Kernel Security Check Failure Error in Windows 10

The error “Kernel Security Check Failure” is often faced by users of Windows 10. Its error code is 0x000000139. It is one of the various causes of the Blue Screen of Death (BSoD). Users encountering it see a blue screen with the message “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We’re just collecting some error info, and then we’ll restart for you. Often, the system may go into an indefinite loop and fail to restart successfully. This article is about the causes of this error, and the ways to fix it.

There are a number of possible causes of Kernel Security Check Failure. It mostly occurs after a Windows update, when the drivers are incompatible with the updated system. Other possible causes include malware infection, faulty hard disk or corruption of system files. Based on these causes, various techniques exist to fix Kernel Security Check Failure Error.

Kernel Security Check Failure Error in Windows 10

How to Fix Kernel Security Check Failure Error in Windows 10

The system may restart successfully after displaying the blue screen and error message. However, it may go into a loop and fail to restart, and the user is then unable to log in. Depending on which of these scenarios exist, the following solutions may help to fix the Kernel Security Check Failure error.

Solution 1: Check the Memory Slot

The memory slots of a computer determine the nature of RAM. A problem with memory or RAM slots may be the cause of the Kernel Security Check Failure error. Manually examine the memory slots and ensure that they are positioned correctly into the sockets or have not been damaged. Consult a technical expert for help with this method.

Solution 2: Check Your Hard Drive

Like in the previous solution, manually check whether the hard drive is inserted and functioning normally. Again, seek expert help with this method.

Solution 3: Update your PC

The issue may be resolved by installing any pending update of Windows OS. To do so, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Go to Settings in the Start menu, or by pressing Windows + I.

Step 2: In Settings, select Update and Security.

Step 3: In the Windows Update section, check the available updates and install them.

After installing the latest Windows update, check whether the issue is resolved.

Solution 4: Scan Your PC

The Kernel Security Check Failure can occur due to malware invasion of the system. If that is indeed the cause, a full system scan will detect it. You can scan your computer with the Windows’ in-built antimalware program, Windows Defender, or third-party antivirus software installed from online. To conduct a full system scan by Windows Defender, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Update and Security and select Windows Defender. Alternatively, search Windows Defender in Windows search bar and open it.

Step 2: Go to “Virus and Threat Protection”.

Step 3: In the Virus and Threat Protection window, click on the Advanced Scan option.

Step 4: Select the Full Scan option.

After the scan and deletion of malware, check whether the error has been fixed. If Windows Defender is unable to remove the malware, try using a third-party program to remove them.

Solution 5: Enable Advanced Boot Menu

This method is useful if you are unable to log into the system owing to the error. For this, you need a Windows 10 bootable disk or flash drive. After obtaining or creating one, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Turn on your computer and insert the bootable disk or drive.

Step 2: While the device is turning on, press F12 and open boot menu.

Step 3: Select the Boot from drive/disk option and press Enter.

Step 4: If the message “Press any key to continue” appears, press any of the keyboard buttons as instructed.

Step 5: The Windows Setup box will appear. In it, click Next.

Step 6: Then, select “Repair your computer”.

Step 7: Under “Choose an option”, select Troubleshoot.

Step 8: Under Troubleshoot, select Advanced Options.

Step 9: Then, select Command Prompt.

Step 10: Once Command Prompt opens, type C: and press Enter.

Step 11: Next, type the following command and press Enter. Running this command will enable legacy advanced boot menu.

BCDEDIT /SET {DEFAULT} BOOTMENUPOLICY LEGACY

Step 12: After this command is executed, type Exit and press Enter to exit Command prompt

Step 13: Return to the “Choose an option” screen and then click Continue, and start Windows successfully

After this entire process, verify whether the Kernel Security Check Failure error is fixed.

Solution 6: Use System File Checker and Memory Diagnostic

If the first method is unable to start Windows properly, conduct a system file checker (SFC) scan and a memory diagnostic. The problem might be due to corrupted system files or hardware issues.

