Solved: 0x0000000F SPIN_LOCK_ALREADY_OWNED BSOD Crash on Windows 10/11

Short Answer

The BSOD error 0x0000000F (SPIN_LOCK_ALREADY_OWNED) occurs when Windows detects a conflict in spinlock ownership, typically involving system processes or drivers. This can lead to system instability and crashes. While the error is more common on older Windows versions, it still appears on Windows 10/11. The solution involves identifying the problematic driver or process, updating or reinstalling system files, and checking hardware integrity.

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Overview

This error can manifest as a sudden system crash with a blue screen displaying the stop code 0x0000000F, along with additional details like the name of the driver or process involved. The crash is often accompanied by a message such as “A thread took too long to acquire a spinlock” or similar.

Common Causes

The SPIN_LOCK_ALREADY_OWNED BSOD can be triggered by a variety of issues, most of which are related to system processes or drivers. Here are the most common causes:

Corrupted or outdated drivers. Drivers that are not properly updated or have bugs can cause spinlock conflicts, particularly those related to hardware acceleration, graphics, or storage devices.
Overheating or hardware issues. If your CPU or other critical components overheat, it can cause erratic behavior in the kernel, leading to spinlock conflicts. Similarly, faulty RAM or a failing hard drive can trigger this error.
Windows updates or patches. Sometimes, a recent update or patch can introduce instability, particularly in kernel components. This is less common but still possible.

Fix Methods

1. Restart Your System

The most basic step is to restart your computer. Sometimes, a temporary glitch or memory leak can cause this error, and a simple reboot may resolve it without any further action.

If the BSOD reappears after restarting, proceed to the next steps.

2. Check for Windows Updates

Ensure your system is up-to-date with the latest patches and drivers from Microsoft. This can address underlying issues that may have caused the spinlock conflict.

Open Settings, go to Update & Security, and click Check for updates.
Install any pending updates, including optional ones.
Restart your system if prompted.

3. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files are a frequent cause of BSOD errors. Use the built-in tools to scan and repair them.

Run SFC: This tool scans for corrupted system files and restores them if possible.
```
sfc /scannow
```
Run DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management): This tool repairs Windows image corruption, which can affect kernel components.
```
DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
```
After running both commands, restart your system to see if the issue is resolved.

4. Update or Reinstall Drivers

Outdated or faulty drivers are a leading cause of this error. Focus on updating drivers related to graphics, storage, and chipset, as these are more likely to trigger spinlock conflicts.

Graphics Driver: If the BSOD occurs during gaming or graphical tasks, update your GPU driver.
```
dxdiag
```
Check the “Display” tab for the driver version and manufacturer. Use their official tool (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce Experience) to update it.
Storage Driver: Update drivers for your hard drive, SSD, or any other storage devices.
```
wmic diskdrive get name, status
```
Network Driver: If network-related tasks trigger the BSOD, update your network adapter driver.

pnputil /rollback-drivero oemX.inf

5. Check for Overheating or Hardware Issues

Overheating or failing hardware can cause kernel-level errors like SPIN_LOCK_ALREADY_OWNED.

Test RAM for errors: Faulty RAM can lead to system instability.
```
mdsched.exe
```
Run this tool to schedule a memory diagnostic test. Restart your computer and let it run the test.
Check disk health: If your storage device is failing, it may cause this error.
```
chkdsk C: /f
```
(Replace `C:` with your system drive letter if needed.)
Inspect hardware connections: Ensure that all components (RAM, GPU, etc.) are securely seated in their slots.

6. Disable Problematic Software or Services

If the BSOD is tied to a specific application or service, try disabling it temporarily to see if the crashes stop.

Boot into Safe Mode: Restart your computer and hold Shift while selecting Restart. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > F8 to boot into Safe Mode.
Identify the problematic driver or process: If you see a pattern (e.g., crashes during gaming), note the software or hardware involved.
Disable third-party drivers or services: Use Device Manager to disable non-Microsoft drivers, or check Task Manager for suspicious processes.
```
msconfig
```
Open this tool and go to the Services tab. Disable any non-essential services and restart your system.
Re-enable one by one: If the issue stops in Safe Mode, re-enable drivers or

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