What is 0x0000003B-2?
SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION (0x0000003B) is a high-severity fault affecting the Windows operating system. An exception occurred while transitioning from unprotected user code to a protected kernel. The usual suspects are corrupt system files (ntoskrnl.exe), conflict with antivirus software and faulty Windows Updates. See the troubleshooting steps below for the fix.
Common Causes
- Corrupt system files (ntoskrnl.exe)
- Conflict with antivirus software
- Faulty Windows Updates
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
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1
Uninstall third-party antivirus programs (Avast, AVG, etc.) and use Defender
Uninstall third-party antivirus programs (Avast, AVG, etc.) and use Defender tends to be the quickest win here, addressing the most typical cause of 0x0000003B.
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2
Run the disk error repair tool
Should symptoms return, move on to the next steps — they're written specifically for harder-to-catch windows instability causes.
Commands & Diagnostics
chkdsk C: /f /r
Frequently Asked Questions
The leading cause of 0x0000003B-2 is corrupt system files (ntoskrnl.exe), though conflict with antivirus software and faulty Windows Updates also show up in our reports.
"Uninstall third-party antivirus programs (Avast, AVG, etc.) and use Defender" clears up most 0x0000003B-2 reports by itself. The remaining steps above cover what's left.
Rated high severity — 0x0000003B-2 isn't immediately destructive, but recurring instances are a sign to fix it sooner rather than later.
In most cases, yes — the guide above resolves 0x0000003B-2 without a clean install. Treat a reinstall as the last resort, not the first move.
Sometimes. Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix known BSOD triggers including 0x0000003B-2. Make sure Windows is fully up to date via Settings → Windows Update before attempting more advanced fixes.
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