Kernel Security Check Failed

Kernel Security Check Failed

Blue Screen of Death or BSoD frightens you? Everyone does! It's also irritating. BSODs are usually caused by "serious" errors like kernel security check failures.

Why does the kernel security check fail?

The kernel security check fails for the following reasons:

  • Problems with memory
  • Drivers that are outdated
  • Infections
  • Windows system files are corrupted
  • Programs related to security
  • Hard disks that have been damaged or corrupted

One of the most common problems is incompatible drivers, especially if you've upgraded from a previous version of Windows. It is likely that you are using a driver that worked for previous versions, but not for the current one. This leads to the error you are seeing.

During Windows operating system startup, there is typically a check process. When it detects corruption in any critical data structure, this process throws the KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE error.

What should I do if the kernel security check fails?

There's good news and bad news here. First, the bad news.

This is what the kernel security check failure looks like.


This means you won't know what the problem is. Could it be a driver, memory, virus, or something else? You'll have to investigate a bit to figure it out.

The good news is that you can fix it easily, though you may need to try different steps to identify what the problem is.

Now let's figure out how to fix this error.

Problems with memory

A memory diagnostics tool is available in Windows 10, 8, and 7. This tool also tests the RAM on your computer.

In the search bar of the Control Panel, enter "memory" to run this tool. You can open this tool by clicking on "diagnose computer memory problems". To open this tool, simply type "mdsched" in start search.


There are two options - you can restart the computer and check for problems right away, or you can check for problems when you restart.

Depending on your preference, you may select either option. If you choose to restart immediately, be sure to save your work.


When the tool starts, press F1 if you are an advanced user who wants to adjust its settings. The following parameters can be changed.

  • Testing - There are three types of tests, namely, basic, standard, and extended. You are able to choose from each of these tests on the screen.
  • Cache — Choose the cache setting
  • Pass count - This determines how many times the system will repeat this test.

Once you have made the changes, press F10 to start the test.

If this tool throws up errors, contact your manufacturer as these errors indicate a problem in the memory chip or RAM.

File system corruption in Windows

Use the system file checker tool to determine if the kernel security check failure is related to a corrupted or damaged file system.

If you have modified or replaced any system files while customizing your operating system, run this utility tool. If you're running Windows Vista, 7, 8, or 10, chances are quite slim that another program tampered with your system files. This is because Windows Resource Protection, which is integrated with the system file checker, safeguards all critical system files. In the event of a change, the original file is automatically restored from a cached copy of the folder.


You can run this tool by opening your command prompt, typing "sfc/scannow", and then pressing enter. If anything goes wrong, it replaces corrupted files from cache during a reboot if this tool runs.

Problems with drivers

The Driver Verifier is a great tool for checking for incompatibilities between different drivers. Type "verifier" into the search box in the start menu to access the tool. You can also type “verifier/?“verifier/?“verifier/? at the command prompt. This should open the Driver Verifier.

Note: You’ll have to run this tool as an administrator.

The default is to create standard settings, so select it and click next. It is also possible to create customized settings by selecting individual options or settings. For example:

  • Automatic check — Automatically checks the performance of the selected driver(s). If the manager notices improper behavior, the driver will be required to release all resources before it's unloaded.
  • Special pool — With this option, a driver's memory request is allocated from a special pool monitored for overruns and underruns.
  • Force IRQL checking — By using this setting, the manager invalidates pageable code, preventing drivers from accessing paged memory at an incorrect IRQL.
  • Low resources simulation — This option tests whether a driver can handle low resources by randomly denying memory requests.
  • Pool tracking — This option tracks if a driver has released all memory resources when it’s unloaded. This prevents memory leaks.
  • I/O verification — This option detects inconsistent I/O routines by monitoring a driver's I/O capabilities.
  • Deadlock option — This option monitors a driver's spinlocks and mutexes to determine its ability to cause deadlocks.
  • DMA verification — Checks the driver's use of DMA routines to make sure that no DMA buffers or map registers are abused.
  • Security checks — A manager looks for errors that could compromise security.

You can select specific options based on what you need.

You'll then be able to select the driver(s) you want to monitor once your options have been selected. Individual drivers can be selected or the verifier manager can be used with the built-in driver selections.

  • Automatically select unsigned drivers — Ideal for testing on Windows versions without signing requirements.
  • Automatically select drivers built for older versions of Windows — Aids in checking for compatibility with newer versions of Windows.
  • Automatically select all drivers installed on this computer — Analyzes all of the drivers installed on your computer.
  • Select drivers from a list — In this option, you can pick and choose which drivers you want to test.

Click on finish after you have made your choices and restart your computer. Upon startup, the driver verification manager checks to see if there are any inconsistencies.

Update, reinstall, or uninstall corrupted drivers.

Scan hard disk

Utilize the check disk tool to scan your hard drive for errors and inconsistencies. In Windows 8/10, the chkdsk utility tool can detect problems on your hard drive automatically. Windows 8 comes with a new type of file system called ReFS that doesn't require an offline chkdsk tool to fix problems. The resilience model of this file system does not require this check. Nevertheless, you can perform a manual scan if you wish.

This can be done by running "chkdsk /f c:" from the command prompt. Reboot the computer if necessary.

You can run this tool manually in earlier versions. It's recommended that you run this check periodically to check for hard disk errors that can occur because of improper shutdowns, corrupted software, and more.

Viruses

You can check for viruses and ransomware when you are unable to identify the problem. Install the latest Windows updates and run your antivirus software. You should take the necessary steps to remove viruses from your computer if you find any.

Kernel security check failure displays a BSoD, but it is nothing to be scared of. There are many reasons for this error, including memory problems, viruses, driver incompatibilities, and hard disk failures. If the error persists, try the suggestions above to figure out the cause and to fix it.

I would also like to hear from you about how you fixed such BSoD errors in the comments section.