Spotlight on Ntoskrnl.exe BSOD Windows 11/10, Learn How to Fix

What Is Ntoskrnl.exe & Ntoskrnl.exe Blue Screen

When playing games or starting up Windows 11/10, the computer may throw a blue screen error that points to ntoskrnl.exe. The ntoskrnl.exe BSOD screen displays the following message:

“Stop code: IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

What failed: ntoskrnl.exe”

Then, what is ntoskrnl.exe?

Ntoskrnl.exe, the Windows NT operating system kernel, is a core executable file. It is responsible for managing essential system functions, including process handling, hardware abstraction, memory management, and other key services.

Simply put, this file is safe and legitimate, and absolutely required for Windows to operate correctly.

However, ntoskrnl.exe can cause a BSOD when there is a problem with critical kernel functions like memory management.

Before the BSOD ntoskrnl.exe appears, you probably experienced slow PC performance, random reboots, high CPU usage, and subsequent overheating.

Usually, you are at a loss for what to do next when encountering the blue screen error. Don’t get too worried. Let’s explore possible reasons first and then find solutions.

Causes of BSOD Ntoskrnl.exe

Common causes include corrupted system files, outdated drivers, malware, faulty hardware, and more. Here is a breakdown.

• Damaged system files: The ntoskrnl.exe itself or other critical Windows system files may be missing or corrupted, triggering a blue screen.
• Issues with device drivers: Drivers may be incompatible, outdated, or corrupted, which are a frequent cause of ntoskrnl.exe IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL BSOD.
• Malware or viruses: They can damage system files, resulting in BSODs.
• Buggy Windows updates: Recent Windows updates can cause conflicts that lead to the ntoskrnl.exe blue screen.
• Overclocking: Your CPU, GPU, or RAM is overclocked, often leading to a BSOD related to ntoskrnl.exe.
• Faulty hardware: Problems with the hardware, including a hard drive and RAM, may lead to system crashes.

Recommended: Data Backup in Advance

Before troubleshooting the issue, we strongly recommend that you back up files and folders for the sake of data security. This is because there is a possibility that you lose important data during the ntoskrnl.exe crash.

For data backup, you may need professional backup software. Here, MiniTool ShadowMaker deserves to be recommended as it can back up files, folders, partitions, disks, and systems within a few steps. It is also a great assistant even if the operating system fails to boot in case of BSODs.

Check how to back up data:

Step 1: Create a bootable USB drive on a working computer.

1. Download, install, and launch MiniTool ShadowMaker.

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

2. Register this software. Then, head to Tools and hit Media Builder.

3. Follow the on-screen prompts to create a bootable USB drive.

Step 2: Boot to MiniTool recovery environment.

1. Insert the bootable USB drive into the unbootable computer.

2. Press Esc, Del, or F2 to enter the BIOS menu and set the PC to boot from that USB drive.

3. Under the recovery environment, launch MiniTool ShadowMaker.

Step 3: Perform file backup.

1. In the Backup page, hit SOURCE > Folders and Files, choose what to back up, and hit OK.

2. Click DESTINATION to choose a drive to save the backups.

3. Begin the backup by hitting Back Up Now.

Upon a backup, you are supposed to address the BSOD issue by taking the following troubleshooting steps.

How to Fix Ntoskrnl.exe BSOD Windows 11/10

If your computer fails to load to the desktop correctly, first, boot it to Safe Mode. After that, you can try several methods to fix the ntoskrnl.exe failed issue, such as repairing damaged system files, updating drivers, running CHKDSK, performing a system restore, and more.

#1. Repair Corrupted System Files

The ntoskrnl.exe blue screen error can stem from damaged system files on your computer. To check if this is the case, you should run a repair.

SFC, short for System File Checker, can verify the integrity of protected Windows system files and replace corrupted or incorrect versions with a cached copy.

To run the SFC scan:

Step 1: Launch Command Prompt as administrator by typing cmd in Search and hitting Run as administrator.

Step 2: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to execute a scan.

Step 3: Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

What’s DISM Error 87 & Why It Occurs & How to Fix in Win11/10

What are the common causes of DISM error 87? How to fix error 87 when running DISM in Windows 11/10? Find the answers in this post.

Read More

#2. Run CHKDSK

The culprit of ntoskrnl.exe causing a BSOD may be the hard drive, so check it for any errors.

To implement the CHKDSK scan:

Step 1: Open an elevated Command Prompt.

Step 2: Run the chkdsk /f /r commands and press Enter. This will scan the C drive.

• /f: checks a file system for logical errors and attempts to fix them.
• /r: scans for and repairs file system errors, and detects bad sectors on the disk, then recovers readable data from them.

Step 3: Type Y and press Enter to confirm that you want the check to be performed next time your computer starts up.

Step 4: Restart the Windows 11/10 system. Then, Windows will begin a drive check.

#3. Update Drivers

Updating drivers is an excellent way to resolve many issues, including IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL ntoskrnl.exe. Have a try!

Step 1: Press Win + R, type devmgmt.msc, and click OK to open Device Manager.

