A recent update from CrowdStrike, a leading American cybersecurity technology company, has resulted in widespread BSOD system crashes. If you, too, are affected by this, here’s a quick guide on how you can fix it.
What Caused the Blue Screen Of Death Error
The Blue Screen of Death errors were triggered by a recent update to CloudStrike’s Falcon sensor, a component of their endpoint security software. Many users on Reddit shared that the issue appears to be related to the “DRIVER_OVERRAN_STACK_BUFFER” error, which prevents your system from starting up normally and operating.
This error has caused widespread havoc worldwide, with major enterprises and businesses shut down. This update may have inadvertently introduced a critical bug that affected the interaction between the Falcon sensor and the Windows operating system.
How To Fix BSOD CrowdStrike Error
While there is no official patch or instructions rolled out yet, there are ways to fix the BSOD CloudStrike Error. To do this follow the steps below.
1. Boot Windows into Safe Mode or the Windows Recovery Environment
2. Turn off the device by holding the power button for 10 seconds.
3. Then, turn on the device and as soon as Windows starts (e.g., the manufacturer’s logo appears), immediately again turn off the device.
4. Repeat this until a full restart takes place and (enters Windows Recovery Environment)
5. In the Recovery Environment, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
6. From the list of options, select Option 5 or press F5 for “Safe Mode with Networking.”
7. Once booted into safe mode – navigate to the C:\Windows\System32\drivers\CrowdStrike directory
8. Locate the file matching “C-00000291*.sys”, and delete it.
9. Boot the host normally.
Note: If your device’s BitLocker is preventing you from booting into safe mode, you can get your BitLocker recovery key from your Microsoft or Azure AD-linked account.
CrowdStrike’s Response to BSOD Error
Engineering teams at CrowdStrike are actively working to resolve the issue, with the company advising users not to open individual support tickets. A Technical Alert detailing the problem and potential workarounds is expected to be published shortly. Users should monitor CrowdStrike’s official communication channels for updates, avoid attempting to fix the problem independently, and exercise patience as a resolution is developed.
Here’s a tweet from CrowdStrike on the issue
FAQs
Q. How Can I Fix The BSOD CrowdStrike Error?
To fix it, run your PC/laptop in safe mode and go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\CrowdStrike directory. Then, locate the “C-00000291*.sys” file and delete it. Now, reboot your system normally.
Q. How Much Has the BSOD Error Impacted Overall?
The widespread impact has led to significant disruptions, with some organizations reporting thousands of affected devices, including critical production servers and SQL nodes. The scope of the issue is extensive, affecting numerous organizations globally, including:
- Banks and financial institutions
- Supermarkets and retail chains
- Media companies and broadcasters
- Educational institutions
- Airlines and airports
Q. Which Systems Have Been Affected With BSOD Error?
The BSOD error has impacted Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems running various CrowdStrike Falcon sensor versions. While CrowdStrike has not released a comprehensive list of all affected versions, it has acknowledged that the problem occurs “across various sensor versions.” A few versions of the BSOD error affected CrowdStrike Falcon sensor include:
- Version 6.58
- Version 7.15.18513.0, as reported by users on the forums
- The “n-1” version (one version behind the latest release)
Conclusion
In this guide, you learnt how to fix the BSOD error due to the CrowdStrike Falcon sensor. We will keep updating other ways to fix the error, and for more such guides, follow GadgetsToUse.
You may also like:
- 9 Ways to Fix Windows 11 Bluetooth Not Working, Audio Lag, or Connection Issues
- How to Fix WSA for Android Not Working on Windows 11
- 5 Ways to Fix Windows 11 Widgets Not Working on Your PC
You can also follow us for instant tech news at Google News or for tips and tricks, smartphones & gadgets reviews, join the GadgetsToUse Telegram Group, or subscribe to the GadgetsToUse Youtube Channel for the latest review videos.
