CRITICAL SERVICE FAILED (0X0000005A) Blue Screen Fix Guide (Windows 10/11)

by

CRITICAL SERVICE FAILED (0X0000005A) Blue Screen Fix Guide (Windows 10/11)

The CRITICAL SERVICE FAILED (0x0000005A) blue screen error, also known as a Stop Error or BSOD (Blue Screen of Death), is one of the most frustrating issues Windows users encounter. This error typically appears when a critical system service fails to start properly, causing your computer to crash and restart unexpectedly. Unlike some other BSOD errors, this one doesnt always provide clear clues about its cause, making it challenging to diagnose and fix. However, with the right troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve or at least mitigate the problem.

This guide will walk you through understanding what causes the CRITICAL SERVICE FAILED error, how to identify its root cause, and step-by-step methods to fix it on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate user, these solutions should help stabilize your system.

—

What Causes the CRITICAL SERVICE FAILED (0x0000005A) Error?

The CRITICAL SERVICE FAILED error occurs when Windows fails to start a critical service during the boot process. This can happen due to:

  • Corrupt system files or registry entries: Damaged or missing system files, especially those related to services like winlogon.exe, lsass.exe, or services.exe, can trigger this error.
  • Faulty hardware drivers: Outdated, incompatible, or corrupted drivers (especially for storage, network, or chipset) may interfere with service initialization.
  • Malware or security software interference: Aggressive antivirus programs or malware can block critical services from loading.
  • Hardware issues

    :

    • Failing RAM modules, especially if theyre not seated properly.
    • Faulty hard drive or SSD (bad sectors, failing storage controller).
    • Overheating or power supply problems.
  • Recent Windows updates or driver updates: A poorly tested update can introduce instability.
  • Corrupted boot configuration data (BCD): Issues with the Boot Configuration Data file can prevent services from loading.
  • Third-party software conflicts: Some applications, especially those that hook into system processes, may interfere with service startup.

The error often appears during startup or shortly after login, sometimes with a message like:

“Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We’ll restart for you.”
(Error code: CRITICAL_SERVICE_FAILED)

—

How to Fix the CRITICAL SERVICE FAILED (0x0000005A) Error

Below are step-by-step methods to resolve this issue, starting with the simplest and moving to more advanced solutions.

###

Method 1: Perform a Hard Reboot and Check for Immediate Fixes

A simple restart can sometimes resolve temporary glitches. If your PC is stuck on the BSOD or in a loop:

  • Hold the power button down for at least 10 seconds to force a shutdown.
  • Wait 30 seconds, then press the power button to restart your PC.
  • If the issue persists, proceed to the next steps.

This doesnt always work, but its worth trying before deeper troubleshooting.

—

###

Method 2: Boot into Safe Mode and Run System File Checks

If your PC boots normally (or you can access Safe Mode), use built-in tools to repair system corruption:

  • Boot into Safe Mode with Networking:
    • Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
    • Go to the Boot tab, check Safe boot, select Network, and click OK.
    • Restart your PC. Your system will boot into Safe Mode with networking support.
  • Run System File Checker (SFC): Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run: 
    sfc /scannow

    Wait for the scan to complete. If errors are found, they will be repaired automatically.

  • Run DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management): Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run: 
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

    This may take several minutes. Restart afterward.

  • Run CHKDSK to check for disk errors: Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run: 
    chkdsk C: /f /r

    (Replace C: with your system drive if needed. If the volume is in use, schedule it for the next reboot.)

After these steps, restart normally and check if the error persists.

—

###

Method 3: Update or Roll Back Drivers

Outdated or faulty drivers are a common cause of this error. Focus on:

  • Update all drivers:
    • Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
    • Expand categories like Display adapters, Storage controllers, Network adapters, and System devices.
    • Right-click each device, select Update driver, then choose Search automatically for drivers.
  • Roll back problematic drivers (if you recently updated a driver):
    • In Device Manager, right-click the device, select Properties, then the Driver tab.
    • Click Roll Back Driver if available.
  • Use Windows Update: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install all pending updates.

