9 Solutions to Fix Windows Stop Code Critical_Process_Died

David Darlington

Jan 15, 2024 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

Due to one factor or the other, your Windows can encounter errors. You should not panic when you see the Critical_Process_Died, error. For every problem, there is a solution lurking around.

You should know that this is the right place for you to get the answers you seek to fix this Stop Code error challenging your Windows system. After using the solutions here, you will learn how you can use the Recoverit tool to recover your lost unsaved data.

9 Solutions to Fix Windows Stop Code Critical_Process_Died

These are the top solutions that have been recommended for you to fix the Windows Stop Code Critical_Process_Died error:

Solution 1: Run the Hardware and Device Troubleshooting Tool

Windows OS has different troubleshooting tools for different errors. You can use the troubleshooting tool for hardware and device problems by following the steps below:

• Launch Windows "Settings" window
• Tap on the "Update & Security" button
• Open "Troubleshoot" to properly begin
• Navigate to the "Hardware and Devices" section

• Choose to "Run the troubleshooter" to engage your system is running a scan.

Solution 2: Restart Computer in Safe Mode

You may not be able to restart and use your computer normally because of this error's implications. Therefore, you need to use Safe Mode to restart the computer.

• Restart your Windows system and when it is still in the process of loading, begin to simultaneously press the "Shift" and "F8" keys.

• Here, click "Advanced Boot Options"
• To be able to open your PC, set the mode to "Safe Mode"

Solution 3: Run an Antivirus Scan

This Stop Code error can be caused by a virus or malware infection. It becomes necessary to conduct an antivirus scan to remove any malicious program from your computer. You must run a deep scan of your system if you want to use this solution i.e. with either Windows Defender or another third-party antivirus program you rely on.

Use Windows Defender as thus:

• Go to your taskbar and select the shield icon; this represents Windows Defender

• Select the "Virus threat protection" option from the menu
• Tap on "Full scan" to enable it under "Advanced scans"
• Decide to "Scan now" and let the app go through your system to fish out any virus infesting on your files.

Solution 4: Update Your Drivers

Your system drivers may be outdated, thereby causing this Stop Code error. This means you need to update your drivers. Follow the steps below to achieve this:

• You can easily access the tool "Device Manager" using the short cut combination of keys "Windows" and "X" on your keyboard. Just click on it from the list of options that appear after you press the combination keys

• Take note of all the drivers that have an issue with them (they will have a yellow exclamation mark beside them), click on the first one and choose "Update Driver Software" to continue

• Select the first option which permits you to immediately search for the latest available version or update of the driver in question. Moreover, you want to fix this error as soon as possible, don't you?

• Now relax and let your computer do the work for you. If there is any update for your driver, it will be retrieved and your driver will be updated.

Solution 5: Run the System File Checker (SFC)

Check your computer's file system using the SFC utility since this error can be caused by missing or damaged system files. Run the SFC scan using the steps below:

• Go to the search box of Windows and type "command prompt" or "cmd". Right-click on the corresponding option that appears and decides to "Run as administrator"

• Click "Yes" when you are prompted to allow for changes to your computer

• Type this command in the prompt and press "Enter": sfc /scannow.

• Close the utility and restart your computer

Solution 6: Run DISM to Repair Corrupted System Image

The Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management (DISM) tool can be utilized in fixing your corrupted system image. This will consequently fix the Critical_Process_Died error. The process of doing this includes the following:

• Launch the "Command Prompt" page as an administrator to be able to access this tool
• The following commands are key in utilizing this tool.

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Remember to press the "Enter" key after each command line.

Solution 7: Perform a Clean Boot

When you opt to perform a clean boot, it means that your computer uses the minimum programs and processes, as well as drivers to start. The instructions below will guide you in this:

• Use the keys "Win" plus "R" to open "Run" and launch the "System Configuration" page by typing the instruction: msconfig.

• Tap to enable the "Selective startup" button
• Click on "Load system services"

• Tap to check the box beside the "Hide all Microsoft services" option
• Choose to "Disable all"

Solution 8: Uninstall Recent Windows Updates

If you notice that this error only began to occur after you did a recent Windows update, try to uninstall the recent update because it could be the reason for the error. To do this, follow these steps:

• Launch "Settings" on your Windows and click the "Update & Security" tab
• Select "Windows Update"
• Choose the option "Update History"

• From the above, choose the button that allows you to "Uninstall Updates"

• Finally, select the update you wish to delete and choose to "Uninstall".

Solution 9: Restore to the Previous Point

This solution lets you go back to the point before you encountered this error on your Windows. First, you need to create a restore point and use it to restore your Windows to an earlier date or time. Follow these steps and you will be good to go:

• Simply type "system" in your system's search field and click on it

• In the "System Properties" window, choose from the menu, the tab for "System Protection"
• Begin the process of restoring your system by clicking "System Restore" > "Next"

• Choose the restore point you newly created and click on "Next"

• Confirm that the restore point is your choice, then conclude by selecting "Finish"

How to Recover Unsaved Data Due to Critical_Process_Died Error

Files and data get lost due to system errors such as the Critical Process Died error. This maybe your challenge right now. So, even if you fix the error, some data may be lost because you didn't save them before the error interrupted your work. With the professional Recoverit Data Recovery tool, you can retrieve those missing files. Bet you didn't know you could do that right? Well, you can and you will be shown how to, very soon.

A little introduction to the tool you will be working with. Recoverit Data Recovery is a user-friendly tool that is capable of getting back missing data from different versions of operating systems such as Mac and Windows: the main OS out there. It is also able to get back files lost due to system formatting, deleting, virus infection, memory card damage, errors that render the computer inaccessible, crashed systems, etc. Interestingly enough, Recoverit supports the restoration of data which are in different file formats. So, no matter the type of data you have lost: video, audio, images, word documents, PDF, etc., install Recoverit on your system and use the steps below to get them back:

Step 1: Select a Location

Tap on the location you need to get your lost files from on the home interface of Recoverit. Click the tab labeled "Start" once you have chosen the location

Step 2: Scan the Location

Since you have set the ball rolling for the scanning process, wait for Recoverit to get your files back. The amount of time you will wait will be determined by the size of your files

Step 3: Preview and Save

To ensure that you have all your files recovered intact, preview them. Note that Recoverit is a secure tool so you won't have an issue in this regard. Now, save the data by choosing "Recover"

The Bottom Line

Errors are normal when it comes to using the computer system. They are, however, not permanent as they can be fixed. This article has provided you with top solutions from which you can pick the one that will work in fixing the Critical_Process_Died error your Windows faced. After doing this, use Recoverit Data Recovery to retrieve all the files you lost when this error caught you unaware of your files unsaved.