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- Issues with outdated or corrupt drivers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. Furthermore, the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION error is far from the only Windows error you'll encounter. Therefore, we've curated a comprehensive list of Windows stop code and BSOD fixes that should help you fix up your machine.
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.
How to Fix a System Service Exception Error
Fixing the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION stop code error in Windows 10 isn't too difficult, but like many Windows fixes, it might require you to try a few different options until one sticks. So, here's how to fix the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION stop code error in Windows 10.
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 Outdated system files can cause unexpected errors.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. Use Windows Driver Verifier to Figure Out Faulty Drivers
The Windows Driver Verifier is a lesser-known Windows utility you can use to help figure out if a driver is the cause of your system errors. Using the Driver Verifier requires you to take a few steps before you can actually use it.
First up, you'll need to ensure that you have minidump enabled. Minidumps are where Windows stores information about system crashes and are handy when troubleshooting a system.
- Press Windows Key + R to launch the Run dialog. Input sysdm.cpl and hit Enter.
- In the Advanced tab, under Startup and Recovery, click on Settings
- Uncheck Automatically restart.
- Under the Write debugging information section, select Small memory dump (256 KB) from the dropdown menu.
- Ensure that the Small dump directory is set to %SystemRoot%\Minidump
- Hit OK, then restart your computer.
Now that you have minidump enabled, you can launch Driver Verifier and attempt to figure out what's causing your SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION BSOD.
- In the Start menu search bar, input cmd, then right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
- When the Command Prompt launches, type verifier and press Enter.
- The Driver Verifier application window will open.
- Select the Create custom settings (for code developers) and click on Next.
- In the next window, check all options from the list except Randomized low resources simulation and DDI compliance checking. Click on Next.
- Now click the Select driver names from a list option and click Next.
- From the driver list, select all drivers except the ones provided by Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft advises against selecting all drivers and running the Driver Verifier utility.
- Click on Finish.
From here, you must reboot your system. When your system boots, Driver Verifier will be running in the background, checking that everything is working and, most importantly, logging information on any potential system crash. When the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION crashes your system, Driver Verifier will determine what happened.
Source: MUO
