Troubleshooting the Dreaded Kernel Security Check Failure: A Comprehensive Guide

The “Kernel Security Check Failure” error, often displayed as a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with the STOP code 0x000000139, is a frustrating experience for any Windows user. It indicates that the Windows kernel has detected a critical security violation, forcing a system shutdown to prevent further damage. This error can stem from a wide array of causes, ranging from faulty hardware to incompatible software. This comprehensive guide will walk you through understanding the error, identifying its potential causes, and implementing effective troubleshooting steps.

Understanding the Kernel Security Check Failure

At its core, the Kernel Security Check Failure signifies that a core component of the Windows operating system – the kernel – has encountered an inconsistency or corruption that compromises system security. The kernel is the heart of the OS, managing vital functions like memory access, device interaction, and process execution. When a security check fails, it means something has gone drastically wrong in these core operations.

The error code 0x000000139 is often accompanied by additional information on the BSOD, which can be incredibly helpful in narrowing down the root cause. The specific arguments accompanying this error might provide clues related to memory addresses or failing modules, guiding you towards a more precise solution.

Common Causes of the Kernel Security Check Failure

Pinpointing the exact cause of a Kernel Security Check Failure can be challenging, but it usually boils down to these categories:

• Memory Issues (RAM): Faulty RAM modules are a leading cause of this error. Bad memory sectors can lead to corruption, which the kernel flags as a security concern.
• Driver Problems: Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible device drivers can often trigger this BSOD. Especially video card drivers, network drivers, and storage controllers.
• Hard Drive/SSD Issues: Problems with your storage device, like bad sectors, failing controllers, or connection issues, can also result in the error.
• Overclocking: Pushing your CPU or GPU beyond their recommended limits can cause instability, and memory corruption, which triggers the error.
• Software Conflicts: Conflicts between applications, especially security programs, virtual machine software, or poorly coded utilities can lead to kernel problems.
• Operating System Corruption: Corrupted system files, often resulting from improper shutdowns, malware, or failed updates can trigger the error.
• Hardware Incompatibilities: Issues arising from hardware components that are not fully compatible with each other or your system’s motherboard can manifest in this error.
• Malware Infections: Certain malware can target kernel-level processes, leading to security check failures.

Troubleshooting Steps: A Detailed Guide

Here’s a step-by-step approach to diagnose and resolve the Kernel Security Check Failure:

1. Initial Steps: Gathering Information

• Note down any recent changes: Think back if you recently installed new hardware, updated drivers, or made significant software changes before the error started. This information is crucial to identifying the likely culprit.
• Check the BSOD screen: Note down the exact error code (0x000000139) and any other information displayed, especially the module or driver causing the problem (if available). It will often list a file name like .sys, .dll, etc. If you can capture a photo of the BSOD, it can help you review the information later if the computer reboots too quickly.
• Access the Event Viewer: Press the Windows key, type “Event Viewer” and open it. Navigate to “Windows Logs” > “System”. Look for errors with a critical level around the time of the BSOD. These errors might give you clues about what triggered the failure. Look specifically for errors that relate to Kernel Power, or other system specific error codes.

2. Memory Diagnostics

Memory issues are a common cause, therefore, diagnosing your RAM is critical:

• Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool:
  • Press the Windows key, type “Windows Memory Diagnostic”, and select it.
  • Choose “Restart now and check for problems (recommended)”.
  • Your computer will restart and perform a memory test. This process can take a while so be patient.
  • After the test, your computer will restart. Check the results by searching for “Event Viewer” again and go to “Windows Logs” then “System” and then filter for “MemoryDiagnostic”.
  • If the test found any errors it is highly likely your RAM is the problem.
• Test each RAM module individually: If you have multiple RAM sticks, try running your computer with only one module installed at a time. Test for stability. If you can identify one RAM module consistently causing crashes then it is likely faulty and needs to be replaced. If the problem persists even when using only one module at a time, the motherboard’s RAM slots could be faulty. Repeat this process with each module.

3. Driver Troubleshooting

Outdated or faulty drivers can often lead to system instability.

• Update Drivers:
  • Right-click on the Windows Start button and select “Device Manager”.
  • Expand each category, such as “Display adapters”, “Network adapters”, and “Storage controllers”.
  • Right-click on each device and select “Update driver”.
  • Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software”. Windows will search online for the most recent drivers.
  • You can also manually download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website for each component, which is highly recommended for video cards. For example, go to AMD’s or NVIDIA’s website for their latest video card drivers.
  • Reboot your computer after updating drivers.
• Roll Back Drivers: If the problem started after a driver update, try rolling back to the previous version:
  • Right-click on the problematic device in Device Manager and select “Properties”.
  • Go to the “Driver” tab.
  • Click “Roll Back Driver” if the button is available. This option is not always available if you haven’t updated drivers in the past.
  • Follow the prompts, and then reboot.
• Uninstall and Reinstall Drivers: If rolling back doesn’t work, try completely uninstalling the driver and reinstalling it from scratch.
  • Right-click on the device, select “Uninstall device”, and confirm.
  • Restart your computer. Windows will typically try to reinstall the driver automatically. If not, manually install the driver from the manufacturer’s website.
• Safe Mode: If you have consistent crashes that make diagnosing the issue very difficult, you should boot into safe mode. In safe mode, only the most basic drivers are loaded, and this can help determine if a faulty driver is causing the problem. If the BSOD stops in safe mode, then it’s likely to be a faulty driver. To enter safe mode:
• Press the Windows key and search for “System Configuration”.
• Open System Configuration and navigate to the “Boot” tab.
• Under “Boot Options” check the “Safe boot” box and then click apply.
• Restart your computer and it will boot into safe mode.
• After you have completed your troubleshooting and you want to go back to the normal windows boot, follow these steps again, uncheck the safe mode box and reboot your computer.

