Windows 11 – BSOD “CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED” when closing Steam games or Razer Cortex

Understanding the “CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED” BSOD Error on Windows 11 When Closing Applications like Steam or Razer Cortex

If you are experiencing the “CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED” Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on Windows 11, particularly upon closing applications such as Steam games or Razer Cortex, you’re not alone. This issue can be particularly frustrating as it often occurs unpredictably and leads to unexpected system restarts without the traditional blue screen. In this article, we’ll explore the nature of this error, common troubleshooting steps, and recommendations to resolve it efficiently.

Identifying the Issue

The problem manifests as follows:

• Operating System: Windows 11
• Trigger: Closing certain applications, notably Steam games like Hearts of Iron IV or system utilities such as Razer Cortex
• Behavior:
• The screen suddenly turns black.
• An ASUS logo appears centrally, accompanied by the message “CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED” at the bottom.
• The PC then restarts automatically, bypassing the typical blue BSOD screen.

This pattern suggests a critical process within Windows has terminated unexpectedly, causing system instability.

Common Troubleshooting Measures Undertaken

Many users have attempted various standard diagnostic and remedial actions, including:

• System File Checks: Running sfc /scannow to verify system files integrity, which typically reports no issues.
• DISM Commands: Executing DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair the system image.
• Driver Updates: Updating graphics drivers, particularly NVIDIA, to ensure compatibility and stability.
• Software Tweaks: Disabling features like Razer Cortex Boost Mode to eliminate potential conflicts.
• Malware Scanning: Performing full system scans with Windows Defender, confirming no threats are detected.
• Windows Updates: Ensuring the OS and all related components are fully current.

Despite these efforts, the problem persists, mainly emerging days ago and predominantly during application closure rather than active use.

Potential Causes

While pinpointing the exact root cause requires detailed analysis, several common factors can contribute to such issues:

• Corrupted System Files or Drivers: Even if no issues are detected via standard scans, subtle corruption or incompatibilities might exist.
• Conflicting Software: Background or third-party utilities such as Razer Cortex may interfere with normal system operations.
• Hardware Compatibility Issues: Recent updates or hardware components may not fully interact, especially with system processes.
• **Kernel or Critical Service