16 Fixes For System Service Exception Stop Code in Windows

The Blue Screen of Death is one of the most prominent visual indicators of a Windows computer’s failure due to a serious problem (BSoD). Error screens are frustrating when they pop up without notice while you’re working on your computer, even if they’re informative. In a long list of more than 500 BSoD faults, the System Service Exception is one of the most frustrating yet simple to repair.

What does the System Service Exception Stop Code Error mean?

The SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION error Blue Screen

The stop code System Service Exception error is a blue screen of death error that comes up when the computer faces problems like Graphics User Interface (GUI) issues, damaged system files, or outdated drivers in the Windows system. 

This is the error message you’ll see if the System Service Exception error strikes

Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We’re just collecting some error info and then we’ll restart for you.

If you’d like to know more, you can search online later for this error: SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION (Ntfs.sys)

Factors that can be responsible for the System Service Exception in Windows 10

There are a number of reasons why you saw the System Service Exception on your Windows 10 computer.

These are the factors that could have possibly caused this issue on your computer:

  1. Presence of Malware.

Malware and viruses may cause havoc on any machine. The only way to get rid of the difficulties they cause is to get rid of them.

  1. Corruption of the system files.

The system files might be corrupted or damaged by malware. These files are of no use to anyone, and they should be destroyed. If you have corrupted system files, several things will go wrong.

  1. Incompetent system drivers.

Old or incompatible drivers might also cause problems with certain functionalities. Drivers that aren’t backward compatible will cause havoc with the system’s operation.

  1. Windows versions with bugs.

Not all Windows updates are helpful. If they have bugs, they will not affect any important processes. But if they do, you will have to update your Windows OS with the latest security patches.

Exemplars for the System Service Exception error

This is a complicated problem and can come in many variants. Some of them are as follows:

  • SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION in Windows 10
  • SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION in Windows 7
  • SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION in Windows 10 (netio.sys)
  • SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION error code 00000000`c0000005
  • SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION error code 0x0000003b
  • SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION VirtualBox
  • SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION Blue Screen of Death

The techniques to fix this issue are available in the next heading. All kinds of these errors could be fixed with the following steps.

Fixes for the System Service Exception Error in Windows 10

We collected sixteen possible solutions to fix the stop code System Service Exception BSoD errors in a Windows 10 computer. 

These are the methods that can be implemented if you experience this BSoD error:

  1. Take a look at your Hard Drive
  2. Update the OS to the latest version
  3. Update the System Drivers
  4. Download and install the latest BIOS version
  5. Instate the Windows Hotfix
  6. Deactivate the Web Camera
  7. Disable the antivirus software temporarily
  8. Uninstall a few software
  9. Run the Windows Driver Verifier Tool
  10. Scan the System completely
  11. Scan the system with the Windows Memory Diagnostics utility
  12. Troubleshoot the Blue Screen Error
  13. Use the System Restore to return to a pre-set Restore point
  14. Run the Disk Check (CHKDSK)
  15. Perform an SFC scan
  16. Clean Install Windows 10

Methods to Fix the System Service Exception

Take a look at your Hard Drive

A failing or a loose hard disk can be responsible for a lot of issues. You may even lose information stored on the computer because of this situation. You can take a look inside the CPU cabinet to see if your hard disk is damaged or loosely connected to the motherboard and thereby causing the System Service Exception BSoD error. You have to be very cautious not to damage the other components when you put your hand inside. 

Western Digital Caviar 100 GB HDD

If you find the hard disk covered in dust, you will have to remove it very carefully and wipe it with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

 Update the OS to the latest version

Newer versions of the Windows Operating System may contain the solutions to the problems that exist in the previous versions. Downloading updates regularly is recommended and is worth trying to fix the System Service Exception error in Windows 10. 

These are the steps to update Windows 10:

  1. Launch the Windows Settings using the Start menu or the keyboard shortcut (Windows + I).
  2. Open the Update & Security menu.
Windows Settings
  1. From the left pane, choose Windows Update and click on the button named Check for Updates
Windows Update page in Windows Settings
  1. If there are updates waiting to be downloaded, make sure that you have a proper internet connection and press the button named Download and Install. 
  2. Restart your PC and the installation will commence.

Update the System Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers could cause many errors on your computer. The best thing to do about this is to update them regularly.

Here’s how you can update system drivers

  1. Look for the Device Manager in the search field. The Device Manager will be the best result.
Search results for Device Manager
  1. You can also use the Run utility (Windows + R) and execute the devmgmt.msc command to bring up the Device Manager.
devmgmt.msc command in Run tool
  1. Find the Disk Drives section in the Device Manager and click on it to expand it.
Disk Drives section in Device Manager
  1. Double-click on your Windows system drive to open the drive properties.
  2. Go into the Driver tab.
  3. Select the Update Driver button to search for and install driver updates. 
System Drive properties window

Download and install the latest BIOS version

Giving your motherboard the latest software can solve a lot of problems. This is a risky process and has to be executed with great caution.

