1. Disable Driver Verifier (Most Critical Step)
- Boot into Safe Mode
- Open Command Prompt (Admin)
- Run: verifier /reset
- Restart the system to disable Driver Verifier
2. Identify and Update or Remove Faulty Drivers
- Open Device Manager
- Look for recently installed, unsigned, or outdated drivers
- Update drivers using official manufacturer sources only
- Roll back drivers if the BSOD appeared after a recent update
- Uninstall suspicious or unused drivers
3. Repair Corrupted System Files
- Open Command Prompt (Admin)
- Run: sfc /scannow
- After completion, run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Restart the system once both scans finish
4. Uninstall Conflicting Third-Party Software
- Boot into Safe Mode
- Uninstall kernel-level software such as:
- Antivirus or endpoint protection tools
- Virtualization platforms
- Disk utilities or hardware monitoring software
- Restart the system normally and monitor stability
5. Check Disk and File System Integrity
- Open Command Prompt (Admin)
- Run: chkdsk C: /f /r /x
- Restart the system and allow the disk check to complete
6. Test RAM for Memory Issues
- Open the Run dialog
- Run: mdsched.exe
- Restart and allow Windows Memory Diagnostic to complete
- Test memory modules individually if errors are found
- Replace faulty RAM if necessary
7. Reset BIOS/UEFI Settings
- Enter BIOS or UEFI during startup
- Select Load Optimized Defaults
- Disable CPU, GPU, and RAM overclocking
- Save changes and exit
8. Perform a Clean Boot
- Press Windows + R
- Run: msconfig
- Hide all Microsoft services and disable remaining services
- Open Task Manager and disable all startup applications
- Restart and observe system behavior
9. Install Latest Windows Updates and Firmware
- Open Windows Update
- Install all available updates, including optional driver updates
- Update motherboard BIOS or UEFI firmware to the latest stable version
10. Perform an In-Place Upgrade or Clean Install
- Use the Windows Installation Media Tool
- Choose Upgrade this PC now to repair Windows without data loss
- If the BSOD persists, back up data and perform a clean installation
The 0x000000CB BSOD is caused by drivers failing to properly release locked memory pages, a violation detected by Driver Verifier.
To resolve this error:
- Disable Driver Verifier immediately
- Update, roll back, or remove faulty drivers
- Repair system files using SFC and DISM
- Remove conflicting kernel-level third-party software
- Verify memory, disk health, and firmware stability
If the issue continues, an in-place repair or clean Windows installation ensures complete resolution. Keeping drivers updated and avoiding unstable kernel-level software will help prevent the 0x000000CB BSOD and maintain long-term system stability.