Blue screen of death or BSOD can crash your computer and hamper your work. It includes more than 500 Error codes, however, 0x000000EF or Critical Process Died is the most infamous one. BSOD errors are quite irritating and also pose a risk of losing data on which we are currently working. If you are facing a similar issue, then you need to act on it immediately. Let’s get started! First, let’s know what is the 0x000000EF error code.
Critical Process Died or 0x000000EF
Error code 0x000000EF is mostly the reason for BSODs. You get the error code 0x000000EF on a blue crash screen.
You must be wondering why it happens? Well, it happens as a background process on which Windows depends has been corrupted. It could incorrectly modify your data or stopped completely.
The reason behind this error code could be anything from memory error to corrupted drivers. The error usually comes up when you wake your machine from sleep, playing games or using a specific app.
Steps To Fix The Error Code 0x000000EF
There are a handful of troubleshooting steps you need to follow to get rid of Critical Process Died code on Windows.
Method 1: System File Checker
Now let’s proceed and run system file checker popularity known as SFC scan. It is known to solve a lot of Windows hidden issues by repairing incorrectly modified or corrupted system files.
It might not solve the issue, but it is safe to run the Scan to try and resolve the issue. However, it could really work with this error code 0x000000EF
Follow these steps to initiate the scan:
You need to run Command Prompt as Admin.
- Type cmd in the search bar and right click on Command Prompt from results and Run As Administrator.
- Once you have Command Prompt open, type: sfc/scannow and press Enter.
The scan will initiate, you need to be patient as the scan will take a while to finish.
Once the scan is done, you will get a list of issues along with the steps taken to fix the issue.
It is recommended to restart your computer.
Method 2: Run Antivirus Scan
If your computer is infected with malicious content or malware, it tends to get unstable. You can run a good antivirus such as Advanced System Protector which swiftly scans and detects viruses, malware, spyware and other malicious files. It cleans detected malware, unwanted adware, & the vexatious toolbars that get onto your computer without your permission.
Method 3. Run the DISM Tool
If you are still facing errors, then let’s move on to proceed to the next step. Go to the search bar and type in Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management (DISM) tool and press Enter. This tool helps in repairing corrupted system image
The tool comes with three switches: /ScanHealth, /CheckHealth and /RestoreHealth
For now, we only need /RestoreHealth switch. Follow these steps to use the switch:
- Type cmd in the search bar and right click on Command Prompt from results and Run As Administrator.
- On the Command Prompt window, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
This process usually takes time. So, please be patient and wait for the process to get completed.
Once the scan is complete, restart your computer.
Method 4. Check Your Drivers For Update
Drivers on a computer could be the most recurrent reason for critical process died issue. So, you must check if any of the drivers need to be updated. For that, follow these steps:
Step 1: Press Windows and X to get the Context menu above the Start button.
Step 2: Locate and click Device Manager.
Step 3: Now check all the drivers present on your computer to see a yellow exclamation mark, this indicates that a driver needs an update.
Step 4: Once located, you can right-click on the driver to select Update Driver from the menu.
Well if you don’t want to waste your time in checking drivers or in future if you want to keep your drivers updated with you doing anything, then you always get Advanced Driver Updater. It keeps an eye on the installed drivers so that no driver is outdated, relieving you from the stress of updating them manually. It also takes a backup of all your drivers before installing an update.
Method 5. Uninstall Recent Windows Updates
Microsoft releases updates for Windows every now and then. It usually patches up security vulnerabilities or introduces new features. If the error code 0x000000EF has come up after a Windows update, uninstalling the recent Windows update could do the job.
Follow these steps to uninstall Windows update:
Step 1: Press Windows and I Key to get the Settings app.
Step 2: Navigate to Update & Security.
Step 3: Now on Update & Security window, click Windows Update.
Step 4: Locate and click View Update History, then click Uninstall Updates.
Step 5: Click on the update to select and hit Uninstall located at the upper side of the window.
Method 6. Clean Boot
Clean boot is a startup mode which just requires essential files processes, drivers and programs. Clean boot is a troubleshooting method which detects and solves performance issues within the booting process for example error messages, software conflicts and others.
Follow these steps to clean boot your PC:
Step 1: Type System Configuration on the search bar and press Enter.
Note: Press Windows and R key to get Run window and type msconfig and press Enter to open System Configuration
Step 2: Click the Services tab.
Step 3: Locate Hide all Microsoft Services from the list.
Step 4: Click Disable All button.
Step 5: Select the Startup tab
Step 6: Go to Open Task Manager
Step 7: You will get Task Manager with the Startup Tab.
Step 8: Disable the items on the list.
Once done, restart your computer.
If nothing so far worked for you, then you can Reset your computer to start it fresh. To reset your PC, follow these steps:
- Press Windows and I key to get Settings
- Now locate Update & Security.
- Navigate to Recovery (located at the left side of the pane)
- Click Get Started.
- Click Keep Files and follow the onscreen instructions.
Still, the issue appears on your computer, then it is better to get a fresh installation on your Windows PC to make sure the issue is resolved for good.
Following these steps can be exhausting, therefore, you need to be a bit patient while performing the steps
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