—

###

Method 4: Disable or Reinstall Problematic Software

Third-party software, especially security suites or system utilities, can interfere with critical services:

  • Uninstall recently installed programs:
  • Disable startup programs:
    • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
    • Go to the Startup tab and disable non-essential apps.
  • Temporarily disable third-party antivirus: Some security software (e.g., McAfee, Norton) can trigger this error. Try disabling it in the programs settings.

—

###

Method 5: Repair Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

If the issue is related to boot files, repair the BCD using these steps:

  • Boot from a Windows installation USB (create one if needed using another PC).
  • Select Repair your computer, then Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
  • Run these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each: 
    bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
  • Restart your PC and check if the issue is resolved.

—

###

Method 6: Check for Hardware Issues

Hardware problems can mimic this error. Test the following:

  • Test RAM: Use Windows Memory Diagnostic:
    • Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and run the tool.
    • Select Restart now and check for problems. Follow on-screen instructions.
  • Check hard drive health: Use CrystalDiskInfo (download from here) to monitor SMART status. Look for warnings like “Bad Sectors.”
  • Inspect physical connections: Ensure RAM sticks, GPU (if applicable), and storage drives are seated properly.
  • Test with minimal hardware: Disconnect non-essential peripherals (USB devices, extra monitors) to rule out conflicts.

—

###

Method 7: Perform a Clean Windows Installation (Last Resort)

If all else fails, a clean install may be necessary. Back up your data first:

  • Create a backup of important files using an external drive.
  • Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.
  • Use it to create a bootable USB, then install Windows while keeping your files (if choosing “Keep personal files and apps”).

—

FAQ: Common Questions About CRITICAL SERVICE FAILED (0x0000005A)

Why does this error appear after a Windows update?

Windows updates can sometimes introduce bugs or conflict with existing drivers. Rolling back the update or using Windows Update troubleshooter can help. If the issue persists, check Microsofts support page for known issues with your update.

Can I fix this without a USB drive?

If you dont have a Windows installation media, try booting into Automatic Repair (hold Shift + F10 during setup if using an existing install) to access Command Prompt. Alternatively, use another PC to create one via the Media Creation Tool.

Is this error related to my antivirus?

Yes, some security software (e.g., third-party antivirus or endpoint protection tools) can trigger this error by interfering with system services like winlogon.exe. Try disabling real-time protection temporarily to test.

Will a factory reset fix it?

A factory reset (guide here) can resolve deep system corruption, but back up your data first. It wont fix hardware issues.

How do I check the MiniDump file for details?

The error doesnt always generate a detailed log, but if it does, find the .dmp file in C:\Windows\Minidump. Use tools like BlueScreenView to analyze it for clues.

Is this a hardware or software issue?

Its often software-related (e.g., drivers, updates), but hardware (RAM, storage) can also cause it. Run diagnostics like memtest86 to rule out memory issues.

—

Final Notes and Prevention Tips

The CRITICAL SERVICE FAILED (0x0000005A) error is usually fixable with patience and systematic troubleshooting. Start with the simplest steps (reboot, Safe Mode scans) before moving to advanced methods like driver updates or clean installs.

Prevent future occurrences by:

  • Keeping Windows and drivers updated via Windows Update.
  • Avoiding untrusted software installations that may introduce conflicts.
  • Regularly running sfc /scannow and DISM checks (e.g., monthly).
  • Monitoring hardware health with tools like HDDScan or MemTest86.
  • Using reliable antivirus software (e.g., Windows Defender) to avoid malware-related disruptions.

If the problem persists after all steps, consult Microsofts support or a local technician, as it may indicate deeper hardware failure. Most users resolve this issue with the methods abovedont give up if you hit a roadblock; try the next step in sequence.

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Tested on: Windows 10 (22H2) & Windows 11 (23H2)

Leave a Comment