Fix Kernel Security Check Failure in Windows 10 [9 Working Solutions]

The Kernel Security Check Failure error stop code (commonly 0x00000139) usually occurs when the Windows operating system detects corruption or inconsistency in critical kernel data structures. The kernel is the core part of Windows that manages memory, processes, drivers, and hardware access. When the kernel detects a problem that cannot be safely continued, it halts the system and displays a blue screen to prevent further damage or data loss.

This violation can be caused by various factors, including hardware issues, incompatible drivers, or corrupted system files. This article explores What Causes Kernel Security Check Failure in Windows 10 and how to Troubleshoot It.

Tip: Start with the first method and work your way down. After each fix, use your PC normally for a while to see if the error returns.

What Causes kernel security check failure error?

There are many possible causes of the Kernel_security_check_failure error, but some of the most common ones include Outdated or Incompatible Drivers, Corrupted System Files, Faulty Hardware, or third-party Software Conflicts.

• If essential Windows files are damaged or missing, the kernel may be unable to access or load them properly, leading to a security check failure.
• Drivers play a crucial role in the proper functioning of hardware components. Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause conflicts and result in a BSOD.
• Incompatible or malfunctioning hardware components can trigger the Kernel Security Check Failure error. This includes issues with RAM, hard drives, or other connected peripherals.
• Certain third-party applications or antivirus programs may interfere with the kernel, causing system crashes.

Depending on the cause of the error, you can try different methods to fix it.

Disconnect External Devices and Check Hardware Compatibility

Sometimes installing new hardware components or peripherals can cause compatibility issues with your system or with existing hardware. For example, if you install a new RAM module with a different speed or size from your existing modules, it may cause instability or errors in memory management. If the problem started after a recent hardware change or software update, the first thing we recommend is to disconnect external devices.

• Unplug any external devices connected to your PC, such as USB drives, printers, or scanners.
• Restart your PC and see if the error persists. If the error does not occur, plug in one device at a time and restart your PC until you find the device that causes the error.
• If possible, replace or remove the problematic device or update its driver.
• In addition, Re-seat RAM modules and ensure they are securely in place, check for loose cables and connections.
• Also, you can Use hardware diagnostic tools provided by your computer’s manufacturer to identify and replace malfunctioning hardware.

Desktop users: Also reseat components inside the case (RAM, cables, GPU) if you’re comfortable doing so. Make sure the RAM modules are firmly installed and all power/data cables are secure.

Boot Windows 10 into Safe Mode

If your PC restarts frequently and you can’t use it normally, booting into Safe Mode loads Windows 10 with a minimal set of drivers and services. If the error doesn’t occur in Safe Mode, that strongly suggests a driver or software conflict, rather than a pure hardware issue.

To boot into Safe Mode using Windows 10 installation media:

• Create or use an existing Windows 10 bootable USB/DVD.
• Boot your PC from the installation media.
• On the setup screen, click Repair your computer (not Install now).

• Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

• After restart, press F4 to boot into Safe Mode, or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking (if you need internet access to download drivers).

Once in Safe Mode, observe:

• If the system is stable, focus on uninstalling problematic apps, updating drivers, and running scans (SFC, DISM, antivirus) from there.
• If you still get BSODs even in Safe Mode, hardware or deeper corruption is more likely.

Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted or missing Windows system files often cause Kernel Security Check Failure errors. The System File Checker (SFC) tool scans and repairs damaged system files, while DISM repairs the underlying Windows image.

• Press the Windows key + S, type cmd, and open the Command Prompt as an administrator
• Run sfc /scannow and wait for the scan to complete.
• Next, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
• Restart your computer after the scans are finished.

This is helpful if corrupted or missing system files cause kernel security check failure error.

Update or Roll Back Device Drivers in Windows 10

Outdated or incompatible drivers can disrupt the communication between hardware and the operating system, leading to the Kernel Security Check Failure on Windows 10. Especially if the problem started after a recent Windows upgrade, there is a chance the installed device driver is not compatible with the current Windows version. Updating drivers ensures your system can interact efficiently with hardware components.

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Look for any devices with a yellow warning triangle next to them—these often indicate driver problems.
3. To update a driver:
   1. Right-click the device and choose Update driver.
   2. Select Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.
4. Prioritize updating critical drivers:
   • Display adapter (graphics driver)
   • Network adapters
   • Storage controllers
   • Audio device
5. For the most reliable drivers, download them directly from the hardware manufacturer’s website (Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, your laptop/PC brand, etc.).

