How to fix kernel security check failure in a few steps

What is kernel security check failure? 

Kernel security check failure is an error that shows up when the operating system detects corruption or inconsistencies in critical data structures. It usually points to a problem in the Windows kernel — the core part of your system responsible for managing hardware, memory, and processes.

When something goes wrong at that level — like a corrupted system file, faulty hardware, incompatible drivers or malware — Windows throws up a critical error in the form of a blue screen crash. You'll usually see the "kernel security check failure" error, followed by an automatic restart.

What is the blue screen of death (BSOD)?

The blue screen of death (BSOD) is an error you get when Windows hits a critical error and can't recover from it without rebooting. Instead of freezing or limping along, your system stops everything, shows a blue screen, and reboots.

You'll usually see a sad face, a QR code, and the error message "Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart." Behind the scenes, Windows creates a dump file — a snapshot of what was going on when things went south. That file can be helpful for tracking down what caused the BSOD crash.

Kernel security check failure is one type of BSOD that indicates a significant problem. If you're seeing it more than once, it's a sign that something deep in your system isn't right, and it's worth fixing before it causes data loss or further damage.

What causes kernel security check failure?

The “kernel security check failure” error means that your system is reacting to something serious under the hood. There are many factors that can potentially lead to it.

Hardware issues

Incompatible or faulty hardware, especially RAM or a hard drive, can trip up the kernel and cause the “kernel security check failure” error. If you've recently installed new hardware, that could be your culprit.

Outdated drivers

Drivers are the intermediaries between the operating system and hardware components. If one of them is buggy, outdated, or just not compatible, it can start doing things it shouldn't, like accessing memory it's not supposed to. That's when the kernel steps in and shuts everything down to prevent damage.

Third-party software conflicts

Some third-party apps (especially low-level tools like performance boosters, driver utilities, or game mods) can clash with system files or hardware drivers. These conflicts can trigger a kernel security check failure, especially if the software isn’t fully compatible with recent Windows updates.

In gaming, for example, tools like Easy Anti-Cheat have been known to conflict with system changes or outdated drivers, leading straight to a BSOD mid-game.

Malware infections

A nasty virus can corrupt your system files, change permissions, or mess with essential components, setting off a kernel failure. If you haven't run a proper scan in a while, now's the time.

Corrupted system files

When core Windows files get damaged (such as rom a crash, a bad update, or malware), your system can't function properly. That's when you'll start seeing errors like "kernel security check failure."

Faulty Windows update

Windows updates download and install the latest features, drivers, and more. At times, Windows can install a buggy or corrupted update, or fail to fully complete, which may result in a kernel security check failure.

Memory problems 

Bad RAM means bad news. Issues with random access memory (RAM) can throw off everything, from app crashes to total system failure. It's one of the most common causes behind this error.

Overclocking 

Pushing your CPU or GPU past its factory limit may boost your performance for a minute, but it also increases power consumption and heat, increasing the likelihood of a kernel security check failure. If you're getting this error and you've been tweaking performance settings, dial them back.

How to fix kernel security check failure

There are different solutions you can try to fix this BSOD error, even if you're not tech-savvy. These steps work for Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows 8. If you see a stop code "kernel_security_check_failure," start here.

Go into Windows safe mode

The first thing you should do is start Windows in safe mode. That disables any secondary driver and system file, making the computer run on the most basic factory settings. If the error disappears in safe mode, then you know that the system hardware and primary drivers are probably fine. To boot in safe mode, do the following:

To enter safe mode:

1. 1.Restart your PC and hold Shift while clicking "Restart."
2. 2.Go to "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup settings."
3. 3.Click “Restart.”
4. 4.When the options load, press the key that corresponds to “Enable safe mode” (usually 4).

Update drivers

Outdated, buggy, or incompatible drivers are a common cause of kernel security check failure, especially after installing new hardware or upgrading to a new version of Windows.

If the error started after you updated your OS, chances are one of the drivers you used for the previous Windows version isn't compatible with the new one. In that case, you'll want to update the problematic driver:

1. 1.Right-click the Start menu and select "Device manager" (or just type "device manager" in the search field).
   
2. 2.Find the device you want to update, right-click it, and choose "Update driver." Prioritize graphics, network, and storage drivers.
   
3. 3.Then select “Search automatically for drivers.”
   
4. 4.If Windows finds a new driver, it’ll install it. If not, move on and check the next driver manually.

