Your device keeps showing a blue screen, while starting the Windows system and you’ll end up with the “Kernel Security Check Failure” error. This screen, also known as BSOD (Blue Screen Of Death), freezes and asks for Windows 10 to restart. Many might think that the system undergoes a virus attack when they encounter a blue screen showing a Kernel security check failure error. In fact, it’s just a temporary condition of your Windows 10 laptop & the following methods could solemnly fix it. Let’s see the ways of fixing it!
Switch To Legacy Boot Menu
Enabling the Advanced Boot menu on your Windows 10 laptop switches the device to safe mode. Through this, you can troubleshoot the “Kernel Security Check Failure” error on your Windows 10.
- Restart your PC/laptop
- Plug in the Windows 10 bootable media through media drive
- Click Next on the prompted Windows Setup box tab
- Then, tap on the Repair your computer button
- This redirects to the “Choose an option” tab: click “Troubleshoot”
- Tap on Advanced options
- Now, click the “Command Prompt” option
- On the new Command Prompt Window – type “C:” & press “Enter” key
- Type the command: “BCDEDIT /SET {DEFAULT} BOOTMENUPOLICY LEGACY” in the Command Prompt tab
- After the command is successful, use “EXIT” command to leave the Command Prompt Window
- Head again to the “Choose an option” Window & tap “Continue” button to open your PC
Update Your Drivers
Device drivers update could fix the Windows 10 “Kernel security check failure” error. Drivers, once updated, are free from compatibility & security issues; also, broken codes will be fixed automatically. Below are the possible steps to update drivers
- Press “Win” + “X” to open quick options
- Tap on the “Device Manager”
- Click the “>” icon next to the “Firmware” to expand it
- Find & locate the driver indicating the warning icon(exclamatory sign enclosed by yellow triangle)
- Right-click on such a driver to open its options
- Then, click Update driver
- Another tab opens up showing, “How do you want to search for drivers ?”
- Choose “Search automatically for drivers” option
If your Windows has any upgrading, it automatically updates your device drivers. You need to restart your system after finishing every available update. At the same time, try to update all firmware & device drivers, which enhances the Windows 10 performance.
Launch System File Checker & Memory Diagnostic
A default setting, System File Checker, analyses all the files on your system & resolves the corrupted ones. Ensure you’ve installed the latest software before running the System File Checker on Windows. After that, launch Windows Memory Diagnostic tool, which could troubleshoot the BSOD and restore KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE. Here is how to run System File Checker & Memory Diagnostic tool on your Windows 10 PC
- Shut down your Windows 10 PC & turn it on again
- While your device screen opens, press F8 as soon as possible
- Advanced Startup Options opens up on your Windows
- Then, click “Troubleshoot” button
- Click Advanced options under Troubleshoot tab
- Now, select “Startup Settings”
- Tap the “Restart” option at the bottom-right side of the Windows
- When the Windows opens, press “Win” + “S” & type “Command Prompt” in the search tab
- Select “Run as administrator” option to launch Command Prompt forcefully
- In the Command Prompt Windows, type: sfc /scannow
- Allow the scan on your system to complete
- Then type “EXIT” & press the “Enter” key
- Now, launch the “Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool” through the startup menu(type its name on the search bar)
- Click “Run as administrator” option for “Windows Memory Diagnostic” tool
- A new tab prompts showing “Check your computer for memory problems”
- Select the “Restart now and check for problems (recommended).”
- After the device restart, this tool runs on your Windows & screens the possible causes for the Kernel Security check failure error
- Restart your Windows 10 computer again
Once the device turns on, check if the Kernel Security check failure error is resolved.
Update Windows
Windows update is necessary to maintain security & establish more features for system enhancement. So you can fix the Kernel security check failure on your Windows 10 laptop. Explore Windows settings to check for updates that are available for your device. Make use of the steps below to update your Windows 10 laptop
- Open Settings on your Windows 10 laptop
- Select “Update & Security” tab
- Tap on “Check for updates” button
Your PC lists any updates available for your device & you can install them any time. It is necessary to restart your Windows after each update to make it more effective.
Scan PC
Microsoft Defender checks malware, corrupted files, spammy networks, and sites. Additionally, this Virus & threat protection includes parental controls, health reports & location tracking. You can run the “Scan” option to sort out the Kernel security check failure on your Windows 10 laptop. Follow the steps mentioned below to run “Full Scan” through “Virus & threat protection”
- Left-click on the Windows icon & type “Windows Security,” then hit the Enter key
- Select the Virus & threat protection option
- Click on the Scan options
- Tap once on the Full scan option to put the Check mark on it
- Then, click on Scan now button
Run “Chkdsk” Command
Sometimes, the Kernel security check failure occurs on your system when there is an error on the disk. Broken or corrupted files on the disk might slow down the system or can induce BSOD error. Check for any problems on the disk, and this could be initiated by following the below steps
- Tap on “Windows” + “X” simultaneously to launch quick options
- Click “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” option
- In the prompted Window, type – chkdsk C: /f & tap “Enter” key
- Also, use “chkdsk C: /r” command to troubleshoot physical complaints on your Windows 10
- After the commands are successful, type “Y”, then hit “Enter” to restart your PC
The troubleshooting might take several minutes according to the disk size, most probably from half an hour to 2 hours.
