Being a Windows user means encountering and fixing the occasional Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). BSOD errors that appear out of the blue are a source of concern. The "ntoskrnl.exe" error is one such BSOD error that users on both Windows 10 and 11 are known to encounter. This guide details the possible causes behind this error and what you can do to fix it.
Good to know: Do you see? BSOD Device Check Exception Instead? Learn what to do about it.
How to fix ntoskrnl.exe error
The error is related “ntoskrnl.exe” It is responsible for basic Windows processes. Actually, “ntoskrnl.exe” stands for “Windows NT kernel executable.” It is responsible for basic background processes to ensure the normal functioning of your computer. Since one of the important tasks of “ntoskrnl.exe” It is memory management, any issues with your RAM can cause the “ntoskrnl.exe” blue screen of death to appear.
Other causes of this error could include driver issues, conflicts with antivirus software, or corrupted Windows files. Here are some fixes to help you get to the root of the problem and remove it from your computer for good.
1. Check RAM for errors.
Over time, your computer's memory can develop errors that can reduce its integrity and lead to Blue Screen of Death errors like the ntoskrnl.exe error. Before attempting other fixes, test your RAM for errors to eliminate them as a cause for concern. Windows has a built-in memory testing feature, Windows Memory Diagnostic, that can detect underlying issues with your RAM.
You can also use more rigorous tools like: HCI MemTest و MemTest86 To discover deeper issues with your system's memory, check your RAM physically to see if a specific DIMM is causing problems.
Tip: If you are looking for Upgrade Your CPU in 2023 So, check out this buying guide to learn what to look for in a desktop processor.
2. Disable overclocking
If you've ruled out system memory as the root cause, overclocking is likely the cause of the "ntoskrnl.exe" error. If you've overclocked your RAM, returning it to stock settings will likely fix the issue. Even if you've only overclocked your CPU, higher voltages and frequencies can cause stability issues and trigger the blue screen of death.
Try restoring all your components—be it your memory, CPU, or GPU—to their stock settings and see if that resolves the issue. If not, you can move on to the other fixes on the list.
3. Investigate driver issues
Driver-related BSODs are very common, as any conflicts that arise in any of your drivers can cause your system to crash. These issues can directly affect your system's RAM and cause errors. “ntoskrnl.exe”.
If you recently updated the drivers for a device or installed a new one, it may be easier to get to the root of the problem. Restore drivers To the device and see if it gets rid of the problem. If it doesn't, you'll need to dig deeper.
If you can pinpoint the blue screen of death to a specific device or application that was in use when the error occurred, you can roll back the driver for that device to try to fix the error. You can also try reinstalling the drivers to remove any outdated drivers that were found to be at fault.
Another way to determine the exact engine behind the fault is to: Boot your computer into safe modeIf you are able to boot to the desktop successfully, you can identify the faulty driver by running one application at a time and seeing which one starts causing errors.
4. Run Microsoft Defender Scan
Malware infections are inevitable, and even with an enabled antivirus program, your computer can still be infected. Malware can corrupt important system files and is a potential cause of the "ntoskrnl.exe" error. To ensure your system is free of malware, use Microsoft Defender built into Windows to perform a full scan of your computer.
It can help you Our detailed guide to Microsoft Defender (formerly known as Windows Defender) to perform a full system scan to rule out malware infection as the underlying cause of the Blue Screen of Death. “ntoskrnl.exe”.
5. Uninstall third-party antivirus software
Antivirus software protects important system files from damage, but sometimes it can affect these essential Windows files and cause an error. “ntoskrnl.exe”. If you have recently installed a third-party antivirus, uninstall it and check if the BSOD has stopped appearing.
It may take more than just uninstalling the antivirus program from Windows settings, as some programs still leave some traces after removal.
Good to know: Windows Security won't openLearn what to do?
6. Repair any damage to Windows
It's possible that your Windows installation is corrupted and causing the "ntoskrnl.exe" error. Windows system files can become corrupted from a variety of sources, and it can be difficult to determine the exact nature of the corruption. However, Windows has built-in tools like CHKDSK and SFC scans to help you fix these errors.
Often times, running an SFC scan fixes most issues related to corrupted system files and immediately restores your Windows installation to working order.
7. Update Windows
An outdated Windows version or a missing key update could also be the cause of the "ntoskrnl.exe" BSOD. Make sure Windows Update is enabled on your computer and that the latest updates are installed. Check out our guide on things to do before and after installing Windows 11 and see the section "Check for updates" To update Windows.
Windows updates can also be the cause of many system stability issues. If your system is already up to date, and you've ruled out all the other causes on the list, try Disable Windows Update permanently To prevent future errors and mistakes from occurring to you.
Tip: Don't you know? The version of Windows you are usingNo problem: This guide explains how to check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I know if my RAM is faulty?
The answer: Even if you haven't encountered the "ntoskrnl.exe" error yet, you may encounter it in the future if your RAM is faulty. There are some telltale signs that could point to failing RAM, such as unexplained slowdowns, frequent Windows corruption, and random BSODs. While each of these symptoms could be caused by something other than the RAM itself, it's worth testing your memory if you experience these symptoms, just to be sure.
Q2: What causes Windows to become corrupted?
The answer: Windows files can become corrupted for a variety of reasons, such as a power outage that causes files to be saved incorrectly to the disk, viruses, and damaged drives. While it's difficult to identify and prevent all sources of Windows corruption, you can refer to Our guide to the most common Windows problems and how to fix them. To better equip yourself with the necessary tools.