You can also use manufacturer tools like GeForce Experience (NVIDIA) or AMD Adrenalin to keep your GPU drivers up to date.

Check for Windows memory issues

Faulty RAM card's performance can be one of the leading reasons for the kernel security check error. You can check it for issues by running the Windows memory diagnostic tool using these steps:

1. 1.Type "Windows memory diagnostic" in the search bar. Click on the memory diagnostic option that appears in the search results.
2. 2.Click "Restart now and check for problems."
   
3. 3.Windows will reboot and scan your memory for issues.

Once the scan finishes, Windows will tell you if it found any issues. If it does, look for specific error codes or messages to figure out what to fix next.

Run CHKDSK utility 

CHKDSK scans your hard drive for file system errors and attempts to fix them. To run it:

1. 1.Click the Start menu and type "cmd" in the search bar.
2. 2.Right-click "Command prompt" in the search results and select "Run as administrator."
3. 3.In the Command Prompt window, type: chkdsk /f 
   
4. 4.Press "Enter," and if prompted, type "Y" to schedule a scan on the next reboot.
   
5. 5.Once it finishes, run the same command again, only replacing "/f" with "/r". This will locate bad sectors in your hard drive and try to recover data.
6. 6.Close Command Prompt, reboot your PC, and let the scan finish.

This process may take a while, especially if your drive is large or in rough shape.

Run System File Checker

SFC (System File Checker) can spot and repair corrupted system files. To run it:

1. 1.Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. 2.Type the following command: sfc /scannow
3. 3.Hit "Enter" and wait — it can take 10–20 minutes, depending on your system.

If SFC finds and fixes any corrupted files, restart your PC to apply the repairs.

For a deeper scan, you can use DISM to check the Windows image for corruption:

• On Windows 10 and 11, run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
• On Windows 8, use: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

Run System Restore

System Restore lets you roll your PC back to a point in time when everything was working fine. If the kernel security check failure started recently, this may undo whatever triggered it.

Here's how to do it:

1. 1.Press Win + S and type "Create a restore point."
2. 2.Click the "System Protection" tab, then hit "System restore."
   
3. 3.Click "Ok," then select a restore point dated before the error occurred.
4. 4.Follow the prompts to restore your system.
5. 5.Your PC will restart, and if successful, the issue should be resolved.

Scan for virus 

A virus or piece of malware can easily cause this kind of crash, so rule that out early. 

To scan your system on Windows 10 and 11:

1. 1.Open “Windows security” > “Virus & threat protection” > “Quick scan.”
   
   
2. 2.If nothing shows up, click “Scan options” and run a full scan.

On Windows 8:

1. 1.Open “Control panel” > “Windows defender.”
2. 2.Run a quick or full scan from the “Home” tab.

You can use a third-party antivirus if you prefer, but make sure it’s up to date.

Reinstall Windows

Tried everything else and still getting the blue screen kernel security check failure? It may be time to install Windows from scratch:

1. 1.Back up your files.
2. 2.If you're using Windows 10 or 11, download the Windows Media Creation Tool and follow the steps to reinstall.
3. 3.For Windows 8, use a Windows 8 ISO and create a bootable USB with a tool like Rufus.

Wiping a computer is drastic, but if nothing else works, a clean install is the most reliable way to eliminate the problem for good.

How to prevent kernel security check failure

Want to avoid the kernel security check error in the first place? Stay ahead of it with a few smart habits:

1. 1.Keep your drivers updated. Outdated drivers are one of the top causes of system crashes. Update regularly.
2. 2.Run regular system maintenance. Disk cleanup, defrag, and software updates help avoid system errors.
3. 3.Avoid unnecessary overclocking. Overclocking can increase heat and instability. Unless you know what you're doing, it’s better to skip the BIOS tweaks and stick to the factory settings.
4. 4.Update your operating system. Windows updates patch vulnerabilities that cause kernel issues.
5. 5.Install and run antivirus software. Scan your system regularly and keep your tools updated.
6. 6.Avoid unnecessary software. The more clutter, the more room for conflicts. Stick to what you actually use.
7. 7.Perform regular hardware checks. Check your RAM and SSD health every few months.
8. 8.Back up your data regularly. If something breaks, backups save you from disaster.
9. 9.Limit changes to core system settings. Unless you’re troubleshooting or know what you’re doing, don’t mess with the registry or system files.