Switch To Safe Mode
If you set up your Windows 10 PC to Safe Mode, the system turns into its basic state. This condition means that your system default settings & basic firmware are less prone to Kernel security check failure error. There might be limitations for every function on your device. Make sure to follow these steps below to switch your PC to Safe Mode
- Press the “Windows” key
- Search for “Settings” app – open it
- Click on “Update & Security” tab
- From the options on the left panel, click “Recovery”
- Under “Advanced startup” click “Restart now” button
- This navigates you to the “Choose an option” tab
- Tap on “Troubleshoot” option
- Go for “Advanced options”
- Press “Restart” button
Now your system enters Safe Mode, explore Windows 10 to check if the Kernel Security check failure error is resolved.
You can boot your Windows 10 rather than resetting your PC to figure out the software or apps causing a security error.
Do System Restore
This feature on your Windows 10 laptop would use a restore point to save files & registry. Because when your system faces OS installation failure or malware attack, system restore allows the Windows to run properly. Nevertheless, system restoration on Windows 10 might fix a Kernel security check failure error. Take a look at the following steps to do a system restore
- Click “Windows” + “X” simultaneously to navigate quick options
- Find & click Settings option
- Select “Update & Security” option
- Click “Recovery” on the left panel of the “Settings” tab
- Then, tap on “Get Started” button (under the “Reset this PC”)
- “Choose an option tab” prompts on your Windows
- Press the “Keep my files” option
- In the next tab, you can go for either the “Cloud download” or “Local reinstall” option
In the former option, your Windows 10 laptop must have an internet connection. Particularly, it uses more data(>4GB) to finish Cloud download, so ensure that you have adequate data. But the later option only needs the bootable media to initiate.
- Next, do the following instructions given on-screen.
Sometimes, newly updated device software might be the reason for a system security issue. When you find the Kernel Security check failure error persisting on your Windows 10, try launching the System Restore. This feature will roll back the update that you’ve recently installed on your Windows 10.
Fix Windows 11 “Kernel Security Check Failure” Error
Windows 11 is not an exception in the case of a Kernel Security check failure error on your system. Like Windows 10, 11 also faces the same issue, but the methods to fix it might differ. Get into this quick guide to restore this error on Windows 11.
Use Startup Repair To Diagnose Your PC
The “Startup Repair” on Windows 11 can effectively solve the Kernel security check failure error. Sometimes, this built-in repair tool would scan & leave a message as “Startup Repair couldn’t repair your PC.” However, trying this method is one of the possible ways to fix the BSOD error on your Windows 11 PC. Here is how to run the built-in diagnostic tool
- Left-click on the Windows icon to launch “Start” Menu
- Press & hold the “Shift” key, then click “Restart” option
- Click “Troubleshoot” in the new prompted Window
- Tap on Advanced options from the next tab
- Select the “Startup Repair” option
- Now, your Windows 11 starts diagnosing itself
- Wait until the scan to complete
- After the troubleshoot, your system boot up normally when there is no complaints
Or else, showing “Startup Repair couldn’t repair your PC” as a result, skip to the next method.
Switch Safe Mode On Windows 11
Even after completing the above techniques, and your Windows 11 shows, “Startup Repair couldn’t repair your PC,” you can try this method. Use the previous steps to open “Advanced options” under the “Choose an option” Window. Then, follow the remaining steps given here to enable Safe Mode on Windows 11
- Click on the “Advanced options” button
- Select the “Troubleshoot” option again
- Go for “Advanced options”
- Click on the “Startup Settings”
- Then tap the “Restart” button
- Press “5” key to select “Enable Safe Mode with Networking” from the list of Startup Settings
- Now, your Windows have booted to the Safe Mode (“Safe Mode” text on four corners of the Home Page)
At this time, get a backup of the files on your device & checkout the following method.
Uninstall The Recent Update
In some instances, a recent update on your Windows 11 laptop could cause the Kernel security check failure error. So, you need to uninstall the latest update using the “Advanced options” for troubleshooting Windows 11. Check out the steps below to uninstall the recent update
- Left-click on the “Windows” icon to open “Menu”
- Press & hold the shift key to press “Restart” option
- Select Troubleshoot (from “Choose an option” tab)
- Click on the “Advanced options” to explore more settings
- Then tap “Uninstall Updates” tab
- Now, click either the “Uninstall latest quality update” or “Uninstall latest feature update”
- Press again on the confirmation tab to confirm
Next, use the following instructions on-screen to uninstall the update on your Windows 11.
