Fix Kernel Security Check Failure in Windows 11 (8 solutions)

The Stop code “Kernel Security Check Failure” on Windows 11 indicates a problem with a driver, a corrupted system file, or faulty hardware, such as RAM or hard drives. This error usually occurs when a core component of the operating system kernel (responsible for communication between software and hardware) detects an inconsistency or corruption in a critical data structure. You may encounter this Blue Screen of Death after Windows updates, hardware installations, or when running specific applications, including games. In this article, you’ll learn how to fix the KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE error and prevent it from coming back.

What causes Kernel Security Check Failure Error?

Let’s first understand what kernel security checks do. Usually, the kernel is the core component of the Windows operating system, responsible for managing hardware resources, memory, and input/output operations. The Kernel Security Check is a critical security mechanism that protects the kernel.

The primary purpose of the Kernel Security Check is to ensure the integrity and security of the kernel’s operations.

This check usually triggers when the kernel detects unexpected behavior or potential unauthorized access attempts that could compromise system stability or security. When the kernel encounters an issue, it can lead to a system crash or failure.

The stop code KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE (0x00000139) indicates that a critical kernel data structure has been corrupted. It could be due to corrupted system files, outdated or incompatible drivers, faulty hardware (particularly RAM or storage devices), malware infections, and software conflicts.

• Corrupted system files: Malfunctioning system files can cause the error.
• Outdated drivers: Incompatible or outdated drivers can lead to the error.
• Malware or viruses: Malware can cause system instability and trigger the error.
• Hardware issues: Problems such as a failing hard drive can also trigger this error. Memory corruption can also trigger this error.
• Disk errors – Bad sectors on HDDs/SSDs may lead to crashes.

Disconnect External Devices and Restart Your Computer

Whenever you experience a Blue Screen of Death error on a Windows PC, the first thing we recommend is to Disconnect External Devices like USB drives or printers and restart your PC. This helps prevent driver conflicts and resolves temporary issues that may be causing the Kernel Security Check Failure error.

• Shut down your computer completely.
• Disconnect all unnecessary external devices (USB drives, printers, external HDDs, docking stations, etc.).
• Keep only essential devices connected — keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
• Restart your PC and check if the error persists.

If the issue is resolved, reconnect devices one by one to identify which hardware is causing the problem.

Restart Windows in Safe Mode

Safe Mode runs Windows with minimal drivers and services, making it easier to isolate the problem. If your PC keeps restarting frequently due to the Kernel Security Check Failure error, starting Windows in Safe Mode can help you troubleshoot without crashes.

• Press Shift + Restart from the Start menu.
• Navigate to: Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
• Select Safe Mode with Networking.

Update Device Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are among the most common causes of the kernel security check failure error. Updating or installing the latest drivers ensures compatibility and system stability.

To update drivers:

• Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
• Expand each category (like Display adapters or Network adapters) and look for devices with a yellow triangle (indicating driver issues).
• Right-click the device and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
• Alternatively, visit the manufacturer’s website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to download the latest drivers for your hardware.
• Restart your PC after updating drivers.

You can also use a third-party driver update tool (such as Driver Booster or Driver Easy) to automatically scan your PC and update outdated drivers with a single click.

Again, running an outdated version of Windows 11 can lead to compatibility issues and kernel errors. Press Win + I to open Settings. Navigate to Windows Update > Check for updates. Download and install any available updates. Restart your computer to apply the updates.

Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Again, Corrupted or missing system files can trigger Windows 11 BSOD errors. Running System File Checker (SFC) and DISM scans repairs these files and restores system health. This is one of the most effective ways to fix kernel-level crashes.

• Press Win + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator to open Command Prompt.
• Run the sfc /scannow command to check for corrupted files
• Wait for the scan to complete and repair any issues.
• Next, run the DISM RestoreHealth command to restore system health: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• Allow the scan to complete 100%, then restart your computer.
• It might take some time, depending on your system configuration and the extent of file corruption.

These commands repair corrupted system files, restore Windows 11’s integrity, and most likely fix the BSOD “Kernel Security Check Failure.”

Check Memory (RAM) for Errors

Faulty or unstable RAM can lead to the kernel security check failure error. Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to scan your memory. If errors are found, reseat or replace the RAM module to fix the issue.

• Press Win + S, type Windows Memory Diagnostic, and select it.
• Select Restart now, then check for problems.
• Your PC will restart and run a memory test. Review the results after the system boots.
• If errors are detected, consider replacing faulty RAM modules.

Check Your Hard Drive for Errors

Sometimes Disk errors can lead to kernel issues. Running the Check Disk (chkdsk) utility helps detect and repair bad sectors, ensuring smooth system performance.

• Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Run the command chkdsk C: /f /r ((replace C: with your drive letter if necessary)
• If prompted, press Y and Enter to schedule the scan for the next restart, then reboot your PC.

• It may take a few minutes to complete the process. Sometimes, it may take a long time. So, don’t lose your patience.

Uninstall Problematic Software

If you notice a problem that started after recent software installations or Windows updates, it may be due to a conflict with Windows 11 and cause a Kernel Security Check Failure. Let’s uninstall them and check if this helps.

• Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
• Locate the suspected software (e.g., recently installed antivirus or VPN).
• Click the three dots next to the app and select Uninstall.
• Restart your computer and check if the error persists.

To uninstall a Windows 11 update, navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.

Perform a System Restore

If the Kernel Security Check Failure started after a recent change (e.g., software installation or driver update), you can use System Restore to revert your system to a previous working state.

• Press Win + S, type Create a restore point, and select it.
• Click System Restore, then select a restore point before the error occurred.
• Follow the prompts to restore your system.

If no restore point is available: Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC. Choose Keep my files to reset without losing personal data or Remove everything for a clean installation.

Alternatively, create a bootable USB drive with the Windows 11 installation media and perform a fresh installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1: What is the Kernel Security Check Failure in Windows 11?
It’s a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) error that appears when the Windows kernel detects corruption or inconsistency in critical system data.

2: What are the main causes of this error?
Outdated or faulty drivers, corrupted system files, bad RAM, failing storage drives, disk errors, malware, or conflicting software/updates.

3: How do I quickly start fixing this BSOD?
Disconnect external devices, boot into Safe Mode, update Windows and drivers, then run SFC and DISM scans.

4: How can I check if my RAM or disk is faulty?
Use Windows Memory Diagnostic for RAM and the chkdsk command for disk errors. Replace any hardware that reports problems.

5: What if the Kernel Security Check Failure keeps coming back?
Use System Restore, reset Windows 11 (keeping your files), or as a last resort, back up your data and perform a clean install.