MAXIMUM WAIT OBJECTS EXCEEDED (0X0000000C) Blue Screen Fix Guide (Windows 10/11)

The MAXIMUM WAIT OBJECTS EXCEEDED error, also known by its stop code 0x0000000C, is a critical system failure that causes your Windows PC to crash and display the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). This error occurs when the operating system encounters a situation where it has to wait for more objects than allowed, typically due to issues with drivers, corrupted system files, or hardware conflicts. If you’re experiencing this issue on Windows 10 or 11, follow this guide to diagnose and resolve it effectively.

What Causes the MAXIMUM WAIT OBJECTS EXCEEDED Error?

The error can be triggered by several factors, including:

Corrupted system files: Damaged or missing critical Windows components can lead to this error.
Faulty or outdated drivers, especially those related to hardware devices like graphics cards, network adapters, or storage controllers.
Malware or virus infections

: Malicious software can disrupt system processes and cause instability.
Hardware issues, such as failing RAM, overheating components, or faulty hard drives.
Overloaded system resources, including excessive background processes or services consuming too many objects.
Incompatible software or drivers, particularly those installed recently before the error appeared.

How to Fix MAXIMUM WAIT OBJECTS EXCEEDED (0X0000000C)

Follow these step-by-step solutions in order, starting with the simplest and progressing to more advanced fixes. Restart your PC after each step to check if the issue is resolved.

Method 1: Check for Windows Updates

Ensure your system is up-to-date by installing the latest Windows updates, which often include fixes for known issues:

Press Windows + I to open Settings, then go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
Click Check for updates. If updates are available, install them and restart your PC.
After updating, check if the error persists.

Method 2: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted system files can trigger this error. Use these built-in tools to repair them:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator by searching for cmd, right-clicking it, and selecting Run as administrator.
Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
```
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
```
```
sfc /scannow
```
Wait for the process to complete (it may take several minutes). Restart your PC afterward.

Method 3: Run CHKDSK to Check for Disk Errors

If file system corruption is suspected, run CHKDSK to scan and repair disk errors:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Type the following command and press Enter:
```
chkdsk C: /f /r
```
(Replace C: with your system drive letter if needed.)
If prompted, confirm to schedule the scan for the next reboot. Restart your PC and let the scan complete.

Method 4: Update or Reinstall Problematic Drivers

Outdated or conflicting drivers are a common cause of this error:

Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Expand categories like Display adapters, Network adapters, or Storage controllers to find devices with a yellow warning icon.
Right-click the device, choose Update driver, then select Search automatically for drivers.
If no updates are found, right-click the device again and select Uninstall device. Restart your PC to reinstall it automatically.

Method 5: Perform a Clean Boot to Identify Software Conflicts

A clean boot helps determine if third-party software is causing the issue:

Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
Switch to the Startup tab, click Open Task Manager, and disable all startup items.
Restart your PC in a clean boot state. If no BSOD occurs, re-enable services/apps one by one to identify the culprit.

Method 6: Check for Malware

Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or trusted antivirus software:

Open Windows Security (search via the Start menu).
Go to Virus & threat protection > Quick scan. If threats are found, follow the removal steps.
For thorough scanning, select Scan options > Full scan.

Method 7: Test Hardware for Issues

Faulty RAM or overheating can trigger this error:

Use built-in tools like Windows Memory Diagnostic (search in Start menu) to test RAM.
Monitor CPU/GPU temperatures using software like MSI Afterburner. Ensure temperatures stay within safe limits (< 85C for CPUs, < 90C for GPUs).
Check disk health with CrystalDiskInfo (download from crystalmark.info). Look for “Good” status on your system drive.

Method 8: Reset or Reinstall Windows

If the issue persists, a reset may be necessary:

Back up important files to an external drive or cloud storage.
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Get started.
Choose Keep my files (if applicable) and follow the prompts. This preserves personal data while reinstalling Windows.

FAQs About MAXIMUM WAIT OBJECTS EXCEEDED

Is this error recoverable? Yes, but it requires troubleshooting as outlined above. If hardware is faulty (e.g., RAM), replacement may be needed.
Can I prevent future occurrences? Regularly update drivers, scan for malware, and monitor system health to minimize risks.
Does this error delete my data? No, but critical system files may be corrupted. Always back up important data before troubleshooting.
Should I replace my hard drive if this happens? Only if SMART data or CHKDSK reports disk failures. Otherwise, the issue is usually software-related.

By following these steps systematically, you should be able to resolve the MAXIMUM WAIT OBJECTS EXCEEDED error and stabilize your system. If the problem persists after trying all methods, consider seeking professional technical support or consulting Microsoft forums for advanced assistance.

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

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