What is 0x0000004A?
This critical-severity issue affects the Windows operating system. A critical Windows error indicating that a system service was accessed with an IRQL that was too high. This usually traces back to incompatible software (antivirus, firewall) and bad device driver. Work through the steps below in order.
Common Causes
- Incompatible software (antivirus, firewall)
- Bad device driver
- Hardware error
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
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1
Start your PC in safe mode and remove recent software
The highest-success first step is Start your PC in safe mode and remove recent software, which targets the most common trigger behind 0x0000004A.
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2
Check the
If it's still not resolved, work through the rest of the steps — they're aimed at rarer windows instability cases.
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3
drivers Restore the system to the previous point
"drivers Restore the system to the previous point" is the next step worth ruling out for 0x0000004A.
Commands & Diagnostics
sfc /scannow
chkdsk /f /r
Frequently Asked Questions
The leading cause of 0x0000004A is incompatible software (antivirus, firewall), though bad device driver and hardware error also show up in our reports.
The fastest fix is "Start your PC in safe mode and remove recent software". Only move on to the later steps if 0x0000004A keeps coming back.
0x0000004A is rated critical severity in our database. It's worth acting on quickly rather than letting it recur.
Usually. 0x0000004A is fixable with the steps above; a full Windows reinstall is rarely necessary unless everything else has failed.
Sometimes. Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix known BSOD triggers including 0x0000004A. Make sure Windows is fully up to date via Settings → Windows Update before attempting more advanced fixes.
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