What Can You Do About the Kernel Security Check Failure on Windows 11?
What Can You Do About the Kernel Security Check Failure on Windows 11?
3 Answers

Dealing with the “kernel security check failure” on Windows 11 can be a real headache. It pops up when your system senses something’s off with its kernel-mode components, like an inconsistency that might mess with security.
Why this happens:
- Driver Drama: This is your number one suspect. Out-of-date or clashing drivers, especially for stuff like your GPU or network adapters, often cause issues here. Realtek network adapters, for instance, can give you grief with files like rtwlane.sys going corrupt.
- Hardware Glitches: Some culprits include dodgy RAM, messed-up storage drives, or parts that are overheating like crazy.
- System Quirks: Anything from messed-up Windows files to botched updates or even malware can throw a wrench in the works.
Getting it sorted:
- Driver Fixes:
- Keep your drivers fresh through the Device Manager by following these steps: hit Win+X, then dive into Device Manager, right-click on the problematic devices, and search for that latest driver magic online.
- If one’s causing drama, clear it out. Go nuclear by uninstalling the device, making sure to tick \”Delete driver software,\” and then grab the newest version straight from the manufacturer.
- Running Diagnostics:
- Got suspicious RAM? Try the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool. It’s easy—just type it into your Start menu and restart.
- For disk issues, open the Command Prompt as an admin and type in
chkdsk /f /r
. - Worried about system files? Again in Command Prompt as admin, throw in
sfc /scannow
followed byDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
.
- Troubleshooting Like a Pro:
- If you’re feeling brave, check out your dump files at C:\\Windows\\Minidump using WinDbg.
- Try turning off Fast Startup through Power Options if that’s ringing any bells.
- Do a clean boot to see if any programs are making your life difficult.
- As a Last Ditch:
- System Restore is like a time machine—go back to a time when everything was golden.
- You might wanna keep your files and opt for a Windows 11 repair install.
- Worst case? It’s a full clean install, but backup before taking that leap!
Keeping Issues at Bay:
- Regularly check for Windows updates.
- Make sure to keep those drivers up to date, especially after a major Windows shake-up.
- Don’t forget to run a decent antivirus.
- Keep an eye on your system temperatures during those all-night gaming marathons!
For you gamers out there, keeping GPU drivers current and watching VRAM usage could save you a lot of grief. Sometimes these errors pop up because your system\’s struggling during power state shifts, so tweaking those settings might help you out.
Hope that points you in the right direction! If you\’ve got specific questions or need a deeper dive on anything, just holler.

Dealing with the “Kernel Security Check Failure” on Windows 11? Here’s the lowdown on how to tackle it:
1. Check for Corrupted System Files:
- Hit Windows + X and open up Windows Terminal (Admin).
- Punch in sfc /scannow, then hit Enter to kick off a scan. This handy tool will sniff out and patch up any corrupted files.
2. Update Drivers:
- Press Windows + X again and pick Device Manager.
- Look for any outdated drivers lurking around.
- Right-click on the device, hit Update driver, and select Search automatically for updated driver software.
3. Check Memory Issues:
- Pop the Run dialog with Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
- Select Restart now and check for problems to let Windows dig into any memory gremlins.
4. Run Check Disk:
- Open Windows Terminal (Admin).
- Type chkdsk /f and hit Enter. You might need to reboot to let it do its magic.
5. Disable or Remove Recent Applications:
- Got any new apps? They could be the culprits. Uninstall those troublemakers.
- Head over to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features and wave goodbye to anything suspicious.
6. Perform a System Restore:
- Search for Recovery in the Start menu and fire it up.
- Go for Open System Restore and roll back to before this whole mess started.
If these tricks don’t do the job, it might be time to hit up Microsoft’s support or call in a pro. Hopefully, you’ll be back to smooth sailing soon!

Dealing with that pesky \’Kernel Security Check Failure\’ error on your Windows 11? Yeah, it’s one of those infamous Blue Screen of Death moments where your computer just stops and throws up its hands in frustration. Usually, this happens because Windows\’ brain, the kernel, spots something fishy going on—like bad files, old drivers, memory issues, or even failing hardware.
So, what gets this error rolling? Well, it could be a slew of things:
- Cranky drivers: If your drivers, especially the ones for your graphics or chipset, are having a bad day, they might go haywire causing this error. They need to be compatible and updated to keep your system happy.
- Memory madness: Bad or poorly configured RAM can lead to your system getting confused. This might cause the kernel to jump ship and shut everything down.
- System files on the fritz: The kernel isn\’t too happy when it bumps into damaged system files. Improper shutdowns or the presence of malware can lead to this chaos.
- Hardware whoopsies: Faulty pieces like RAM, your hard drive, or graphics card might act up, making your system look like it\’s seeing ghosts.
- Overclocking adventures gone wrong: Playing around with overclocking or tweaking BIOS settings might lead to a rollercoaster of instability and throw that BSOD right in your face.
So, if you’re battling this error, here’s a roadmap you might want to follow:
- Safe Mode Dive:
Get into Safe Mode to reduce the drama caused by third-party drivers or applications. It’s like giving your system a moment to breathe and show its true colors.
- Upgrade Madness:
Make sure all your drivers and Windows updates are up to date. Head over to the Device Manager or the manufacturer’s website to snag the latest versions, especially for your graphics and network devices.
- Memory and Disk Exams:
Fire up the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool or Memtest86 to give your RAM a thorough check-up. With disk issues, go for CHKDSK to spot and mend errors.
- File Fix-Up:
Use System File Checker (SFC) with the “sfc /scannow” command in an elevated Command Prompt to repair those pesky system files. DISM can also lend a hand if SFC doesn’t fully do the trick.
- Malware Hunt:
No one likes a sneaky malware. A full system scan should root out any unwanted guests that may be messing with your kernel.
- Hardware Showdown:
At wit’s end with software solutions? Time to roll up your sleeves and test your hardware components one-by-one. It might be the RAM, or the hard drive, or maybe the system’s just running a little too hot due to overclocking.
Here’s a couple of extra tips to keep in your back pocket:
- Pull back on any overclocking antics if things started to go downhill after that.
- Creating a System Restore Point before dabbling with drivers or new software can be a real lifesaver.
- Take a peek at Event Logs using Windows Event Viewer to get juicy details about what errors are saying.
Addressing the Kernel Security Check Failure boils down to an elimination process: from safe mode adventures and updates to hardware tests if needed. Tackle it step-by-step and you’ll likely pinpoint the rogue that’s been causing the ruckus. Good luck!