Fix Kernel Security Check Failure on Windows (Free Guide)

Kernel Security Check Failure error in the Blue Screen of Death means that a specific file failed to pass integrity or compatibility check on Windows. Most of the time, the error is triggered by a faulty driver or RAM and can be fixed easily. The common fixes for this error include updating or replacing corrupted files.

Users who run into this error typically report that they have recently updated Windows or upgraded their RAM, or turned on USB tethering. We have also noticed that many users on Reddit report Kernel Security Check Failure overclock relation. The error message typically reads:

Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We’re just collecting some error info, and then we’ll restart for you.
Stop Code: KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE

Some users have also reported seeing Kernel Security Check Failure while installing Windows 10. If you are one of them, do not worry. In this article, we’ll cover all methods to fix the issue based on the most common causes of the error.

Known causes of Kernel Security Check Failure error:

• Outdated drivers (the most common reason);
• Random Access Memory (RAM) corruption;
• Malware infection;
• Damage to Windows OS files;
• Antivirus software;
• Hard disk corruption.

Whenever you boot your computer, Windows operating system checks if the system is clean and ready to function properly. In case it detects problems in important data structures, it displays the BSoD with Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart message.

Luckily, you can fix Kernel Security Check Failure problem yourself. Simply follow the techniques provided below. You might need to try several methods until you find the one that works for your specific situation.

Please note that many online tutorials will tell you to go to Windows Settings or click on Windows Start button, however, in some cases people go into a reboot loop and can’t even access these options. Do not worry – this tutorials covers all cases.

Fix Kernel Security Check Failure (Windows 10,8,7)

Access Windows system or prevent it from restarting automatically

In some cases, users who encounter Kernel_Security_Check_Failure error cannot perform any of the methods to fix it since the operating system simply crashes and reboots in a loop. If this is the case, then you need to perform two steps before applying any methods:

1. Restart your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Check our tutorial on that or simply start pressing F8 as your computer boots and choose Safe Mode with Networking in the Advanced Boot Options menu.
2. Prevent Windows from rebooting automatically. You can learn how to do that here. Another tip is to act quickly since you need to fix the issue before Windows decides to reboot automatically again. You might need to do it a couple of times before you succeed.

After completing these steps, make sure you boot back into regular mode. To do so, press Windows key+R, type msconfig and press Enter. Then go to the Boot tab and deselect Safe Boot. Click Apply and OK.

Method 1. Update drivers via Device Manager

You do not need fancy paid driver updater software to fix and refresh drivers on your computer to fix BSoD Kernel_Security_Check_Failure (139).

Note. Some articles might suggest using Driver Verifier to identify outdated drivers – but we STRONGLY advise you against doing so, as this can trigger even more BSoD problems. That tool is designed for developers and advanced stress-testing, and regular computer users should stay away from it.

1. Press Windows key + R and type devmgmt.msc into the Run prompt. Press Enter. This launches Device Manager, which we’ll use to update the old drivers.
2. In Device Manager, click View > Show hidden devices.
3. Now, expand each category by clicking the little arrow next to device categories.  Right-click on drivers and choose Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software. Follow further instructions on your screen and install driver updates suggested for you.
   

TIP: Check for ! sign next to drivers, which might identify corrupted or outdated drivers.

In addition to this step, we also recommend installing the latest Windows updates. To do so, follow the next steps.

Method 2. Install Windows updates

1. In Windows search, type settings and open the matching result.
2. Go to Update & Security section.
3. Here, press Check for Updates and press Restart Now to install the latest Windows updates.
   

Method 3. Use Windows Memory Diagnostic tool

Windows Memory Diagnostic is a tool that can help you identify RAM-related issues and solve Kernel Security Check Failure BootCamp.

1. Use Windows search to find Windows Memory Diagnostic.
2. Press Restart Now and check for problems (recommended).
   
3. Wait until the computer reboots to see the test results. If they don’t automatically appear on the screen, right-click Windows icon on the system tray and open Event Viewer. 
4. Go to Windows Logs > System. On the right, click Find and type memorydiagnostic. Click the matching event and see details.

Method 4. Run system scan

1. Open Command Prompt with Administrator’s privileges: type cmd in Windows search, right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as Administrator. Click Yes in the next pop-up.
2. Here, enter the following command: sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Restart your computer and check if Kernel_Security_Check_Failure problem persists.
   

Method 5. Scan Disk for Errors and fix them

1. Type CMD in Windows search, right-click the matching result and choose Run as Administrator. In UAC window, click Yes.
2. In Command Prompt, type the following line:
   chkdsk C: /f /r
   This command finds and fixes found errors on disk, locate bad sectors and recovers bad information.
   You might get an error saying that the disk is in use. Simply Type Y and press Enter; this reschedules the scan and runs it after the next computer reboot.
   

Method 6. Fix via Advanced Boot Options

You can solve Kernel Security Check Failure on Windows 10 or 8 with a help of Advanced Boot Options. To enter Advanced Boot Options, press down Shift key as you choose to Restart your computer from Windows menu. Another option to enter ABO menu is to start pressing F12 key on your keyboard during boot. Once in ABO menu, follow these steps:

1. Click Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
2. Choose Startup Repair.
   

Method 7. Use a restore point to quickly fix Kernel Security Check Failure

If you created a restore point manually or if your computer is set to create them regularly, you can take advantage of that now and restore your PC to state prior the Kernel Security Check Failure error.

1. Boot into Advanced Boot Options as explained in Method 6;
2. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore;
3. Choose a restore point created before the error message first started appearing and follow further instructions on screen.
   

Method 8. Fix Kernel Security Check Failure BootCamp

The error can bother Mac users, too. Users have reported seeing this error while running Windows on Mac computers via BootCamp. The following method has helped many people fix Kernel Security Check Failure BootCamp:

1. First of all, remove the current Windows installation via BootCamp Assistant.
2. Reset System Management Controller (SMC) and Nonvolatile Random-Access Memory.
3. Reinstall Windows 10.
4. Check if the problem persists.

If you found another solution to the Kernel Security Check Failed on Surface Pro or on devices running Windows 10, please share it with our community in the comments section below.

This article was first published on July 24, 2019, and updated on September 30, 2019.