This is what you have to do:

  1. Download the most recent BIOS update from the motherboard manufacturer’s website.
BIOS download webpage for ASRock motherboards

If you have a laptop, you can search for your laptop model’s exclusive BIOS versions on the brand website. 

BIOS download webpage for MSI GS66 Laptop
  1. The files will be in the form of a zip file usually, so you have to extract them to a USB drive.
  2. Insert the USB into the computer, which needs the update, and reboot it.
  3. Press F10, F12, or Del keys on the keyboard, till the BIOS menu appears. 
  4. In the BIOS menu, go into the Advanced tab.
  5. Select Start Flash to flash install the BIOS update. 

You can also use manufacturer interfaces to get the latest version. This way it involves fewer risks and is easier to install. 

Instate the Windows Hotfix

Microsoft has a hotfix for BSoD errors like the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION error. This can be downloaded from the hotfix webpage

Microsoft Hotfix download webpage

The downloads will be in the form of executable files. Run the files and once the setup is complete, right-click on the installed executable and select Run as Administrator

Deactivate the Web Camera

Your web camera can cause the BSoD System Service Exception. 

Webcamera positioned on a monitor

This can be easily disabled to put your PC back to a normal state.

These are the steps to disable the computer’s webcam:

  1. Open the Device Manager through the Run utility with the help of the devmgmt.msc command.
  2. Webcams can be found in the Cameras section. Click on this to find your camera(s).
Cameras section in Device Manager

If you have an external camera, you can find it in the Other Devices category.

  1. Locate the Web-cam. 
  2. Right-click on the device and select Disable device to shut this down. 
Properties option for Webcam

You will not be able to use your webcam until it is activated again. It is a small price to pay for your computer’s safety.

Disable the antivirus software temporarily

Your antivirus can cause the System Service Exception BSoD error in Windows 10, indirectly, by stopping the processes that can prevent this issue. Deactivating the antivirus software will help resolve this issue.

Users can deactivate the antivirus with these steps:

  1. Bring up the Task Manager through the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) or by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting Task Manager or ýou can select Ctrl + Alt + Del and then choose Task Manager to launch it.
  2. Select More Details to display a list of all the system processes.
Task Manager window
  1. Open the Startup tab and find your antivirus software. 
Startup tab in Task Manager
  1. Click on the process to activate the Disable button. 

Click on the Disable button to end the process, during startup.

  1. Restart your PC. 

You would not face the Kernel Security Check Failure again if the antivirus was guilty. If your antivirus is innocent, go to the Startup tab in the Task Manager and click on the Enable button after selecting the antivirus program.

Uninstall a few software

Some software can be irksome. Simply remove them to see if this Blue Screen of Death is fixed.

You can uninstall problematic software with these steps:

  1. Open the Quick Link menu by right-clicking on the Start menu or using the keyboard shortcut (Windows + X).
  2. Select the Control panel from the pop-up.
  3. Under the Programs menu, click on the link: Uninstall a Program.
The Programs menu in the Control Panel
  1. You’ll be shown a massive list of all the programs on your computer. Locate the software that you need to remove from your system.
List of Applications in Programs and Features
  1. Click on it and then press the Uninstall button to start the removal process.
Uninstall button in the Programs and Features window

These are some of the applications that cause this problem on your computer and we recommend getting rid of them unless you have an absolute need for them.

  • MSI Live Update
  • Virtual Clonedrive
  • Xsplit
  • BitDefender
  • Asus GameFirst
  • Cisco VPN

Run the Windows Driver Verifier Tool

The Windows Driver verifier will locate and repair any errors that are related to the system drivers and functioning. This verification process is another solution if the issue is caused by incompetent drivers.

Here’s how you can fix them.

  1. Search for Windows Powershell in the search bar or make the Quick link menu come up by pressing the Windows + X keys together. 
Search results for Windows PowerShell
  1. For either of the previous steps, choose Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Run as Administrator.
  2. Input “Verifier” and Press Enter.
The verifier command in PowerShell
  1. The Driver Verifier Manager window opens. 
The Driver Verifier Manager window
  1. From the main window, take this path to scan all the drivers available in the system:

Create Standard Settings > Automatically select all drivers installed on this computer > Finish 

The Automatically select all drivers installed on this computer radio button
  1. If you have specific drivers in mind, that you want to verify, follow this route:

Create Standard Settings > Select driver names from a list > choose the drivers > Finish

Chart of Drivers in the computer
  1. Once the scan is complete, open Windows PowerShell again and execute the command: verifier /query

Scan the System completely

  1. Draw the Start menu up and input Windows Security in the search box. Open the first result.
Search results for Windows PowerShell
  1. Bring up the Virus & Threat Protection tab from the left panel.
Windows Security page in Windows Settings
  1. Select the Scan options link and click on the Full scan radio button to target the scan for the entire system.
  2. Click on Scan Now to initiate the scanning process.

