How to Fix CORRUPT ACCESS TOKEN (0X00000028) BSOD on Windows 10 & 11

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Fixing the CORRUPT ACCESS TOKEN (0X00000028) BSOD on Windows 10 & 11

Understanding the Error

The **CORRUPT ACCESS TOKEN (0x00000028)** Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is a critical system error that occurs when Windows fails to properly manage user access permissions, often due to corrupted system files or driver issues. This error can appear during startup, while running applications, or after installing updates. It typically results in an immediate crash with the error message:

CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED
**STOP 0x00000028: CORRUPT ACCESS TOKEN**

This article provides step-by-step solutions to resolve this issue and prevent future occurrences.

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Common Causes of the Error

The **CORRUPT ACCESS TOKEN** BSOD can be triggered by:

  • Corrupted system files or registry entries.
  • Faulty or outdated device drivers (especially graphics, network, or storage drivers).
  • Malware or virus infections affecting system integrity.
  • Incomplete Windows updates or improper shutdowns.
  • Hardware issues, such as failing RAM or disk errors.

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Step-by-Step Fixes for CORRUPT ACCESS TOKEN BSOD

# **Method 1: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM**

Corrupted system files are a leading cause of this error. Use Windows 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 after completion. If the scan finds errors, follow any on-screen prompts to apply fixes.

# **Method 2: Check and Repair Disk Errors**

Disk corruption can trigger this BSOD. Use CHKDSK to verify and repair disk issues:

  • Open **Command Prompt as Administrator** (as above).
  • Run: 
    chkdsk C: /f /r

    (Replace C: with your system drive if needed.)

  • If prompted, restart your PC to complete the scan.

# **Method 3: Update or Reinstall Problematic Drivers**

Outdated or faulty drivers often cause this error. Heres how to update them:

  • Press Win + X and select **Device Manager**.
  • Expand categories like **Display adapters**, **Network adapters**, or **Storage controllers** (common culprits).
  • Right-click a device, select **Update driver**, then choose **Search automatically for drivers**.
  • If the issue persists, use **Driver Support Assistant** (from Microsoft) to scan and update all drivers.

# **Method 4: Perform a Clean Boot**

A clean boot helps identify if third-party software is causing conflicts:

  • Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  • Go to the **Services** tab, check **Hide all Microsoft services**, then click **Disable all**.
  • Go to the **Startup** tab, click **Open Task Manager**, and disable all startup items.
  • Restart your PC. If no BSOD occurs, re-enable services/apps one by one to isolate the culprit.

# **Method 5: Restore System to a Previous State**

If the error started after an update or installation:

  • Open **Settings** > **Update & Security** > **Recovery**.
  • Under **Advanced startup**, click **Restart now**.
  • Select **Troubleshoot** > **Advanced options** > **System Restore**.
  • Choose a restore point from before the error occurred and follow prompts.

# **Method 6: Check for Malware**

Malware can corrupt system files. Run a full scan with:

  • **Windows Defender**: Open **Settings** > **Update & Security** > **Windows Security**, then run a **Full scan**.
  • Third-party tools like **Malwarebytes** or **AdwCleaner**.

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Advanced Solutions (If Basic Fixes Fail)

# **Method 7: Reset Windows (Last Resort)**

If the issue persists, reset your PC to factory settings:

  • Go to **Settings** > **Update & Security** > **Recovery**.
  • Under **Reset this PC**, choose **Keep my files** or **Remove everything** (backup data first).

# **Method 8: Test Hardware**

  • **RAM**: Use Windows Memory Diagnostic (Win + R, type mdsched.exe).
  • **Disk Health**: Check for errors in **Disk Management** or use third-party tools like CrystalDiskInfo.

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FAQ

Q: Will this error delete my files?

A: No, the BSOD itself doesnt harm your data, but frequent crashes may cause unsaved work to lose progress. Always save your work regularly.

Q: Can I prevent future CORRUPT ACCESS TOKEN errors?

A: Yes! Avoid abrupt shutdowns, update drivers regularly, and use reliable antivirus software. Run SFC/DISM monthly for maintenance.

Q: Is this error hardware-related?

A: Sometimes, but not always. Test RAM/disk if the issue persists after software fixes.

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Final Notes

The **CORRUPT ACCESS TOKEN** BSOD is usually fixable with system file repairs or driver updates. Start with **SFC/DISM**, then proceed to deeper troubleshooting if needed. If all else fails, a clean Windows install may be necessary.

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

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

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