How to Fix System Service Exception in Windows 11: A Quick Guide

By / September 17, 2025

Seeing a blue screen with the dreaded System Service Exception error on Windows 11 can be alarming. This BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) usually appears with a message like:

Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart. We’re just collecting some error info…

But don’t panic — this error is common and fixable. In this guide, we’ll explain what the System Service Exception means, why it happens, and step-by-step methods to fix it quickly so you can get your PC back to normal.

What Is System Service Exception in Windows 11?

System Service Exception is a stop code error that indicates Windows encountered a system-level process it couldn’t handle safely. When this happens, Windows shuts down to prevent damage to your system.

You might see this error with additional details like:

  • SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION (ntoskrnl.exe)

  • SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION (dxgmms2.sys)

  • SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION (win32kfull.sys)

These extra names hint at what caused the crash — graphics drivers, system files, or memory issues.

Common Causes of System Service Exception in Windows 11

This BSOD can be triggered by several factors:

  • Outdated or incompatible drivers (especially graphics or network drivers)

  • Corrupted system files

  • Faulty RAM or hardware issues

  • Third-party antivirus software conflicts

  • Overclocking or unstable BIOS settings

  • Pending Windows updates that haven’t installed correctly

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fix System Service Exception in Windows 11

Follow these steps in order — they go from easiest to more advanced solutions.

1. Restart Your PC

It may sound obvious, but sometimes a simple reboot clears temporary glitches that caused the error.

2. Install Pending Windows Updates

Microsoft frequently releases patches to fix stability issues.

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Windows Update.

  3. Click Check for updates.

  4. Install all available updates and restart your PC.

3. Update All Device Drivers

Outdated drivers are a common cause of this error.

  1. Press Win + X and choose Device Manager.

  2. Expand categories like Display adapters, Network adapters, etc.

  3. Right-click each device > Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.

Tip: For graphics cards, download the latest driver from:

4. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files can trigger BSODs. Use built-in tools to repair them.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

  2. Type:

sfc /scannow

  1. Wait for the scan to complete.

  2. Then run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart your PC after both commands finish.

5. Check for Faulty RAM

Bad memory modules often cause this stop code.

  1. Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and hit Enter.

  2. Choose Restart now and check for problems.

  3. Windows will reboot and run a memory test.

If errors are found, you may need to replace or reseat your RAM.

6. Disable Overclocking (If Enabled)

If you’ve overclocked your CPU, GPU, or RAM, revert to default settings in BIOS/UEFI. Overclocking can cause instability that triggers BSODs.

7. Uninstall Recently Installed Software

If the BSOD started appearing after installing a program or driver, uninstall it:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.

  2. Find the program and click Uninstall.

8. Temporarily Disable or Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus

Some third-party antivirus programs can conflict with Windows kernel processes. Try disabling or uninstalling them temporarily to see if the error goes away.

9. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot loads Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs to help identify conflicts.

  1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.

  2. Go to Services tab > check Hide all Microsoft services > click Disable all.

  3. Go to Startup tab > click Open Task Manager and disable all startup items.

  4. Restart your PC and see if the issue persists.

10. Reset Windows 11 (Last Resort)

If none of the above works, resetting Windows may fix deep system corruption.

  1. Go to Settings > System > Recovery.

  2. Click Reset this PC.

  3. Choose Keep my files (to preserve personal data) or Remove everything for a full reset.

Pro Tips to Prevent Future BSODs

  • Keep drivers and Windows updated regularly.

  • Avoid installing unverified software or drivers.

  • Run a monthly scan with Windows Security or Malwarebytes.

  • Maintain adequate cooling for CPU and GPU to prevent thermal issues.

Conclusion

The System Service Exception error in Windows 11 can be frustrating, but it’s usually fixable with the right approach. Start by updating drivers and Windows, then repair system files, test RAM, and remove conflicting software.

If you follow the steps in this guide, you should be able to resolve the issue and prevent it from coming back — keeping your PC stable and reliable.

FAQs About System Service Exception in Windows 11

1. What does System Service Exception mean?
It’s a Windows stop code that indicates a system-level process caused a crash, often due to drivers or corrupted files.

2. Can outdated drivers cause this error?
Yes — graphics, network, and chipset drivers are common culprits.

3. Is System Service Exception a hardware problem?
Sometimes. Faulty RAM or overheating components can trigger it, but software issues are more common.

4. Can I fix this without reinstalling Windows?
Yes — most users fix it by updating drivers, running SFC/DISM, and uninstalling conflicting programs.

5. Does antivirus software cause System Service Exception?
Some third-party antivirus tools have been known to conflict with Windows kernel processes. Disabling or uninstalling them can help troubleshoot.

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