How to fix SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION in Windows: a complete, hassle-free guide

¿How to fix SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION in Windows? The blue screen with SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION It's one of those errors that disrupts your flow, causes you to restart your computer, and, if it catches you unsaved, causes you to lose work. Although it's frightening, it can usually be solved if you approach it methodically and without rushing, since in most cases it's related to drivers, system files, or minor hardware failures that can be diagnosed.

The good news The PC usually boots up after the restart, allowing you to work on applying fixes. And when it won't boot, Windows offers a powerful recovery environment to repair the startup, restore to a previous point, or run tools like SFC, DISM, or CHKDSK. Below, you'll find a complete walkthrough, from least intrusive to most intrusive, with all the solutions tested.

What is SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION and why does it appear?

This chart summarizes the most common causes: corrupted drivers, corrupted system files, and hardware problems.

This BSOD is triggered when a process switches from unprivileged to privileged code. And something isn't right at the kernel level. The most common causes are damaged or incompatible drivers, corrupted system files, graphical interface errors, malware, RAM problems, disk failures, or incompatibilities after hardware changes.

The screenshot itself usually gives clues: Often, a file with a .sys extension (for example, ntfs.sys, ks.sys, or netio.sys) appears in parentheses, pointing you to the affected subsystem. Stop code 0x0000003B may also appear on Windows 7 computers. It's a good idea to search for the full error message in forums and knowledge bases, as someone has almost certainly encountered it.

Common examples that you'll see linked to this error: SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION 0x0000003B, SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION (ntfs.sys), SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION (ks.sys), or SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION (netio.sys). They all share the same trunk, but the file involved will tell you where to start.

First things first: access, copies and safe mode

If Windows still starts To return to the desktop, take the opportunity to update, uninstall problematic software, create a restore point, and run scans. If it goes into a loop, force WinRE: turn on the PC and, when you see the Windows logo with the spinning dots, hold the power button for 5–10 seconds to shut down. Repeat twice. The third time will enter the Recovery Environment.

From WinRE you can Go to Troubleshoot, access Advanced options, and open Startup Repair, System Restore, Command Prompt, or boot into Safe Mode. In Windows 10/11, you can also hold down the Shift key and choose Restart from the shutdown menu to access advanced options. In Windows 7, press F8 at startup to display recovery options.

Golden adviceIf you have important data and the system is unstable, create a system image or full backup on an external drive. You can also prepare a WinPE-based bootable USB drive for recovery; this way, you'll avoid headaches if the error recurs during critical changes.

1. Update Windows and drivers

Update Windows It doesn't just fix system bugs: it also introduces new versions of base drivers. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates. Install any pending updates and restart.

Check Device Manager (Win + R and type devmgmt.msc) and locate devices with a yellow alert icon. Right-click > Update Driver > Search automatically for drivers. Prioritize graphics card, audio, chipset, storage, and network.

GPU driversUse official apps (NVIDIA/AMD/Intel) or download from the manufacturer's website. If you've installed new hardware, download specific drivers from the motherboard vendor or the device itself. Third-party driver updaters can help with a problem, but it's best to validate each change.

2. Check the disk with CHKDSK

A damaged file system or bad sectors can trigger a BSOD when accessing critical data. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run: chkdsk /f /r. If the drive is in use, agree to schedule the check for the next reboot with the letter Y and reboot.

Be patient: On large or very full disks, this may take a while. This tool detects and repairs file system errors and marks bad sectors for reuse, preventing future ntfs.sys-related crashes.

3. Repair system files with DISM and SFC

DISM and SFC are your allies When system files become corrupted after power outages, failed updates, or infections. First, repair the image with DISM and then validate with SFC to restore corrupted files.

Step 1:: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth. Wait for it to finish (it may take a while). Requires an internet connection to download components.

Step 2:: executes sfc /scannow. Upon completion, you'll see a summary of the files found and repaired. If the list is long, it's a good explanation for the recurring BSOD.

If the system does not boot, open Command Prompt from WinRE and run the same commands. You can also boot from a Windows installation USB to access advanced options and the Command Prompt.

4. Remove recent software and typical conflicts

Think about when the problem startedIf it coincides with an app installation, uninstall it and restart. Some antivirus suites, VPNs, capture tools, or motherboard utilities can cause kernel-level conflicts.

Programs that are often mentioned as conflictiveSome third-party antivirus programs (try temporarily disabling them), corporate VPN clients, manufacturer live update tools, webcam software, or network filters. If the error disappears after disabling them, you're already at fault.

Disable the webcam from Device Manager if you suspect the ks.sys file. On computers that use integrated modules, an inappropriate driver or add-on software can trigger the error.

5. Use the Windows Troubleshooter

Windows 10/11 includes a dedicated BSOD troubleshooter.Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter. Follow the steps it suggests; in many cases, it automatically restores corrupted settings.

It doesn't work miracles, but it's fast, secure, and sometimes saves you a lot of time. Use it after updating Windows and drivers to close the loop.

