The System Service Exception in Windows 10 is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error.

BSODs are never fun, and you'll want to fix your system as fast as possible, so let's take a look at 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  • Issues with outdated or corrupt drivers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 Outdated system files can cause unexpected errors.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.

  1. Hit Windows key + I to open the Settings panel.
  2. Now, head to Update & Security, then check under Windows Update for any pending updates.
  3. 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:

  1. Head to Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history. Recent driver updates appear here.
  2. Now, type device manager in the Start menu search bar and select the Best match.
  3. 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.
  4. If there is a yellow "alert" symbol, open the section using the dropdown arrow, then right-click the problem driver and select Update driver.
  5. Select Search automatically for updated driver software to let Windows automate the update process for you.
Update GPU driver Device Manager

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. Run CHKDSK

Next up, try running Windows Check Disk from the Command Prompt. CHKDSK is a Windows system tool that verifies the file system and, with certain settings, fixes issues as it runs. It helps with many Windows errors, including the DPC WATCHDOG stop code and the Disk I/O Error in Windows.

  1. Type command prompt in your Start menu search bar, then right-click the best match and select Run as administrator. (Alternatively, press Windows key + X, then select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.)
  2. Next, type chkdsk /r and press Enter. The command will scan your system for errors and fix any issues along the way.

4. Run SFC

System File Check (SFC) is another Windows system tool that checks for missing and corrupt Windows system files. It sounds like CHKDSK, right? Well, SFC checks for Windows system files specifically, while CHKDSK scans your entire drive for errors.

But before running the SFC command, it is best to double-check that it is completely functional.

DISM stands for Deployment Image Servicing and Management. DISM is an integrated Windows utility with a vast range of functions. In this case, the DISM Restorehealth command ensures that our next fix will work properly. Work through the following steps.

  1. Type Command Prompt (Admin) in the Start menu search bar, then right-click and select Run as administrator to open an elevated Command Prompt.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: DISM /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
  3. Wait for the command to complete. The process can take up to 20 minutes, depending on your system's health. The process seems stuck at certain times, but wait for it to complete.
  4. When the process completes, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Command prompt in Windows 10

5. Uninstall Recently Installed Programs

Unfortunately, several programs are known to cause a SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION error. They vary in type, too. For example, some people report the error after installing a new antivirus suite, while others claim installing a new VPN is the issue.

Regardless, try and think if the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION BSODs began after you installed a new piece of software or not (or perhaps it was a software update). You can uninstall recently installed software and apps one by one to see which new program caused the issue.

6. Run MemTest86

MemTest86 is a free, standalone memory testing tool. You boot MemTest86 from a USB flash drive (or bootable disc) and leave it to check your system RAM.

However, a MemTest86 RAM check takes a long time to complete; a single pass takes hours, depending on the amount of RAM you have installed. That said, MemTest86 should expose a serious RAM issue after a short period, so you might not need to wait hours or do multiple passes.

memtest86-screen-showing-test-in-progress-1
Image Credit: MemTest86

Using MemTest86 is a straightforward process, but it does have a few steps:

  1. Head to the MemTest86 download page and select Download MemTest86 Free Version.
  2. Right-click the ZIP file once it finishes downloading, select Extract All, then extract the folder.
  3. Next, write the MemTest86 ISO to a USB flash drive. You can do so using an ISO to USB tool.
  4. Burn MemTest86 using the tool of your choice, then shut down your system.
  5. Next, reboot the system while pressing the button for your Boot Selection menu (usually F10, F11, DEL, or ESC), then select the bootable MemTest86 USB flash drive. The memory test will start automatically.

If MemTest86 shows an error with your RAM, complete an internet search for the error code to discover your next course of action.

7. Last Resort: Reset Windows 10

If nothing else works, you can use Windows 10's Reset function to refresh your system files.

Windows 10 Reset replaces your system files with a completely fresh set of files. Theoretically, it clears lingering issues relating to your SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION error while keeping the majority of your important files intact. This can also help fix the Bad System Config Info error.

reset windows 10 options to keep files
  1. Head to Settings > Update and Security > Recovery, then under Reset this PC select Get started. Your system restarts as soon as you hit the button, so make sure you back up any important files beforehand.
  2. Your system will restart, then you may select Keep my files or Remove everything.

System Service Exception Error: Fixed and Eradicated!

One of these fixes or a combination of them will resolve your SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION error, leaving your system BSOD-free.