4. Storage Device Check

Issues with your hard drive or SSD can lead to data corruption and security errors:

• Run Check Disk (chkdsk):
  • Press the Windows key, type “cmd”, and select “Run as administrator”.
  • Type `chkdsk /f /r` and press Enter.
  • Type “Y” when asked if you want to schedule the check to run next time.
  • Restart your computer. The check disk utility will attempt to repair file system errors and recover readable information.
• Check drive health with manufacturer’s tools: Many storage device manufacturers provide tools to check the health and performance of their drives. Download the appropriate tool from the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Western Digital Dashboard, Samsung Magician) and run a diagnostic test.
• Check physical connections: Ensure the SATA or NVMe cables are securely connected to the storage device and your motherboard. Poor or damaged connections can lead to errors. Check that the power cable is also secure.

5. Overclocking Adjustments

If you have overclocked your CPU, GPU, or RAM, revert to their default factory settings. Overclocking can cause instability and the kernel security error. You will have to go to your UEFI BIOS to do this. Consult your motherboard manual for more details.

6. Software Conflict Resolution

• Uninstall recent applications: If the issue started after installing a new application, try uninstalling it to see if it resolves the issue. Look specifically for antivirus, or firewall software that might be interfering with the windows kernel. Uninstall these applications through the control panel.
• Perform a Clean Boot: A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This helps identify if a third-party program is causing a conflict:
  • Press the Windows key, type “msconfig”, and select “System Configuration”.
  • Go to the “Services” tab.
  • Check “Hide all Microsoft services” and then click “Disable all”.
  • Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager”.
  • In Task Manager, disable all startup items.
  • Close Task Manager and click “Apply” and “OK” in System Configuration.
  • Restart your computer. If the BSOD disappears, re-enable startup items and services one by one (rebooting after each) to pinpoint the conflicting software.

7. System File Check

Corrupted system files can also lead to the Kernel Security Check Failure. Use the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools:

• Run SFC (System File Checker):
  • Press the Windows key, type “cmd”, and select “Run as administrator”.
  • Type `sfc /scannow` and press Enter.
  • Wait for the scan to complete. This process can take some time.
  • Restart your computer.
• Run DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management): If the SFC scan didn’t fix the problem, try running DISM to repair the Windows image:
  • Open Command Prompt as administrator as mentioned above.
  • Type `DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth` and press Enter.
  • Wait for the scan to complete and then restart your computer.

8. Hardware Compatibility and Issues

• Check hardware compatibility: Make sure that all your hardware components are fully compatible with your motherboard and each other. Check your motherboard and hardware manual. Check that your PSU is providing enough power to all components.
• Check for overheating: Make sure that your CPU and GPU aren’t overheating. Ensure that the fans are working and that the heatsinks are making good contact.
• Test with minimal hardware: If possible, try testing with the minimum required hardware (one RAM stick, the primary hard drive/SSD, and only the necessary peripherals). This can help you isolate if a particular hardware component is causing the issue.

9. Malware Scan

Run a thorough malware scan using reputable antivirus software. Ensure your antivirus software is up-to-date before performing a scan. If you don’t have an antivirus program, download the free version of Windows Defender. Scan your system thoroughly and quarantine or remove any threats found.

10. Windows Updates

Ensure your operating system is fully up-to-date with the latest Windows updates. Sometimes, Microsoft releases updates to fix known issues that cause the Kernel Security Check Failure. Go to settings, update and security and windows update. Click check for updates. Install any pending updates and restart your computer.

11. Last Resort: System Restore or Reinstall Windows

If none of the above steps work, you may need to try a System Restore, restoring your computer to a point before the problem began. If that is still unsuccessful, a clean reinstall of Windows may be necessary.

• System Restore:
  • Press the Windows key, type “System Restore” and open it.
  • Click system restore and then choose a restore point before the errors started and then click next and finish.
• Reinstall Windows:
  • If all other options have failed, you may have to backup all your data, and do a clean reinstall of windows. Use the windows media creation tool.
  • Warning! This option will erase everything on the hard drive. Back up your data before proceeding!

Conclusion

The Kernel Security Check Failure can be a complex issue to resolve, but with a methodical approach, you can often identify the root cause and implement a solution. Start by gathering as much information as possible, follow the troubleshooting steps, and remember to take things one step at a time. By carefully examining potential issues such as memory problems, driver conflicts, storage device issues, and software conflicts, you’ll greatly increase your chances of resolving this frustrating error. If all else fails, seeking help from a qualified computer technician can provide further insight and assistance.