Fixing SYSTEM EXIT OWNED MUTEX (0X00000039) Stop Code on Windows 10 & 11 – Step by Step

The error message on the blue screen usually includes details like:

*** STOP: 0x00000039 (parameter1 parameter2 parameter3 parameter4)

Where parameter1 often points to a driver or module name, such as ntoskrnl.exe, dxgkrnl.sys, or third-party software.

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Step-by-Step Fixes for SYSTEM_EXIT_OWNED_MUTEX (0X00000039)

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

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

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
  – Press Win + X, then select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
• Run SFC Scan (checks and repairs system files):

        sfc /scannow
      

  Wait for the scan to complete (may take several minutes). Restart your PC afterward.

• Run DISM Repair (if SFC doesnt work):

        DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
      

  This may also take time. After completion, restart and check for improvements.

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### **Method 2: Update or Reinstall Problematic Drivers**

Outdated or faulty drivers are a leading cause of this error. Follow these steps:

• Check for Driver Updates:
  – Press Win + X, then select Device Manager.
  – Expand categories like Display adapters, Sound, video and game controllers, or System devices.
  – Right-click each device, select Update driver, then choose Search automatically for drivers.
• Roll Back Drivers (if recently updated):
  If the issue started after a driver update, right-click the problematic driver in Device Manager and select Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.
• Reinstall Critical Drivers:
  – Note the name of the faulty driver (e.g., from the BSOD error log).
  – Download the latest version from the manufacturers website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, or your motherboards support page).
  – Uninstall the current driver via Device Manager, then install the new one.

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### **Method 3: Check for Malware and Clean Up Temporary Files**

Malware or leftover system files can trigger this error. Scan your PC thoroughly:

• Run Windows Defender:
  – Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Quick scan.
  – Run a full scan if no threats are found.
• Use Third-Party Antivirus (Optional):
  If the issue persists, use tools like Malwarebytes or Windows Defender Offline to deep-scan your system.
• Clean Up System Files:
  – Press Win + R, type %temp%, and delete all files in the folder (or use Disk Cleanup).
  – Clear C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download (requires admin access) to remove update residue.

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### **Method 4: Check for Hardware Issues**

Faulty RAM or overheating can cause this error. Test your hardware:

• Test RAM with Windows Memory Diagnostic:
  – Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and run the tool.
  – Select Restart now and check for problems.
• Check Disk Health with CHKDSK:
  Open Command Prompt as admin and run:

        chkdsk C: /f /r
      

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

• Monitor Overheating:
  Use third-party tools like HWMonitor to check CPU/GPU temperatures during stress tests (e.g., gaming or video editing).

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### **Method 5: Perform a Clean Boot**

A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers/services, helping identify software conflicts:

• Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the Startup tab.
• Disable All Startup Items, then select Task Manager > More details > Startup. Disable each item one by one.
• Use MSConfig for Services:
  – Press Win + R, type msconfig, and go to the Services tab.
  – Check Hide all Microsoft services, then disable non-Microsoft services one by one (restart after each change).
• Test Stability: If the error stops, a disabled service or startup app is likely the cause. Re-enable items one by one to identify the culprit.

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### **Method 6: Reset Windows (Last Resort)**

If all else fails, reset your PC to restore system stability:

• Back Up Data: Save important files to an external drive or cloud storage.
• Reset via Settings:
  – Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Get started.
  – Choose Keep my files (if you want to preserve data) or Remove everything for a full reinstall.
• Reinstall Windows via Media Creation Tool:
  Download the official tool from Microsoft if needed: Windows 10 or Windows 11.

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FAQ About SYSTEM_EXIT_OWNED_MUTEX (0X00000039)

Q: Is this error dangerous?

No, the error itself doesnt damage your hardware or data. However, it indicates a serious system instability that should be fixed to prevent crashes.

Q: Can I ignore it if my PC works fine after restarting?

No. The error may reappear, leading to data loss or corruption over time. Address the root cause (e.g., drivers, malware) instead of relying on restarts.

Q: How do I find the exact driver causing the issue?

Check the BSOD log in C:\Windows\Minidump. Open the latest .dmp file with a tool like BlueScreenView to see the faulting module.

Q: Will updating Windows fix this?

Windows updates may resolve known issues, but they dont always address driver-specific problems. Always update drivers separately after installing updates.

Q: Can I prevent future BSODs?

Yes! Regularly update drivers, scan for malware, and monitor hardware health (e.g., using CrystalDiskInfo for disk issues). Avoid overclocking or unstable software.

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Final Notes

The SYSTEM_EXIT_OWNED_MUTEX (0x0000039) error is frustrating but solvable with systematic troubleshooting. Start with SFC/DISM, then progress to driver updates and hardware checks. If the issue persists after trying all steps, consider professional repair or hardware diagnostics.

If you found this guide helpful, share it to support others facing the same problem! For further assistance, visit Microsofts official forums or contact support at Microsoft Support.

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

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