Have you ever experienced a System Service Exception on your Windows computer? As a result, you won’t be able to use certain apps and programs.
The System Service Exception error has been around for a while and is quite common on Windows computers. When something in the system doesn’t work right, it interrupts a service or program unexpectedly.
A Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) occurs when Windows 10 encounters a System Service Exception. Here’s what you need to know about the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION error and how to fix it and prevent it from occurring again.
Why system service exception error occurs in Windows
A System Service Exception is a type of error that occurs on Windows computers related to the malfunction of installed hardware or software. This can also be caused by outdated drivers, virus or malware infections, or system file corruption. It usually shows up with a blue screen saying, “A problem has been detected, and Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.”
You’ll get a blue screen with a STOP code if your system experiences a fatal error. Errors like these are usually unpredictable, but there are ways to prevent them.
Whenever you get a STOP code, Windows 10 shuts down immediately to try and prevent any further damage. There are a few things that can cause SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION:
- Windows 10 drivers that are damaged, incompatible, or outdated
- Windows 10 update bug
- System files corrupted in Windows 10
- Viruses or other cyberattacks
Here are some solutions you should try until the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION error goes away. Update your drivers and run a Windows 10 file system check, but follow all the steps below to prevent this error from happening again.
How to Fix system service exception Error
It’s not that difficult to fix the Windows 10/11 “SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION” error, although it might take a couple of tries. You can do it by following these steps:
Method 1: Restore the system
Windows has a built-in feature called System Restore that lets you restore your system to its original state. You can restore your system from restore points in Windows. In Windows 10, this feature isn’t turned on by default, so you’ll have to turn it on first. Many users use this to fix system errors. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1. In the search bar, type sysdm.cpl.
Step 2. Select System Protection from the System Protection tab.
Step 3. A pop-up will ask you to pick a System Restore Point. Follow the instructions to select a system restore point.
Method 2: Update Your Windows
The first step is to ensure that Windows 10 is up-to-date. Unexpected errors can be caused by outdated system files. You can figure out if your problem is caused by a pending update. Here’s how to update Windows 10/11:
- Open the Start menu by clicking the Windows icon in the bottom left corner.
- Alternatively, you can choose Settings by pressing Windows + I.
- Select the Update & Security tile. You can choose when to receive updates here, as well as find most of your Windows Update settings.
- Keep Windows Update on the default tab. Wait for Windows 10 to find available updates after clicking the Check for updates option.
- To view and install any updates already displayed, click the View all optional updates link.
- Upon finding an update, click Install and wait for Windows 10 to download and apply it.
Method 3: File System Fix For SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION
On the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION bug check page, Microsoft says, “If the error was caused by a driver, its name is displayed on the blue screen… Indeed, I’ve experienced the same error with Windows 10’s NTFS file system driver (NTfs.sys). This is a mixed blessing, because it tells you there was an error with your file system. But you can’t and shouldn’t replace Windows OS-level drivers like you would a device driver.
Repairs like these are best left to DISM and SFC. In an administrative Command Prompt or PowerShell session, I’d run these commands if I got the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION stop code after rebooting:
SFC /scannow
If there are any corrupt or missing files in the Windows Component Store (usually C:/Windows/WinSxS), run the first command. SFC (System File Checker) scans all Windows system files and replaces any damaged or missing files it finds. SFC takes longer (especially if it makes any repairs) than the aforementioned DISM command. In its final follow-up, SFC should get a clean bill of health if it finds and fixes errors:
Method 4: Update Your Drivers
It’s more important than you might think to update your graphics card driver regularly. Especially after major Windows 10 updates, when compatibility errors often occur, outdated or bad drivers can cause serious problems.
If you see the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION error on your device, you have three options for updating your graphics drivers. Additionally, two of these remove corrupted or problematic drivers from your computer.
Option 1. Manually update the Display Adapter Driver
If you’re using a graphics card, check the following:
- You need to press Windows + R together.
- Enter “dxdiag” and click OK. DirectX Diagnostics can be reached using this shortcut.
- Go to the Display tab. Take note of the name and manufacturer of your graphics card under Device.
- Navigate to the download page on the manufacturer’s website.
- Using the search tools provided, find your graphics card model and download the newest driver for it.
- Double-click the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest driver. Your device might need to be restarted.
Option 2. Automatically update the display adapter driver
- By pressing Windows + R, you will open the Run window.
- Hit the OK button after typing “devmgmt.msc“. You’ll be taken to Device Manager.
- Click on the arrow icon to the left to expand the Display adapters section. Select Update driver from the right-click menu.
- Windows 10 will automatically update your driver if you click Search automatically for updated driver software. Restart your computer when you’re done with Device Manager.
Method 5: Run CHKDSK
Start the Command Prompt and run Windows Check Disk. In Windows, CHKDSK checks the file system and, with certain settings, fixes any issues it finds. There are many Windows errors it can fix, including the DPC WATCHDOG stop code and the Disk I/O Error.
- Right-click the most relevant match in your Start menu search bar and select Run as administrator. Alternatively, you can choose Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu by pressing the Windows key + X.
- Then, type chkdsk /r and press Enter. Using this command, your system will be scanned for errors and any issues found will be fixed.
Method 6: Run System File Checker & DISM.
With System File Checker, you can detect and fix corrupted system files on your computer. SFS can be accessed with Command Prompt. Follow these instructions carefully:
- Right-click on the Start button and select Command Prompt (Admin) or press the Windows key + X on your keyboard. Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as an administrator. You can also type cmd in the search bar.
- Allow your device to make changes by selecting Yes. You can then type commands into the Command Prompt window.
- Run System File Checker by typing SFC /scannow.
- Reboot your PC once the scan is done. With FixWin, you can run System File Checker in one click. Go to the Command Prompt (Admin).
- Right-click on the Start button and select Command Prompt (Admin) or press the Windows key + X on your keyboard. Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as an administrator. You can also type cmd in the search bar.
- Allow your device to make changes by selecting Yes. You can then type commands into the Command Prompt window.
- Press Enter after every line to type these commands.
DISM / ONLINE / CLEAN UP / SEND.
DISM / ONLINE / CLEAN UP / SENDF
Dism/Online/Cleanup/Restore Health
- Reboot your PC once DISM is done.
Method 7: Temporarily disable your antivirus
It’s known that antivirus software can cause issues on computers by interfering with apps and services. By temporarily disabling your antivirus, you can see if it’s causing the System Service Exception error.
This method isn’t recommended because it’s unsafe to use your computer without protection. Don’t do it unless you’re aware of the risks. Back up your system so you can undo any damage if there’s a malicious program on it.
- Choose Task Manager by right-clicking an empty space in your taskbar.
- Click “Mode details” if the Task Manager launches in compact mode.
- Use the header menu at the top of the window to switch to the Start-up tab. Click on your antivirus application in the list and select it.
- The Disable button is now visible in the bottom-right corner. If you do this, the app won’t launch when your device starts.
- Try restarting your computer and see if it still happens. Click the Enable button to re-enable your antivirus.
Final Thoughts
We hope that this article has enabled you to successfully fix your System Service Exception error in Windows. Should you ever experience the error again, please refer back to our guide for help with the necessary repairs.
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