Step 1: If you are able to log into your system, you need to restart in safe mode before SFC or memory diagnostic scan. Go to Settings → Update and Security → Recovery → Advanced Startup and click Restart Now.

If you are unable to log in, use the bootable media just as in the previous method. Alternatively, press F12 repeatedly while the computer restarts, to access the Advanced Options screen.

Step 2: In the next screen, select Troubleshoot.

Step 3: Then select Advanced Options.

Step 4: In the Advanced Options screen, select Startup Settings.

Step 5: In the next screen, click the Restart button in the bottom right portion.

Step 6: Once the system restarts, open Command Prompt with administrator privileges. To do so, search “cmd” in the Windows search bar and click “Run as administrator” option

Step 7: Type the following command and press Enter to run it:

sfc /scannow

Step 8: Wait for the scan to be concluded. If any error is detected, it will be repaired automatically. Then type Exit and press Enter to exit Command Prompt.

To check the RAM for problems, run the Windows Memory Diagnostic. Follow the steps below to do so:

Step 1: Search “memory” in the Windows search bar. As Windows Memory Diagnostic appears in the result, right-click  and select “Run as administrator” option.

Step 2: Select “Restart Now and check for problems”.

Step 3: Wait for the restart and diagnostic process to conclude. Windows will detect any problem existing in the RAM.

Solution 7: Check Your Disk for Errors

The error is often caused due to a fault or corruption in the hard disk. Scanning the disk for any problem and removing it if any may fix the error. To conduct a disk scan, follow the instructions below:

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as administrator. Search “cmd” in Windows search bar, then click “Run as administrator”.

Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter:

chkdsk c: /f /r

If the system file is in any other drive, mention that drive instead of c.

Step 3: The scan may not be possible immediately if the system file is in C, the primary drive, as it is in use. You will be asked if you want to schedule the scan for the next system reboot. Type y to answer yes, and press Enter.

Step 4: Restart the system. The scan will then start automatically. Once complete, check whether the error has been rectified.

Solution 8: Kernel Security Check Failure After Overclock

Many users install overclocking software to alter the default frequency of any process or driver of the computer. This is intended to enhance the performance of the PC or any of its components. However, overclocking can lead to overheating and damage the device components, hence affecting the functioning of the PC.

This is a possible cause of the Kernel Security Check Failure error. In such a case, removing the overclocking software is the best option. Uninstall it and restore the computer to its default configuration. Then check whether the problem has been fixed.

If you have not used overclocking, this solution is not applicable.

Solution 9: Run System Restore

In case the error occurred after any recent installation of a new app or update, conducting a system restore may fix it. This involves restoring the system to a previous configuration. You should have created a suitable restore point in order to implement this solution. To go about this solution, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open Settings and select Update and Security.

Step 3: Select “Recovery” in the left panel.

Step 4: Under “Reset this PC”, click the “Get Started” button.

Step 5: Among the displayed options, select “Keep your Files”. This will save your personal files, but some other data and features will be lost during the process.

Step 6: Proceed as per the displayed instructions to complete the System Restore.

Solution 10: Run Safe Mode

Booting the system in safe mode implies starting the system with bare minimum processes. This will help you determine whether the error is caused by a system problem, or by any other application or process. Following are the steps to restart the computer in safe mode:

Step 1: Open the Run dialogue box by pressing Windows + R and then type in it “msconfig” and press Enter.

Step 2: In the window that will open, go to the Boot tab.

Step 3: Under Boot Option, select Safe Boot. In case you want to run safe mode with an internet connection, select the Network option. Then click Apply and OK.

Step 4: In the new small window that will appear, click Restart.

If the error no longer exists after restarting, it means some other program or process was the cause. If it still persists, a system error is the cause. Depending on the case, proceed as per any of the above methods.

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Conclusion

Thus, the various techniques of fixing the error of Kernel Security Check Failure have been discussed. If you are unable to log into Windows, try accessing the Windows Recovery options by pressing F12 or by restarting several times, or use a Bootable device. Subsequently, proceed as per any of the above methods. Depending on the cause of the error, anyone the given solutions must work.