Solved: CRITICAL EXTENSION ACTIVATION FAILED (0X00000069) BSOD Crash on Windows 10/11

The CRITICAL EXTENSION ACTIVATION FAILED (0x00000069) Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is a frustrating error that can suddenly appear on your Windows 10 or 11 system, causing it to crash and restart. This error typically occurs when the operating system fails to load a critical driver or extension during startup, leading to an immediate system halt. While this issue can be alarming, its often fixable with the right troubleshooting steps. Below, well explain what causes this BSOD, how to identify it, and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve it.

What Causes the CRITICAL EXTENSION ACTIVATION FAILED (0x00000069) Error?

The 0x00000069 error usually appears when Windows fails to activate a critical system component, often related to:

Corrupt or outdated drivers, especially graphics, audio, or storage drivers.
Faulty hardware, such as a failing RAM module, GPU, or hard drive.
Malware or system file corruption due to incomplete updates or improper shutdowns.
Conflicting software, including recently installed applications or drivers.
Windows update issues that introduce bugs or incompatibilities.

The error may also appear after installing a Windows update, updating hardware drivers, or during system recovery processes. If you see this BSOD, your PC will display the error message with details like:

CRITICAL EXTENSION ACTIVATION FAILED (0x00000069)

If this is the first time you’ve seen this stop error screen, restart your computer. If this screen appears again, use the error code to check online for a solution.

How to Fix CRITICAL EXTENSION ACTIVATION FAILED (0x00000069)

### Method 1: Perform a Safe Boot and Check for Problematic Drivers
If your system is still accessible, boot into Safe Mode with Networking to isolate whether the issue stems from third-party drivers or software.

Restart your PC and repeatedly press F8 (or Shift + F8 for newer Windows builds) before the Windows logo appears.
Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
Press 5 or F5 to boot into Safe Mode with Networking.
Uninstall recently installed drivers (e.g., graphics, audio, or chipset) via Control Panel > Programs and Features.
Restart normally and check if the BSOD persists.

### Method 2: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
Corrupt system files can trigger this error. Use built-in tools to repair them:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press Win + X, then select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
Run the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
```
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
```
```
sfc /scannow
```
Restart your PC and monitor for improvements.

### Method 3: Check Disk Integrity with CHKDSK
A failing hard drive or SSD can cause this error. Run CHKDSK to scan for errors:

Open Command Prompt as Admin (as above).
Type:
```
chkdsk C: /f /r
```
(Replace C: with your system drive if needed.)
Press Y to confirm, then restart. The scan runs on the next boot.

### Method 4: Update or Reinstall Problematic Drivers
Outdated or conflicting drivers are a common culprit:

Open Device Manager: Press Win + X, then select Device Manager.

Look for devices with a yellow warning icon (e.g., Display adapters, Audio inputs/outputs).

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

If no update is found, download the latest driver from the manufacturers website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).

Alternatively, roll back the driver by right-clicking it and selecting Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.

### Method 5: Perform a Clean Boot to Isolate Software Conflicts
A conflicting application may trigger this error:

Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the Startup tab, and disable all non-Microsoft apps.

Restart your PC in a clean state. If the BSOD doesnt appear, re-enable apps one by one to identify the culprit.

### Method 6: Reset or Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)
If all else fails, reset Windows to factory settings:

Back up your files, then go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.

Under Reset this PC, choose Keep my files or Remove everything based on your needs.

Follow the prompts to complete the reset.

FAQ: Common Questions About 0x00000069 BSOD

Q: Will this error damage my hard drive?

A: The BSOD itself doesnt harm your files, but a failing drive could be the cause. Run CHKDSK (Method 3) to check for issues.

Q: Can I prevent this error in the future?

A: Yes! Regularly update drivers, avoid abrupt shutdowns, and use reputable antivirus software. Disable unnecessary startup apps via Task Manager.

Q: Why does this happen after a Windows update?

A: Updates sometimes introduce bugs. If the issue starts post-update, roll back the update via Settings > Update & Security > View update history > Uninstall updates.

Q: Is this related to my GPU or RAM?

A: Possibly. Test your RAM with Windows Memory Diagnostic (search in Start). For GPUs, try updating drivers or testing the card in another PC if possible.

Final Notes

The 0x00000069 BSOD is usually resolved by addressing driver issues, system corruption, or hardware problems. Start with SFC/DISM, then progress to deeper fixes like driver updates or clean boots. If the error persists, consider professional diagnostics for hardware (e.g., RAM, GPU). By following these steps, you should regain stability and prevent future crashes.

If youve successfully fixed this issue, share your solution in the comments! For further help, visit Windows Support or our forum.

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

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