0x00000011 THREAD_NOT_MUTEX_OWNER Blue Screen Fix Guide (Windows 10/11)

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Short Answer

Overview

Common Causes

The THREAD_NOT_MUTEX_OWNER BSOD can stem from various issues, including:

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  • Faulty or outdated drivers, especially graphics, storage, or network drivers.
  • Corrupted system files due to incomplete updates, malware interference, or disk errors.
  • Hardware conflicts, such as issues with RAM, motherboard, or USB controllers.
  • Overheating of the CPU or GPU, leading to unstable system behavior.
  • Antivirus or security software that aggressively scans kernel-mode processes and disrupts them.
  • Windows updates or service packs that introduce bugs in low-level components.

Fix Methods

1. Check for Recent Driver Updates

If the error started after installing new hardware or updating drivers, roll back or reinstall them:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand categories like Display adapters, System devices, or Storage controllers.
  3. Right-click any driver with a yellow exclamation mark (if present) and choose Update driver.
  4. If the issue persists, right-click the same driver and select Uninstall device. Restart your PC to reinstall it automatically.

2. Run System File Checker (SFC)

The SFC tool scans and repairs corrupted system files that may trigger this BSOD:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-clicking it, and selecting Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter to execute a system scan: 
    sfc /scannow
  3. Wait for the scan to complete (it may take several minutes). Restart your PC afterward.

3. Use DISM to Repair Windows Image

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can restore deeper system corruption:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator again.
  2. Run the following command to repair the Windows image: 
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Wait for the process to finish. If prompted, ensure your PC has a stable internet connection.
  4. Restart and check if the issue persists.

4. Check Disk Health with CHKDSK

Corrupted or unstable storage media can cause this BSOD. Run CHKDSK to verify disk integrity:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: 
    chkdsk /f /r
  3. If prompted, confirm to run CHKDSK on the next system restart. Your PC will reboot automatically.
  4. After the scan completes, review any detected errors in the Event Viewer (search for “chkdsk” in Start).

5. Test and Replace Faulty Hardware

If the error persists even after driver updates, hardware issues may be the cause:

  1. Reseat RAM modules by powering off your PC, removing them from their slots, and reinserting them firmly.
  2. Check for loose connections in the motherboard or GPU. Ensure all cables are securely attached.
  3. Test each hardware component (RAM, GPU, etc.) individually by booting into Safe Mode and monitoring system stability.

6. Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software

Some security programs interfere with kernel-mode operations, leading to this BSOD:

  1. Look for options like “Real-time protection,” “Kernel-mode scanning,” or “System monitoring” and disable them temporarily.

7. Perform a Clean Boot to Identify Software Conflicts

A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and services, helping isolate problematic software:

  1. Press Windows + R, type “msconfig,” and press Enter.
  2. Go to the Services tab. Check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
  3. Switch to the Startup tab. Click Open Task Manager, disable all startup items, and close Task Manager.

8. Update Windows and Drivers

Ensure both Windows and all installed drivers are up-to-date:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then click Check for updates.
  2. Install any pending updates, including optional ones.

9. Monitor System Temperature

Overheating can cause system instability and this BSOD:

  1. Download a temperature monitoring tool like HWMonitor or Core Temp from trusted sources.
  2. Install the software, then check CPU/GPU temperatures under load (e.g., gaming, video editing).

10. Check Event Viewer for Additional Clues

The Event Viewer logs detailed system information that may pinpoint the cause of this BSOD:

  1. Press Windows + X and select Event Viewer.
  2. Navigate to Windows Logs > System. Look for entries with Critical severity around the time of the crash.
  3. Note any driver or process names mentioned, then search online for specific troubleshooting steps related to those components.

FAQ

What does THREAD_NOT_MUTEX_OWNER mean?

Is THREAD_NOT_MUTEX_OWNER dangerous?

How often does this BSOD occur in Windows 10/11?

This error is relatively rare compared to others like CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED (0x000000F4) or IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (0x000000D1). It typically appears during driver-related tasks, hardware changes, or system updates.

Can I prevent this error in the future

Last Updated: December 07, 2025
Tested on: Windows 10 (22H2) & Windows 11 (23H2)

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