Also, you can visit the official website of your hardware component or use automatic driver update tools for the latest versions.

Updating your drivers can help resolve compatibility issues or fix bugs that may cause errors.

If the error started right after a driver update, try rolling back that driver:

1. In Device Manager, right-click the device and choose Properties.
2. Go to the Driver tab.
3. Click Roll Back Driver (if available) and follow the instructions.

After updating or rolling back drivers, restart your PC and monitor for BSODs.

Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool

Faulty or incompatible RAM modules can cause errors in the kernel’s memory management. Windows includes a built-in Memory Diagnostic tool that can test your RAM for basic problems.

Hardware caution: If you’re not comfortable opening your PC case, skip the physical reseating steps and only run the software diagnostic, or ask a technician for help.

Optional hardware check (desktop PCs):

1. Shut down your computer and unplug the power cable.
2. Open the PC case and carefully remove the RAM modules.
3. Clean the gold contacts gently with a soft, dry cloth or an eraser.
4. Reseat the RAM firmly back into their slots.
5. Close the case, reconnect power, and turn the PC back on.

Run Windows Memory Diagnostic:

1. Press Windows + R, type: mdsched.exe and press Enter.
2. Click Restart now and check for problems (recommended).
3. Your PC will restart and run a memory test. This may take some time.
4. After Windows loads again, you’ll see the test results in a notification or in Event Viewer.

If Windows Memory Diagnostic reports errors, one or more RAM modules are likely faulty. In that case, try testing sticks one by one or replacing the problematic module.

Uninstall Recently Installed Apps or Antivirus Software

Some third-party applications, especially antivirus programs, firewalls, VPN clients, and system optimization tools, can interfere with kernel operations and cause this BSOD.

If the Kernel Security Check Failure error started after installing new software:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Apps & features.
3. Sort the list by Install date to see the most recently installed programs.
4. Click any suspicious or recently added app, then choose Uninstall.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to remove the software.
6. Restart your PC and see if the error appears again.

If you suspect your antivirus is involved, you can:

• Temporarily disable real-time protection, or
• Completely uninstall it and rely on Windows Security for testing purposes.

If uninstalling a program fixes the issue, consider switching to an alternative tool that’s more stable with Windows 10.

Check for Windows 10 Updates

Microsoft regularly releases updates that fix bugs, add security patches, and improve hardware compatibility. Installing the latest updates can sometimes resolve BSOD errors, including Kernel Security Check Failure.

Sometimes, Microsoft may release updates that can fix known issues or errors with the kernel or other system components.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Download and install any available updates.
5. Restart your PC if prompted and test for stability.

If the problem started right after a specific Windows update, you can also try temporarily uninstalling that update from Update history > Uninstall updates, then see if the error goes away.

Scan and Repair Disk Errors with CHKDSK

File system corruption and bad sectors on your hard drive or SSD can cause instability and trigger kernel-related BSODs. The CHKDSK tool scans your disk for errors and tries to repair them.

Warning: On drives that are already failing, a full CHKDSK scan can stress the disk. If possible, back up important data before running it.

• Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
• Type command chkdsk C: /f /r, and press the Enter key.
  • C: is your system drive. Change it if Windows is installed on a different drive.
  • /f tells CHKDSK to fix errors.
  • /r tells it to locate bad sectors and recover readable information.
• You may be prompted to schedule a disk check at the next restart; type Y and press Enter.

Restart your computer, and CHKDSK will scan and repair disk errors during the boot process.

After the scan finishes and Windows loads, monitor your system to see if the Kernel Security Check Failure BSOD returns.

Disable Fast Startup

For some users, disabling Fast Startup has helped stop blue screen errors on Windows 10.

1. Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter to open Control Panel.
2. Go to System and Security > Power Options.
3. Click Choose what the power buttons do on the left.
4. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
5. Under Shutdown settings, uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).
6. Click Save changes and restart your PC.

Check if disabling Fast Startup improves system stability.

Again Malware is malicious software that can infect your system and compromise its security and performance. Some malware may modify or delete system files, inject malicious code into processes, or interfere with drivers or hardware devices, causing kernel corruption.

Scanning for malware can help you remove any malicious software that may infect your system and cause errors.

You can use built-in Windows security or download and install a reputable antivirus program on your PC. Run a full system scan and remove any detected threats.

Frequently Asked Questions