Encountering a blue screen error while using CrowdStrike on Windows can be frustrating and disruptive. This error not only halts your work but also poses potential risks to your system’s stability and security. CrowdStrike, a leading cybersecurity solution, is designed to protect your system from various threats, but even robust software like this can sometimes run into issues.
In this guide, we will delve into the common causes of the CrowdStrike blue screen error and provide step-by-step solutions to help you resolve this problem efficiently. Whether you’re an IT professional or a regular user, these troubleshooting steps will assist you in getting your system back to its optimal state.
1. Cause of CrowdStrike blue screen error?
The issue stems from a driver update for CrowdStrike’s Falcon Sensor software, a core component of the Falcon security platform. This update released as part of a routine deployment process caused a system conflict, resulting in blue screen error 0x50 or 0x7E on Windows computers.
The problem becomes more serious when CrowdStrike is a security solution used by more than half of the companies on the Fortune 500 list, including the fields of finance, government, healthcare, education, etc. has caused widespread disruption, affecting the operations of many banks, airlines, emergency systems, etc.
Upon becoming aware of the issue, CrowdStrike quickly investigated and released a patch just a few hours later. However, the incident promptly caused significant damage to many organizations around the world.
2. How to fix CrowdStrike error on Windows
Method 1: Restart the computer
In most cases, restarting the computer will automatically download and install the patch from CrowdStrike, fixing the blue screen issue.
Method 2: Fix manually
If you still get the error after restarting your computer, you can take the following steps to fix it manually:
Step 1: Turn off the computer by holding down the power button.
Step 2: Restart the computer, when the Windows logo appears, continue holding the power button to force shutdown again.
Step 3: Repeat step 2 once or twice until the computer boots into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
Step 4: Select Advanced options.
Step 5: Select Troubleshoot
Step 6: Select Advanced options > Startup Settings
Step 7: Click Restart > After the computer restarts, press the F5 (or 5) key to select “Enable Safe Mode with Networking”.
Step 8: Use your account information to log in. Then open Start > search for “Command Prompt” > Right click and select “Run as administrator”.
Step 9: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
cd C:\windows\system32\drivers\CrowdStrike
Step 10: Continue typing the following command and press Enter to delete the CrowdStrike files that are causing the error:
del C-00000291*.sys
Step 11: Restart the computer system
3. How to fix CrowdStrike error for devices using BitLocker
If your computer uses BitLocker encryption, you can try these steps to resolve the error:
Step 1: Repeat the steps in the “Manual Troubleshooting” section above to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart
Step 2: At the screen asking to enter the BitLocker recovery key, press the Esc key to skip.
Step 3: On the next screen, select “Skip This Drive” in the lower right corner.
Step 4: Navigate to Command Prompt by selecting Troubleshoot, Advanced Options respectively
Step 5: Enter the following command line and execute it with the Enter key:
bcdedit /set {default} safeboot minimal
Step 6: On the main menu of WinRE, select “Continue”. The process of restarting the computer may take place multiple times.
Step 7: If you have booted into Safe Mode, log in to your account.
Step 8: Open File Explorer, access the path C:\Windows\System32\drivers\Crowdstrike and delete files starting with C-00000291*.sys.
Step 9: Open Command Prompt (admin) and run the following command:
bcdedit /deletevalue {default} safeboot
Step 10: Restart the computer.
