How to fix a kernel security check failure in Windows 10

One of those error messages seen on the dreaded Blue Screen of Death is the kernel security check failure. There are a number of reasons why this error may occur, including incompatible memory, virus infection, and corrupted windows system files. However, a recent upgrade to Windows 10 is most likely to cause this stop code error. It is possible for a Windows update to cause the drivers you were using to suddenly become incompatible with your operating system.

Reasons for kernel security check failure include:

The Windows operating system typically runs a check process upon startup. The KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE error is thrown when it detects corruption in any critical data structure.

How to fix kernel security check failure?

As you will see below, if you receive a message of error, and your computer will not boot normally, there is a good chance that it will still boot into safe mode to allow you to perform the troubleshooting steps described below. Visit my article - How to boot Windows 10 into safe mode for instructions on how to do this

Disconnect all removable devices and power them off

Press and hold the Power button for some time if you get the Kernel Security Check Failure BSOD. You then need to remove any detachables from your system - external HDDs, SD cards, headsets, speakers, Bluetooth devices, or optical drives - and only keep the bare-bones peripherals - your monitor, mouse, and keyboard. Ensure, however, that the latter are all firmly connected to your PC.

Run Memory Diagnostic Tool

With the memory diagnostics tool in Windows 10, 8, and 7, you can identify memory problems. It also tests your RAM.

1. To run this tool, go to Control Panel and type "memory" in the search box. Click on "diagnose computer memory problems" to launch it. Alternatively, you can search for "mdsched" in start search and press Enter to open this tool.

2. To check the status of the memory card right now, choose Restart now and check for problems (recommended);

or choose Check for problems when I restart my computer next;

3. Afterwards, your PC will automatically run the Memory Diagnostic Tool to check for errors on your Memory card.

You can change the tool's settings if you are an advanced user by pressing F1 when it starts. The following parameters can be changed.

Tests are classified into three categories, namely, basic, standard, and extended tests. On the screen, each of these tests is described and you can select whichever you prefer.
Cache - Select a cache setting.
Pass count - Determine how many times you want the system to repeat this test.

Type F10 to run the test after making the changes.

Your memory card should be working fine with no errors if no errors are found;

Change the memory card if errors are detected so that the Kernel Security Check error will not occur.

Driver issues

Checking for driver compatibility with Driver Verifier is a good idea. The tool can be accessed by typing "verifier" into the start menu search box. You can also type “verifier/?“verifier/?“verifier/? at the command prompt. Both of these options should open the Driver Verifier.

You must run this tool as an administrator.

Select "create standard settings" and click next. Alternatively, you can choose "create custom settings" to select individual options. You have the following options:

Check automatically - This option checks the performance of the selected driver(s). The manager will ensure that the driver releases all resources before it is unloaded if there is faulty behavior.
Special pool — When you select this option, the manager allocates memory requests from a special pool that is monitored for overruns and underruns.
Force IRQL checking — This option invalidates pageable code so that a driver won't access paged memory at an incorrect IRQL.
Low resources simulation — When you select this option, the manager randomly denies memory requests to a driver in order to test its ability to handle low resources.
Pool tracking - This option determines if a driver has released all memory resources when it is unloaded. It prevents memory leaks.
I/O verification — This option monitors a driver's I/O handling capability and detects inconsistent I/O routines.
Deadlock option — This option monitors a driver's spin locks and mutexes to see if it can cause a deadlock.
DMA verification — This option checks for improper DMA handling by the driver.
Security checks — The manager looks for errors that may compromise security.

You can choose specific options based on your needs.

Once you have selected your options, you need to select the driver(s) you want to monitor. You can choose individual drivers or choose from the built-in options of the verifier manager.

Automatically select unsigned drivers — Ideal for testing on Windows versions that do not require signed drivers.
Automatically select drivers built for older versions of Windows — Checks whether newer versions of Windows are compatible with older drivers.
Automatically select all drivers installed on this computer — Tests all drivers on your computer.
Drivers from a list - This option allows you to select all drivers you want to test.

Click on Finish and reboot your computer. Driver verification manager checks for driver inconsistencies at startup.

Update or reinstall corrupted drivers.

Removing malicious programs from your computer.

As part of this method, you will need some anti-virus software that will scan and remove all Malware from your PC, followed by a reboot. You should install antivirus protection on your computer immediately if you don't already have it. Once your scan is complete, the unwanted kernel security check failure problem will be fixed.