Windows 11 – System Restore
Use the previous steps to open the Advanced options on your Windows 11 laptop. Then, do the actions below to get rid of Kernel security check failure error on Windows 11
- Select “System Restore” option from the “Advanced options”
- Click Next when the “Restore system files and settings” tab appears
- Choose the restore point & tap the “Next” button
- Tap “Finish” to confirm your restore point
- Then click “Yes” in the prompted tab to initiate “System Restore”
- Wait until the restore to complete
- After that, restart your Windows 11
- Once the Windows starts, tap “Close” on the notification showing, “System Restore completed successfully”
After accomplishing these steps & if you still find the Kernel security check failure error on your Windows 11, follow the steps on the upcoming topics.
Run Command Prompt To Fix Kernel Security Check Failure Error
In this method, you have to run the “Command Prompt” from the “Advanced options” under the Windows 11 “Startup Repair”. Provide the following commands on the command prompt Window to get the Kernel security failure check error fixed. Here is how to run command prompt on your Windows 11 laptop after BSOD error
- Click on the “Ctrl” + “Esc” keys simultaneously to launch “Start Menu”
- Press “Restart” option while holding the “Shift” key
- Select the “Troubleshoot” option on the next tab
- Head to “Advanced options”
- Then, choose “Command Prompt”
- In the command prompt Window, type the command “C:” & hit “Enter” key
- Again, type “dir” & hit “Enter” to open folders on disk C:
- Now, provide the command as “ cd \windows\system32\config ” & tap the “Enter” key
- Then, type “md backup” command and click “Enter”
- Also, type “*.* backup” & hit “Enter”, then put “cd regback” command and press “Enter”
- Now, provide “dir” command & press “Enter”
- Type “ *.* .. ” & hit “Enter”
- At last, click “A” & then tap the “Enter” button to save changes
Left-click on the “X” icon at the top right corner of the “Command prompt” tab to end the task. Check whether the Kernel security check failure error is fixed on your Windows 11. Especially resetting the system that is explained below could fix the windows error.
Reset This PC: Windows 11
“Reset This PC” is a troubleshooting tool that you can use to overcome the Kernel security check failure error on Windows 11. You can avail of this repair tool by going through the “Advanced Startup Options” on Windows 11. Take advantage of the steps below to reset your PC
- Use the mouse to left-click on the “Start Menu”
- Press & hold “Shift” key along with the “Restart” option to “System options”
- Head to “Troubleshoot” tab
- Select “Reset this PC” option
- Click on “Keep my files” (this option allows the Windows to keep the current settings)
- Then, go for “Cloud download” option
- Ensure that you’re following the guidance shown on your Windows to reinstall the software
Kernel Security Check Failure Error – Preventive Measures
BSOD (Blue Screen Of Death) or “Kernel security check failure” error can get you distressed while using Windows 10 & 11 PCs. Below are the preventive measures to eliminate future BSOD errors on your Windows.
Upgrade Your Drivers & Software
Update Windows
System software update is crucial to access more features on Windows 10 & 11 laptops. Secondly, Microsoft releases updates that include patches to fix most issues of your device. So, engaging with the latest software for Windows 10 PC is the best practice to avoid more issues. Here’s how to update your Windows
- Tap “Win” + “X” keys at the same time to open “Quick Options”
- Click “Settings” option
- Select “Windows Update” at the left pane of “Settings” tab
- Click the “Check for updates” button
Then, Windows starts downloading the latest update available for your system. You should restart your device in order to finish the update.
Update Device Drivers
Some drivers on Windows 10 will be updated automatically, while others need a manual update. In those cases, head to the “View optional updates” option to figure out the devices that need to be updated manually.
- Right-click on the Windows “Start” button to launch “Quick Options”
- Go to “Settings”
- Select “Windows Update” on the “Settings” Window
- Click on the “View optional updates”
- Tap the “>” icon in front of “Driver updates” to expand
- Put the “Check” mark on boxes before the optional drivers
- Then, left-click on the “Download and install” button
- Wait until the device drivers get updated
Clear Unwanted Programs & Files
Always ensure that your system has enough space to run multiple tasks simultaneously. Uninstall the apps & software which are no longer useful because the system having dumped files is inevitable to face errors & BSOD. Instead of deleting the unwanted files & programs one by one, here is how to clear them all at once
- Press “Win” + “S” keys simultaneously to see index options
- Type “Disk Cleanup” & click “Run as administrator” option
- Now choose the programs that are useless & click “Ok” to remove
After cleaning the unnecessary & corrupted programs, review your device’s storage space.
Use Default Antivirus
Microsoft Defender is the built-in antivirus program that prevents your device from external malware attacks. Also, the antivirus frequently scans to maintain the device’s security status. Visit “Windows Security” & explore the options to analyse the current status of your Windows 10 laptop.
- Right-click on the Windows “Start” to open Quick options
- Head to the Settings tab
- Select “Update & Security” on the left panel of Settings tab
- Then click on the “Virus & threat protection” tab
Under the “Virus & threat protection” Window, recheck your device’s security status.
Final Thoughts
After going through this entire content, you will clearly understand the reasons for the “KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE” error & how to rectify it. For most methods, you have to come across advanced options on your Windows 10. Fortunately, fixes like software updates, system restore, virus scans, etc., could fix the Kernel security check failure error seamlessly.