0x0000000C MAXIMUM_WAIT_OBJECTS_EXCEEDED Blue Screen Fix Guide (Windows 10/11)

by

Understanding the 0x0000000C MAXIMUM_WAIT_OBJECTS_EXCEEDED Blue Screen

The 0x0000000C (MAXIMUM_WAIT_OBJECTS_EXCEEDED) blue screen error, also known as a Stop Error or BSOD, occurs when Windows encounters an issue that prevents it from completing a task. This error typically means the system has exceeded its maximum limit for waiting on objects, such as processes or threads, which can lead to instability and crashes. If you’re seeing this error, your computer may freeze or restart unexpectedly, often with no warning.

Fix This Error Automatically

Download the recommended repair tool to scan and fix Windows errors.

Download Repair Tool ↓

* Tested & Secure • Windows Compatible

Common Causes of 0x0000000C

The MAXIMUM_WAIT_OBJECTS_EXCEEDED BSOD can be triggered by various issues, including:

  • Corrupted system files or drivers.
  • Faulty hardware, such as a failing hard drive or RAM.
  • Outdated or incompatible device drivers.
  • Malware or viruses interfering with system processes.
  • Overheating of the CPU or GPU.

Step-by-Step Fix Methods

Here are several methods to resolve this issue, starting with the simplest and moving to more advanced solutions. Try each step one at a time to identify which fix works for your system.

1. Restart Your Computer

The most basic step is to restart your computer. Sometimes, BSODs are temporary glitches that can be resolved by a simple reboot. If the error persists after multiple restarts, proceed to the next steps.

2. Check for Hardware Issues

Faulty hardware, particularly memory (RAM) or storage devices, is a frequent cause of BSODs. To test your RAM:

  1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  2. Go to the “Performance” tab and click on “Open Resource Monitor.”
  3. In the Resource Monitor window, go to the “Memory” tab.
  4. Look for any errors or warnings under the “Hardware” section. If issues are found, your RAM may be failing.

If you suspect a hard drive issue, use the built-in Windows tool to check your disk:

  1. Open File Explorer and right-click on the drive you want to check (usually C:).
  2. Select “Properties” from the context menu.
  3. Go to the “Tools” tab, then click “Check” under the Error checking section.
  4. Follow the prompts to scan and repair the drive. This may take some time depending on your system’s speed.

3. Update or Roll Back Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause BSODs. To update your drivers:

  1. Press Windows + X and select “Device Manager.”
  2. Expand the categories in Device Manager, such as “Display adapters,” “Sound, video & game controllers,” etc.
  3. Right-click on any device with a yellow exclamation mark (indicating an issue) or a driver that may need updating (e.g., graphics drivers).
  4. Select “Update driver” and follow the on-screen instructions to search for updates online.

If you recently updated a driver, it might be causing conflicts. To roll back a driver:

  1. Open Device Manager as described above.
  2. Right-click on the device (e.g., graphics card) and select “Properties.”
  3. Go to the “Driver” tab, then click “Roll Back Driver.”
  4. Follow the prompts if available. If not, proceed to the next steps.

4. Run System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM)

Corrupted system files can lead to BSODs. Use these tools to scan and repair your system:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-clicking on it, and selecting “Run as administrator.”
  2. Type the following command and press Enter to run System File Checker (SFC): 
    sfc /scannow
  3. Wait for the scan to complete. If no issues are found, proceed to DISM.
  4. Type the following command and press Enter to run Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM): 
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
  5. Wait for the process to finish. Restart your computer afterward.

5. Check for Malware or Viruses

Malware can corrupt system files and cause BSODs. Run a full system scan using Windows Defender:

  1. Open Windows Security by clicking the shield icon in the taskbar or searching for it in the Start menu.
  2. Go to “Virus & threat protection.”
  3. Click “Quick Scan” and wait for it to complete. If no threats are found, proceed with a full scan.
  4. Click “Scan options,” select “Full scan,” and then click “Scan now.”
  5. Wait for the scan to finish and follow any instructions to remove detected threats.

6. Monitor System Temperature

Overheating can cause BSODs, especially if your CPU or GPU is running too hot. Use third-party tools like HWMonitor or Core Temp to check temperatures:

  1. Download and install a temperature monitoring tool (e.g., HWMonitor).
  2. Open the tool and monitor your CPU/GPU temperatures during normal usage.

7. Test with Safe Mode

Booting into Safe Mode can help isolate whether a driver or software is causing the BSOD. To test in Safe Mode:

  1. Restart your computer and hold Shift while clicking “Restart” on the login screen.
  2. Select “Troubleshoot,” then “Advanced options,” followed by “Startup Settings.”
  3. Press F5 or F6 to boot into Safe Mode with Networking (F5) or Safe Mode without Networking (F6).
  4. If your computer boots successfully in Safe Mode, the issue is likely caused by a third-party driver or software.
  5. Uninstall recently installed drivers or programs and restart normally to see if the error persists.

8. Check Event Viewer for Additional Details

Event Viewer can provide more information about the BSOD, including the driver or process that caused it. To access Event Viewer:

  1. Press Windows + X and select “Event Viewer.”
  2. Navigate to “Windows Logs” > “System.”
  3. Look for recent critical errors (marked in red) that may correspond to the BSOD.
  4. Note any relevant details, such as driver names or error codes, and use them to search for further solutions online.

FAQ

What should I do if my computer keeps crashing with this error?

If your computer crashes repeatedly, try booting into Safe Mode to isolate the issue. Uninstall recently added drivers or software, and then restart normally to see if the problem resolves.

Can this error be caused by a failing hard drive?

Yes, a failing hard drive can lead to the MAXIMUM_WAIT_OBJECTS_EXCEEDED BSOD. Run a disk check using File Explorer or third-party tools like CrystalDiskInfo to diagnose and repair potential issues.

Is it safe to ignore this BSOD?

No, ignoring this error is not recommended. It indicates an underlying problem that can worsen over time, potentially leading to data loss or hardware failure. Follow the troubleshooting steps provided in this guide to resolve it promptly.

How often should I update my drivers?

It’s a good practice to update your drivers regularly, especially for critical components like graphics cards, chipset drivers

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

Leave a Comment