The System Service Exception in Windows 10 is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error.
In this article, we’ll examine the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION error, why it happens, what you can do to fix it, and how to stop it from happening again.
What Is a System Service Exception Error?
A SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION error happens for a few reasons:
- Graphic user interface errors
- Corrupted system files
- Issues with outdated or corrupt drivers
Several methods for fixing the issue exist because there is such a range of potential SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION causes. For example, some might fix your Windows system errors, while others won’t.
The main course of action is updating drivers and checking your Windows 10 file system for errors, but you should work through the list below until the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION error disappears for good.
So, read on to learn how to fix the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION stop code error in Windows 10.
How to Fix a System Service Exception Error
1. Update Windows 10
The first thing to do is check that Windows 10 is completely up to date. Outdated system files can cause unexpected errors. Checking for a pending update is a quick and easy way to figure out if that is causing your issue.
- Hit Windows key + I to open the Settings panel.
- Now, head to Update & Security, then check under Windows Update for any pending updates.
- If there is an update, save any important files, then press Restart now. Your system will reboot during the process.
2. Update System Drivers
Windows Update keeps your system drivers up to date. Automating the process means your system drivers are less likely to fall behind their recommended version—but that doesn’t mean some won’t fall through the gaps. At other times, Windows doesn’t use the correct driver version.
To check your latest automatic driver updates:
- Head to Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history. Recent driver updates appear here.
- Now, type device manager in the Start menu search bar and select the Best match.
- Head down the list and check for an error symbol. If there is nothing, your driver status is likely not the source of the issue.
- If there is a yellow “alert” symbol, open the section using the dropdown arrow, then right-click the problem-driver and select Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software to let Windows automate the update process for you.
Otherwise, you can use a third-party tool to update all your system drivers simultaneously. Check out this list of free tools you can use to fix most Windows problems. The first two options—IOBit’s Driver Booster and Snappy Driver Installer—do exactly this.
3. Run CHKDSK
Next up, try running Windows Check Disk from the Command Prompt. CHKDSK is a Windows system tool that verifies the file system and, with certain settings, fixes issues as it runs. It helps with many Windows errors, including the DPC WATCHDOG stop code and the Disk I/O Error in Windows.
- Type command prompt in your Start menu search bar, then right-click the best match and select Run as administrator. (Alternatively, press Windows key + X, then select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.)
- Next, type chkdsk /r and press Enter. The command will scan your system for errors and fix any issues along the way.
4. Run SFC
System File Check (SFC) is another Windows system tool that checks for missing and corrupt Windows system files. It sounds like CHKDSK, right? Well, SFC checks for Windows system files specifically, while CHKDSK scans your entire drive for errors.
But before running the SFC command, it is best to double-check that it is completely functional.
DISM stands for Deployment Image Servicing and Management. DISM is an integrated Windows utility with a vast range of functions. In this case, the DISM Restorehealth command ensures that our next fix will work properly. Work through the following steps.
- Type Command Prompt (Admin) in the Start menu search bar, then right-click and select Run as administrator to open an elevated Command Prompt.
- Type the following command and press Enter: DISM /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
- Wait for the command to complete. The process can take up to 20 minutes, depending on your system’s health. The process seems stuck at certain times, but wait for it to complete.
- When the process completes, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
5. Uninstall Recently Installed Programs
Unfortunately, several programs are known to cause a SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION error. They vary in type, too. For example, some people report the error after installing a new antivirus suite, while others claim installing a new VPN is the issue.
Regardless, try and think if the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION BSODs began after you installed a new piece of software or not (or perhaps it was a software update). You can uninstall recently installed software and apps one by one to see which new program caused the issue.
6. Last Resort: Reset Windows 10
If nothing else works, you can use Windows 10’s Reset function to refresh your system files.
Windows 10 Reset replaces your system files with a completely fresh set of files. Theoretically, it clears lingering issues relating to your SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION error while keeping the majority of your important files intact. This can also help fix the Bad System Config Info error.
- Head to Settings > Update and Security > Recovery, then under Reset this PC select Get started. Your system restarts as soon as you hit the button, so make sure you backup any important files beforehand.
- Your system will restart, then you may select Keep my files or Remove everything.
System Service Exception Error: Fixed and Eradicated!
One of these fixes or a combination of them will resolve your SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION error, leaving your system BSOD-free.
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