How to Fix Easy Anti-Cheat Blue Screen Kernel Security Check Failure
If you’ve experienced a blue screen with the dreaded “Kernel Security Check Failure” error while running Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC), you’re not alone. I’ve been there, too, and it can be incredibly frustrating—especially when you’re ready to dive into your favorite game.
This issue commonly arises due to driver conflicts, corrupted system files, or outdated software. Don’t worry; it’s fixable with a few straightforward steps. In this guide, I’ll walk you through why this happens and how to resolve it quickly so you can get back to gaming.
What Causes the “Kernel Security Check Failure” with Easy Anti-Cheat?
1. Outdated or Incompatible Drivers
Drivers are essential for smooth hardware-software communication. If they’re outdated or corrupted, they can trigger kernel security errors.
2. Corrupted System Files
Damaged or missing system files can destabilize your operating system, leading to blue screen errors while running EAC.
3. Conflicting Third-Party Software
Some antivirus programs or performance-boosting tools may conflict with EAC, causing crashes.
4. Overclocking and System Instability
If you’ve overclocked your GPU or CPU, system instability can contribute to kernel errors.
How to Fix Easy Anti-Cheat Blue Screen Errors
Step 1: Update Your Drivers
Updating drivers is the first thing you should try. Here’s how:
- Open Device Manager (press Windows + X and select it).
- Locate the drivers, such as Display Adapters or Network Adapters, that might need updates.
- Right-click the driver, choose Update Driver, and select Search Automatically for Drivers.
If you’re unsure about which drivers are outdated, tools like Driver Booster can help automate the process.
Step 2: Run the Windows System File Checker
Corrupted system files can often trigger kernel security errors. Use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to fix this:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator (search for cmd, right-click, and select Run as Administrator).
- Type
sfc /scannow
and hit Enter. - Wait for the process to complete. If issues are detected, SFC will repair them automatically.
Restart your computer and check if the problem is resolved.
Step 3: Reinstall Easy Anti-Cheat
Sometimes, reinstalling EAC resolves compatibility issues. Follow these steps:
- Navigate to your game’s installation folder (typically found in
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\GameName\EasyAntiCheat
). - Run the EasyAntiCheat_Setup.exe file.
- Select Repair Service or uninstall and reinstall EAC entirely.
After reinstallation, test the game to see if the issue persists.
Step 4: Disable Overclocking
Overclocking can push your hardware to its limits, leading to instability. To disable it:
- Open your overclocking software (e.g., MSI Afterburner, BIOS settings).
- Reset your CPU or GPU to default clock speeds.
- Save changes and restart your PC.
Step 5: Disable Conflicting Software
Antivirus programs or other background applications can interfere with EAC. Temporarily disable these tools to test if they’re causing the issue.
- Open your antivirus software and disable real-time protection.
- Use Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to close unnecessary background apps.
If the problem resolves, consider adding EAC to your antivirus exclusion list.
Step 6: Check for Windows Updates
Outdated Windows versions can cause blue screen errors. To update:
- Open Settings (press Windows + I) and go to Update & Security.
- Click Check for Updates.
- Install all available updates and restart your system.
Step 7: Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot starts Windows with only essential programs and drivers, helping identify conflicts:
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfig
, and hit Enter. - Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and click Disable All.
- Navigate to the Startup tab and open Task Manager. Disable all startup programs.
- Restart your PC.
Test the game in a clean boot state to see if the error occurs.
Preventing Future Kernel Security Check Failures
Regular Maintenance
- Keep your drivers and Windows up to date.
- Run tools like Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter regularly to maintain system health.
Monitor Installed Software
Be cautious about installing unverified third-party tools. They can introduce instability and conflict with essential services like EAC.
Use Reliable Hardware
If you frequently experience kernel errors, consider checking your hardware for issues using diagnostic tools like MemTest86 for RAM and SMART tests for your hard drive.
Conclusion
The “Kernel Security Check Failure” error tied to Easy Anti-Cheat can feel like a major roadblock. But by following the steps outlined in this guide—updating drivers, repairing corrupted files, and managing software conflicts—you can fix this issue and enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions.
Keeping your system updated and performing routine maintenance will prevent similar problems in the future.
Now that you’ve tackled this error, it’s time to jump back into your favorite games with confidence!