the official website of the hardware manufacturer to download and install the latest driver for Windows 11 PC.

Alternatively, you can also use a third-party tool like Driver Booster or Driver Easy to scan your system for outdated or missing drivers and update them automatically.

Repair corrupt Windows system files

System files core part of the operating system responsible for managing system resources and processes. If for some reason system files become corrupted or missing, it can affect the integrity or compatibility of your system components. This can lead to the KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE error.

Windows 11 has some built-in tools such as the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) utilities that can help you scan and repair corrupted system files, ensuring the integrity of essential Windows files.

• Press Windows key + S and type cmd, right-click on the command prompt, select run as administrator,
• Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to run the SFC scan. This will scan and repair any corrupt or missing system files.
• Next, run the DISM command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, (DISM is an administrator-level tool to repair Windows images)

• It may take some time depending on the corrupt level, Let the scan complete 100%.
• Restart your computer after both scans are finished, and check if this helps fix the blue screen error on Windows 11.

Test your memory for errors

Sometimes, Memory issues can lead to system crashes. Running the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool is a good practice, especially if you suspect that memory-related problems might be causing Blue screen errors. It helps identify potential issues with your RAM, allowing you to take appropriate action to resolve them.

• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, and type mdsched.exe and press Enter.
• Click on Restart now and check for problems (recommended). This will reboot your computer and run a memory test, results will be displayed upon restart.

• If any errors are found, you might need to replace your RAM modules or contact your manufacturer for support.

By testing your memory for errors, you can check if your RAM modules are faulty or malfunctioning, which can cause memory corruption or errors that can affect the kernel or other system components.

Scan your computer for viruses or malware

Sometimes, malicious software can interfere with your system files or drivers and cause BSOD errors. We recommend scan your computer for viruses or malware using a reliable antivirus program like Windows Security (Defender) or Malwarebytes.

To use Windows security (Defender):

• Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app,
• Click on Privacy & security then Windows Security.
• Select Virus & Threat Protection, click on Scan options and select Full Scan.
• Click on Scan Now and wait for the scan to complete.
• If any threats are found, follow the instructions to remove them.

Check for Hard Drive Issues

A failing or corrupted hard drive can lead to data read/write errors, affecting critical system operations, including those within the kernel. These errors can trigger the “Kernel Security Check Failure” as the operating system’s security mechanisms detect a problem with the data being accessed or written. Use the built-in Windows tools, such as Check Disk (CHKDSK), to scan and repair potential hard drive errors.

• First open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Type the command chkdsk C: /f /r and press Enter.
• Here the /f parameter indicates that chkdsk should fix errors it finds, and the /r parameter tells it to locate and recover readable information from bad sectors.
• Type Y and press the enter key to schedule scan on the next start.

Restart your computer to start scan and fix any disk errors. This process may take some time, depending on the size of the drive and the extent of the issues.

Uninstall Problematic Software

If the error started occurring after installing specific software, consider uninstalling or updating the software to eliminate conflicts.

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to the Apps, then installed apps
• Locate the recently installed software causing the error.
• Click on it and select Uninstall.

Restore to a Previous State

System Restore reverts your system to a previous state without affecting personal files. It’s useful if the error started after a recent change.

• Open “Control Panel” and go to “System” > “System Protection.”
• Click on “System Restore” and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Choose a restore point before the issue started and proceed with the restoration.

Note: If you can also perform a system restore from Advanced options, it’s helpful if Windows restarts frequently or unable to access a normal desktop.

Again Conflicting or incompatible software can trigger errors. Uninstalling problematic software eliminates potential sources of conflict. You can uninstall them from the Control Panel” and go to “Programs” > “Programs and Features.”

If nothing else works, you might need to reset the Windows 11 installation to its factory settings.

What is the “Kernel Security Check Failure” error?

• It’s a blue screen error caused by kernel security issues in Windows.

What causes kernel_security_check_failure error?

• Faulty drivers, corrupt files, memory problems, hardware issues, software conflicts, overclocking.

How can I fix the Windows 11 blue screen error?

• Update drivers, check memory, repair files, test hard drives, uninstall problem software, disable overclocking, and try System Restore.