Fixing storport.sys Stop Code on Windows 10 & 11 – Step by Step

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Fixing storport.sys Stop Code on Windows 10 & 11 Step by Step

The storport.sys file is a critical system driver in Windows responsible for managing storage port drivers, including those related to disk controllers and storage devices. When this file encounters issues, it can trigger the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), often with error codes like CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED, IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL, or KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE. If your system frequently crashes with these errors, follow this guide to diagnose and resolve the problem.

Why Does storport.sys Cause BSODs?

The storport.sys driver is part of Windows’ storage stack, handling communication between the operating system and hardware components like hard drives, SSDs, or RAID controllers. A BSOD related to this file typically occurs due to:

  • Corrupt or outdated drivers: Outdated or incompatible storage drivers can conflict with the system.
  • Faulty hardware
    • Failing hard drives, SSDs, or RAID controllers.
    • Loose or damaged SATA/PCIe cables.
  • Windows corruption: System file corruption can affect core components like storport.sys.
  • Overheating or power issues: Overheating hardware or unstable power supply can trigger instability.
  • Third-party software conflicts: Antivirus, disk management tools, or overclocking utilities may interfere.

Step-by-Step Fixes for storport.sys BSODs

Follow these methods in order to resolve the issue. Start with the simplest and progress to more advanced solutions if needed.

Method 1: Update or Reinstall Storage Drivers

Outdated or corrupted storage drivers are a common cause of storport.sys-related crashes.

  • Update via Device Manager:
    • Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
    • Expand Disk drives, right-click your storage device, and choose Update driver.
    • Select Search automatically for drivers and wait for Windows to check for updates.
  • Manually install the latest driver:
    • Visit your motherboard or SSD manufacturer’s website (e.g., Intel, Samsung, WD) and download the latest storage driver.
    • Run the installer as Administrator.

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

Corrupt system files can trigger BSODs. Use these built-in tools to repair them:

sfc /scannow
  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator (search for “cmd,” right-click, and select Run as administrator).
  • Paste the command above and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete (may take several minutes).
  • Restart your PC after completion.

If SFC doesnt work, run DISM:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • Again, open Command Prompt as Administrator and paste the command.
  • Wait for the process to finish (this may take longer than SFC).
  • Restart your system.

Method 3: Check Disk Health with CHKDSK

A failing or corrupted disk can cause intermittent BSODs. Run CHKDSK to check for errors:

chkdsk C: /f /r
  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  • Replace “C:” with your system drive letter if needed (e.g., D: /f /r).
  • Press Enter. If prompted, type Y to confirm and restart your PC.
  • Check the Event Viewer (Win + X > Event Viewer > Windows Logs > System) for errors after rebooting.

Method 4: Test Hardware for Faults

If the issue persists, hardware problems may be at play. Perform these checks:

  • Check SATA/PCIe cables: Reseat or replace loose/damaged cables connecting your storage devices.
  • Test RAM: Use Windows’ built-in tool: 
    mdsched.exe

    Run this command, select Restart now and check for problems, then follow the prompts.

  • Monitor temperatures: Use tools like HWMonitor to ensure your SSD/HDD isnt overheating.

Method 5: Disable or Update Antivirus/Temporary Overclocking

Some security software or overclocking profiles may conflict with storport.sys. Temporarily disable them to test:

  • Disable your antivirus (e.g., Windows Defender, third-party tools).
  • If using overclocking software (e.g., Intel XTU), reset BIOS settings to default.
  • Restart and check for BSODs. If the issue resolves, re-enable features one by one to identify the culprit.

Method 6: Clean Boot and Driver Rollback

A clean boot helps isolate software conflicts:

  • Press Win + 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 and click Open Task Manager. Disable all non-Microsoft startup items.
  • Restart your PC. If no BSOD occurs, a third-party program is likely the cause.

If the issue persists, roll back the driver:

  • Open Device Manager > Disk drives, right-click your drive, and select Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver (if available).

Method 7: Reset Windows or Reinstall Drivers via Safe Mode

If all else fails, reset Windows or manually reinstall drivers:

  • Reset this PC: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Remove everything (clean install).
  • Reinstall drivers in Safe Mode:
    • Boot into Safe Mode (hold Shift + Restart during startup).
    • Uninstall the storage driver via Device Manager > Disk drives > Uninstall device.
    • Restart normally; Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

FAQ: Common Questions About storport.sys BSODs

  • Is storport.sys safe to delete?

    No. Deleting or modifying system files like storport.sys can break Windows. Always use official updates or manufacturer tools.

  • Why does this happen only after a Windows update?

    Updates may introduce temporary conflicts with hardware drivers. Rolling back the update or waiting for a patch often resolves it.

  • Can a failing SSD cause storport.sys errors?

    Yes. A degraded SSD (e.g., due to bad blocks) can trigger these errors. Use manufacturer tools like Samsung Magician or WD Data Lifecycle Tool to check health.

  • How do I find the exact BSOD error code?

    Note the error details from the BSOD screen or check Event Viewer > Windows Logs > System for “Error” entries with timestamps matching the crash.

  • Should I replace my hard drive if storport.sys crashes occur?

    Not immediately. Test the disk first (e.g., with SeaTools). If errors are found, back up data and replace it.

Final Notes

A storport.sys-related BSOD is usually fixable with driver updates, system repairs, or hardware checks. Start with simple steps (SFC/DISM) before resorting to resets. If the problem persists after trying all methods, consult a technicianyour storage hardware may need replacement.

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

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

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