Scan the system with the Windows Memory Diagnostics utility

  1. Launch the Run tool by pressing the Windows key and R key, simultaneously. 
  2. Type in the command, mdsched.exe and hit the Enter key.
Run tool with the mdsched.exe command
  1. Another option to open this tool is the search box, where you can search for the Memory Diagnostic tool.
  2. The Memory Diagnostics window will open like a little dialog box with two options.
  3. Select Restart now and check for problems or Check for problems and next time I start my computer to run the diagnostic test at your convenience.
Windows Memory Diagnostic tool window
  1. The RAM will be checked for issues after you follow the on-screen instructions.

Troubleshoot the BSoD Error

You can use the exclusive BSoD error troubleshooter on your Windows 10 computer to detect and fix this issue. 

  1. Open the Start menu, by pressing the Windows key or the Start button. 
  2. Launch the Windows Settings from the left panel or use the keyboard shortcut (Windows + I).
  3. Go into the Update & Security settings.
  4. Select the Troubleshoot tab from the list of tabs on the left.
The Troubleshoot page in Windows
  1. Locate the Blue Screen option. You will not be able to see the Blue Screen troubleshooter option if the computer has not been through several BSoD errors. 
  2. Go into the Additional Troubleshooter link below the list of troubleshooters. The BSoD error troubleshooter will be present in the Find and Fix other problems section, named Blue Screen.
  3. Expand the Blue Screen option by clicking on it and choose Run the troubleshooter.
  4. Do as the Troubleshooter window instructs and make the necessary choices to help this tool locate the cause for this error and fix it.

Use the System Restore to return to a pre-set Restore point

Creating a restore point is a precaution for computers that can run into a crash anytime. With a pre-set restore point with a completely functioning configuration, you can return to this point whenever you get into a spot.

  1. Connect a USB drive containing the Windows installation media to a USB port and reboot your computer.
  2. Go into the Troubleshoot settings and open the Advanced Options window.
  3. From the Advanced Options page, click on the System Restore option. As a substitute method, search for the System Restore interface through the taskbar’s search bar and open the result on top.
  4. In the System Properties box, click on the System Restore button which can be found under the System Protection tab.
System Properties menu box
  1. Set your desired restore point and click on the Next button in the lower part of the System Restore box.
System Restore window
  1. If they are available, you can see the restore points you have created previously.
  2. Select Finish and then click on Yes to exit.

Run the Disk Check (CHKDSK)

It is important to check the integrity of the system files in a situation like this. Damaged files can cause the System Service Exception tool and it is safe to take a look at them. 

These are your steps.

  1. Type in the phrase “command prompt” in the search bar and launch it with administrator privileges. 
  2. In the script window, input this command and press enter on the keyboard.
chkdsk “disk letter”: /f /r /x
The Check Disk command in the Command Prompt window
  1. Type in Y and hit enter if you wish to schedule a disk check when the computer restarts again. 
  2. Restart your PC and the Windows system files will be taken a look at and the rotten files will be repaired.

Perform an SFC scan

The System File Checker is used to find and replace corrupted system files. You can run this in the PowerShell or command prompt tools.

  1. Open Command Prompt as a system administrator. Enter cmd in the search box and choose Run as Administrator from under the first search result.
  2. Type sfc /scannow in the script and press Enter.
System File Checker command in the Command Prompt window

Clean Install Windows 10

A clean installation refers to the process of installing only the OS again. You can also reset Windows, instead of reinstalling the OS again. 

You can install Windows 10 again this way:

  1. Insert a USB device with over 8 GB of storage in the computer port.
  2. Run the Windows Media Creation tool and create a bootable device.
  3. Restart your computer.
  4. Make sure that the boot sequence has the USB drive on top to initiate the installation. Otherwise, you have to arrange the boot sequence with the USB drive on top.
  5. In the installation wizard, select Next and choose the Install Now option.
  6. Click on the link at the bottom that says I don’t have a Product key. You can always activate the OS with your product key after the installation. 
  7. Check the terms acceptance checkbox and choose Next to go ahead.
  8. Select the option that says Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).

These are the steps to perform a clean installation. If you do not want to activate the OS and yet get rid of the watermark, we have an article on How to Remove Activate Windows 10 watermark permanently.

Meet the Author

Abdul Rahim has been working in Information Technology for over two decades. Learn how Abdul got his start as a Tech Blogger , and why he decided to start this Software blog. If you want to send Abdul a quick message, then visit his contact page here.