Step by Step Guide to Fix Windows Stop Code 0x0000003B

0x0000003B Error: System service exception

Try it yourself, or Reach Out!

If you still need a hand, we’re just a plan away

What is 0x0000003B Error?


The Windows Stop Code 0x0000003B, labelled SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION, is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) that occurs when the operating system detects an unexpected exception during a system service transition between user mode and kernel mode. This typically happens due to incorrect memory access, faulty drivers, or system-level conflicts during high-load or protected operations. This error can occur on modern systems during Windows startup, heavy multitasking, gaming, or when faulty third-party drivers or antivirus tools mismanage privileged operations.

Causes

  • Faulty or Misbehaving Drivers: Corrupt, outdated, or incompatible drivers—especially for graphics, network, or storage—may cause kernel-level violations and trigger this BSOD.
  • Improper Memory Management or Faulty RAM: Inconsistent or failing memory modules can lead to invalid system calls and service execution errors.
  • Conflicting or Incompatible Software: Recently installed apps, antivirus programs, or monitoring tools may interfere with protected system processes.
  • Overclocking or BIOS Misconfiguration: Unstable CPU or RAM timings may result in service-level exceptions during high-resource operations.
  • Corrupted System Files or Kernel Modules: Faulty OS-level components may mishandle privilege transitions or API calls.
  • Incomplete or Buggy Windows Updates: Improperly installed updates may cause system instability and BSODs under certain workloads.

Resolution Steps




1. Update or Roll Back Device Drivers

  • Press Win + X → Open Device Manager.
  • Focus on graphics, storage, network, and USB drivers—especially those that have been recently updated or are third-party.
  • Right-click → Update Driver or select Roll Back Driver if available.

2. Run System File Checker and DISM

  • Open Command Prompt as Administrator, then run:
  • sfc /scannow
  • Once finished, run:
  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • These commands help repair system corruption and restore stable kernel components.

3. Test RAM Using Windows Memory Diagnostic

  • Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and hit Enter.
  • Select Restart now and check for problems.
  • Allow the tool to complete its memory integrity scan and note any reported issues.

4. Uninstall Conflicting Third-Party Software

  • Go to Control Panel → Programs and Features.
  • Remove recently installed software such as antivirus, firewall, or hardware utilities.
  • Reboot and check for recurrence of the BSOD.

5. Perform Clean Boot

  • Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
  • Under the Services tab → Check Hide all Microsoft services → Click Disable all.
  • Go to Startup → Open Task Manager → Disable all startup items.
  • Reboot the system with minimal background apps running.

6. Update BIOS and Chipset Drivers

  • Go to your motherboard or PC manufacturer’s support site.
  • Download and install the latest BIOS firmware and chipset drivers.
  • Ensure proper memory and CPU communication with updated hardware protocols.

7. Disable Overclocking or Reset BIOS

  • Enter BIOS/UEFI during boot (usually by pressing Del or F2).
  • Reset all settings to default or disable manual overclocking for CPU/RAM.
  • Save and exit to avoid timing-related BSODs.

8. Perform System Restore

If the issue appeared after a recent update or change:

  • Go to Control Panel → Recovery → Open System Restore.
  • Select a restore point created before the BSOD started.
  • Follow on-screen instructions to complete restoration.

Final Thoughts

The 0x0000003B SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION error reflects a critical failure during the transition from user-mode to kernel-mode services, often caused by faulty drivers, memory corruption, or incompatible system utilities.

To fix it:

  • Update or roll back device drivers,
  • Test RAM and repair system files,
  • And remove any third-party software that interferes with system-level services.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, consider:

Running a full memory diagnostic and BIOS update,

Or performing a clean installation of Windows to restore kernel-level stability.

We’re Here for You!


Follow our step-by-step instructions to troubleshoot the issue. Still need help?
Contact us and choose a plan, and our experts will take care of it for you.

Transparent Pricing

Simple, upfront pricing with no hidden fees or surprises

Endpoints

  • Desktops$49
  • Laptops$49
  • Mobile Devices (MDM)$19
  • Workstations$69
  • POS/Kiosks$49
  • Network Printers$29
  • Purchase Now

Network

  • Routes$29
  • Switches$15
  • Firewalls$29
  • Access Points$9
  • VPN Gateways$19
  • Load Balancers$49
  • Purchase Now

Server

  • On-Prem Servers$99
  • Virtual Servers$69
  • Cloud Servers$99
  • Storage Systems (NAS/SAN)$49
  • Backup Appliances$99
  •   
  • Purchase Now

Security

  • Endpoint Protection (EDR)$9
  • AV/Antimalware$9
  • Patch Management$9
  • Web Filtering$9
  • MFA$5
  •   
  • Purchase Now

BDR

  • Local Backup$49
  • Cloud Backup$49
  • DR Infrastructure$199
  •   
  •   
  •   
  • Purchase Now

Compliance

  • Policy Mgmt & Audits$149/month
  • DLP$5/user
  • IT Governance Tools$199/month
  •   
  •   
  •   
  • Purchase Now

NOC

  • 24/7 Monitoring$10/device
  • RMM Tools$3/device
  • MDR Service$25/device
  •   
  •   
  •   
  • Purchase Now

SOC & SIEM

  • Threat Intelligence$199/month
  • Cloud SIEM (Sentinel, etc.)$200–$1000+
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  • Purchase Now

Helpdesk

Open a Ticket / Contact Us

Need help now or want to explore partnership options?

Subscribe our newsletter to stay updated!