How to Fix a System Service Exception Error

Blue screen of death (BSOD) errors are some of the most frustrating things any Windows user will encounter. While all BSODs are annoying and produce the same result, there are actually many different kinds. System service exception errors are a common type you may come across.

Why Do System Service Exception Errors Happen?

If you get a BSOD and see the code “SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION” at the bottom of your screen, it’s a system service exception error. But what does this mean, and how does it happen?

Like other BSOD errors, such as a DPC watchdog violation, these crashes can come from several different circumstances. Some of the most common are:

• Graphic user interface (GUI) errors
• Viruses or other malware
• Corrupted system files
• Outdated or buggy drivers

Whatever the specifics, this happens when your PC encounters an exception when doing something that moves from non-privileged to privileged code. That can happen when processes don’t work correctly, files are incomplete, your computer frees memory when it shouldn’t or similar issues occur.

Preliminary Steps Before Fixing the Error

To prevent potential loss, back up your important data before fixing the System Service Exception error. This step is crucial because troubleshooting can sometimes lead to unexpected issues. Use an external hard drive or a cloud service to keep your files safe.

Additionally, check that your system is updated to the latest version. Updates often include patches and fixes that can resolve underlying issues causing the error. Keeping your system updated enhances security and improves overall performance, making fixing problems like this more manageable.

Fixing a System Service Exception Error

Regardless of the causes, system service exception errors are annoying but fixable. Here are a few things you can try.

Update Windows

Let’s start with the simplest fix. If you haven’t updated your operating system (OS) in a while, it could have bugs causing the issue. Considering that outdated IT systems, applications or software account for 31% of an organization’s tech, this is a fairly common problem.

To update Windows, open the Settings window, then go to “Update & Security.” Look under “Windows Update” to see if there are any available updates, and if so, download and install them. You’ll have to restart your computer in the process.

Check Hardware Compatibility

Ensuring your hardware components are compatible with your system is essential to avoid issues like the System Service Exception error. Check your computer’s specifications and compare them with the requirements of your hardware components, such as your graphics card, RAM and motherboard.

This information can be found in your system’s manual or the manufacturer’s website. If you’re unsure, tools like CPU-Z or Speccy can help identify your hardware details. If you discover any incompatibility, consider updating your drivers from the manufacturer’s website or upgrading the hardware.

Additionally, make sure all components are properly seated and connected. Sometimes, simply reseating your RAM or checking your cables can resolve hardware-related errors. If you continue to experience issues, it might be worth consulting with a professional technician to perform a more in-depth diagnostic.

Scan for Malware

System service exception errors can also be caused by malware. In fact, the number of malware types increased from over 28 million in 2010 to around 670 million in 2020. If you don’t already have an anti-malware program installed, you can download several reliable free options. Open whichever app you use, then run a scan.

Your anti-malware software may have several scanning options. Opt for the most thorough, just to be safe. If the service discovers anything, it should remove it. You can then restart your computer and use it safely.

Check for Damaged Files 

Corrupt system files are another common cause of these errors. To fix them, type “Command Prompt” in your Search bar, right-click the Command Prompt app and select “Run as administrator.”

In the window that appears, type “sfc /scannow” and hit “Enter.” Your computer will then check for and repair any damaged or missing system files. Once the process is done, restart your computer and see if it runs properly.

Uninstall Problematic Software

If you suspect that recently installed software might be causing the System Service Exception error, identify any new programs or updates you added when the error began. To do this, open your Control Panel and navigate to “Programs and Features,” where you can see a list of installed software and installation dates.

Look for unfamiliar or recently added applications. Once you have pinpointed the potential culprit, right-click on the software and select “Uninstall.” Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process. After removing the problematic software, restart your computer to see if the error persists. This simple step can often resolve the issue if the software conflict is the cause.

Update Drivers

If that doesn’t work, the error could be caused by buggy or outdated drivers. Check these by typing “device manager” in the Search bar and opening the app of the same name. Go through the list of devices to look for a yellow warning symbol. If you see one, right-click the device in question and click “update driver.”

If you’ve built your PC or have many third-party devices plugged in, you may need to go to these device manufacturers’ websites to download the latest drivers. After downloading anything, restart your computer.

Advanced Troubleshooting

Performing a clean boot is a helpful step to identify software conflicts that might be causing the System Service Exception error. Type “msconfig” in the Windows search bar and press Enter. In the System Configuration window, go to the “Services” tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” and then click “Disable all.”

Next, navigate to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.” In the Task Manager, turn off all startup items by right-clicking on each one and selecting “Disable.” Close Task Manager and return to the System Configuration window, then click “OK” and restart your computer. If the error no longer occurs, gradually re-enable the services and startup items individually to identify the problematic software.

Reset Windows

As a last resort, you can reset Windows if no other steps work. A reset will remove any apps you’ve installed and any changes you’ve made to your PC’s settings, so you should only do it if you’ve tried everything else.

Before resetting Windows, back up any important files or apps on an external drive. Then, go to Settings, click “Update & Security,” then “Recovery,” and click “Reset this PC.” Your computer will walk you through the process from there, which will remove and then reinstall Windows.

Avoid the Blue Screen of Death

These steps will help you fix a system service exception error, regardless of the cause. To avoid similar cases in the future, be sure to enable automatic updates and be careful when clicking online links. You can then use your computer as you want without worrying about the blue screen of death.

Original Publish Date 1/23/2023 — Updated 8/5/2024