6. Diagnose the RAM memory

Intermittent errors under load These may be due to faulty modules or an overly aggressive XMP profile. Go back to the BIOS/UEFI and leave the RAM at default values ​​(disable XMP/DOCP) or load the BIOS default settings.

Test the RAM Using the Windows Memory Diagnostics tool: find the app, select Restart now and test. For a more thorough test, use Memtest86 from a bootable USB drive. If you detect errors, try each module and alternate slots.

Reseat the modules physically if you have tampered with the equipment. Poor contact is more common than it seems and can cause random failures.

7. Repair startup and use System Restore

If the PC does not finish booting If you don't have a BSOD, enter WinRE and run Startup Repair from Advanced Options. It often fixes critical boot files and returns everything to normal.

System Restore It's another bullet: Windows automatically creates backups before major updates and changes. From WinRE or Windows, search for System Restore and return to a point where your computer was running smoothly.

It is not very intrusive and keeps your documents safe. Ideal when everything started after a recent change that you can't quite locate.

8. Special case: switching from AMD to Intel with Ryzen Master

If you were coming from AMD and had Ryzen Master installed, when switching to Intel the service may try to load before boot, not detect AMD CPUs and cause the BSOD over and over again.

A satisfactory solution: Enter Safe Mode from WinRE (Startup Configuration, option 4 or 5), open Registry Editor, and delete the Ryzen Master service entries (AMDRyzenMasterDriverV13/AMDRyzenMasterDriverV14) from the Services branch. After a reboot, your computer should boot normally.

If you are going to migrate from platform, uninstall manufacturer-specific utilities before switching to avoid these pre-driver loading crashes.

9. Driver Verifier and Minidumps

When you suspect a driver but don't know which one, enable minidumps and use Driver Verifier to force checks and record the culprit on the next crash.

Activate minidumps: Open sysdm.cpl, Advanced tab, under Startup and Recovery, click Settings, uncheck Automatically restart, and select Small memory dump. Reboot.

Run Verifier: Open Command Prompt as administrator, type verifier, choose Custom settings and check the checkboxes (except for Random Uninstall and DDI Compliance). Select all non-Microsoft drivers. Reboot and let it run.

Analyze the dump Using a tool like BlueScreenView, open the latest DMP and look at the Caused by Driver section. Under the name, update or roll back that specific driver.

10. Malware and offline scanning

Some malware replaces system files to operate unseen and can trigger BSODs. Run a full scan with Windows Defender. For persistent threats, use Windows Defender Offline from startup, which scans before the system boots.

Temporarily disable third-party antivirus if you suspect interference at the kernel level. If the problem disappears, consider uninstalling it and keeping Defender updated, which is usually sufficient for most users.

11. BIOS/UEFI and hardware compatibility

An outdated BIOS This may cause compatibility issues with newer RAM, recent CPUs, or controllers. Check your motherboard manufacturer's website for a newer version and follow their update procedure.

After major hardware changes (CPU/platform, RAM, GPU) Check the cabling, power supply, and make sure everything is properly seated. A loose connector or an unstable power supply can also cause problems. If you have any questions about this, we recommend reading more about UEFI: What to do if Windows 11 doesn't recognize the disk in UEFI mode

12. Clean Boot and Safe Mode with Networking

The Clean Start Start Windows with a minimal set of services and programs. Use it to eliminate problematic background processes. Configure it from MSConfig and disable non-essential startup items.

Safe mode with networking It allows you to download drivers or patches while keeping your system in a minimal state. Useful when the desktop in normal mode is unstable.

13. Reset your PC or reinstall

If none of the above worksResetting this PC refreshes system files without the need for a manual format. Go to Settings > Update & security > Recovery and choose Keep my files or Remove everything.

As a last resortA clean install from a Windows installation USB leaves your system as good as new. Make a backup beforehand, and if possible, also save a system image for quick recovery in the future.

Creating a system image and boot media

Create a system image It allows you to restore your computer in minutes from disasters like a persistent BSOD. You can use native Windows options or specialized software to schedule full, incremental, and differential backups to an external drive or NAS.

Boot media based on WinPE They're essential: they generate a USB drive that can be used to boot your PC even if Windows doesn't load, to restore the image, or to recover files. When creating the media, choose one that's broadly compatible with the hardware of the computer you'll be using it on.

Recover data if your PC won't boot

If you need to rescue documents urgently If the system doesn't boot, create a bootable USB drive with a data recovery tool on another computer, boot the problematic PC from that USB drive, and scan the internal drive. You can copy the files to an external drive before proceeding with more aggressive repairs.

After recovering the critical, apply the article's solutions calmly. Working without fear of losing data changes the landscape and allows you to take things step by step.

Most SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION These are resolved by updating drivers and Windows, repairing system files, correcting disk errors, and removing conflicting software. When hardware is involved (RAM, disk, BIOS), the diagnostics described will get you to a successful conclusion without having to reformat immediately.