Step 2: Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark. Right-click them and choose Update driver.

Step 3: Hit the first option to let Windows automatically search for the best available driver and install it on the device.

If this Windows has determined that the driver is already installed, take these steps:

Step 1: Visit the device manufacturer’s website.

Step 2: Search for the recent driver to download. Be sure to choose the driver that is compatible with your Windows version.

Step 3: Run the downloaded file to finish the driver installation.

After updating drivers, restart the system and check if Windows 11/10 ntoskrnl.exe BSOD persists. If the issue remains, proceed with the next solution.

#4. Perform a System Restore

System Restore can revert your system to a time when no issues existed. In case of ntoskrnl.exe causing a BSOD, eliminate the issue by doing a system restore.

Step 1: Open the Run window by pressing Win + R.

Step 2: Type rstrui.exe and press Enter to open the System Restore window.

Step 3: Hit Next and pick a restore point from the list that corresponds to a time when your computer was functioning correctly.

Step 4: Click Finish > Yes to begin the process.

Later, your Windows 11/10 PC may boot without a blue screen error.

#5. Check for Viruses and Malware

Viruses and malware can contribute to ntoskrnl.exe BSOD. We strongly advise that you perform a scan to ensure no infection is harming your PC.

As Windows Security does not function in Windows 11/10 Safe Mode, you can check for malicious software using a third-party antivirus program, such as Malwarebytes.

Step 1: Open Edge in Safe Mode and visit the website of Malwarebytes to download it, and then install it on your PC.

Step 2: Launch this antivirus software and perform a full scan. This will take several minutes.

Step 3: After the scan, remove the detected threats.

#6. Update BIOS

It is recommended to download and install the latest BIOS version for your motherboard. This can resolve potential hardware compatibility issues to address the ntoskrnl.exe BSOD.

To do this:

Step 1: Visit the manufacturer’s website.

Step 2: Download the new BIOS file to a USB drive.

Step 3: Boot the machine to the BIOS menu and use the built-in flashing utility to install the latest BIOS version.

Here is a related guide on how to update BIOS with a USB for your reference.

#7. Disable Overclocking

Overclocking runs computer components at a higher clock speed and frequency than their factory-certified settings to achieve higher performance. However, it can cause system instability and blue screen errors.

If you have overclocked your CPU, GPU, or RAM, revert the settings to default values via the software you used or in the BIOS.

Do this as per your situation. For some details, you can search for the steps on Google. As for disabling CPU overclocking, refer to this guide on how to disable CPU overclocking.

#8. Install or Uninstall Windows Updates

In some cases, the ntoskrnl.exe failed error can be solved by installing the available Windows updates. These updates often bring new features, security patches, and bug fixes. It is recommended to try this method if updates have not been installed for a long time.

Step 1: Press Win + I to open Settings.

Step 2: Under Windows Update, check for updates.

Step 3: If there are some available updates, download and install them.

Step 4: Restart the system to finish the installation.

Sometimes, ntoskrnl.exe blue screen occurs after you install a Windows update. To fix the issue, uninstall the problematic update.

Step 1: Boot Windows 11/10 to WinRE by using installation media or the force interrupt method.

Step 2: Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates.

Step 3: Follow the prompts to uninstall the latest quality or feature update.

How to Uninstall Windows 11 Update – 5 Ways

This post offers 5 ways to uninstall Windows 11 update if the installed update of Windows 11 has problems or is unneeded.

Read More

#9. Test RAM

A faulty RAM stick can also be the cause of Windows 11/10 BSOD ntoskrnl.exe. If the above methods don’t do the trick, try checking your RAM for errors.

In terms of a RAM test, you can run the built-in tool called Windows Memory Diagnostic that performs a basic scan.

For a deeper RAM analysis, we recommend MemTest86+.

Microsoft suggests you should run this free utility at least 8 passes for conclusive results. Besides, since it operates outside of an operating system, you need to create a bootable USB drive with MemTest86+ first. Then, perform a more thorough check for physical RAM errors.

After the test, if this tool detects some errors, you need to determine if it’s your RAM or if the DIMM slots are faulty.

Wonder about the exact steps? Here is a detailed tutorial from Microsoft about how to test RAM with MemTest86+.

The End

Windows 10/11 ntoskrnl.exe BSOD can be a nuisance. What causes the blue screen error? How can you fix it? This comprehensive guide covers possible reasons and solutions.

Just follow the 9 methods to effectively resolve your issue, for instance, run SFC, update drivers, update BIOS, disable overclocking, and more.

Importantly, you should have an awareness of data backup. Be sure to back up important data with MiniTool ShadowMaker in advance for security.

In addition, after fixing the ntoskrnl.exe blue screen, we also advise you to create a system image. With a system backup, you can quickly restore the PC to a previous state next time you encounter BSODs.

Do you have any suggestions or problems with MiniTool software? If yes, contact us at [email protected]. We will reply to you as quickly as possible.

Ntoskrnl.exe BSOD FAQ