What is BSOD-tcpip.sys?
BSOD-tcpip.sys is a critical-severity system driver problem. Windows has terminated due to a fatal error in the tcpip.sys kernel module. Reports of Critical tcpip.sys driver error (BSOD) usually describe a sudden crash, brief unresponsiveness, or a stop-code screen appearing out of nowhere. The usual suspects are hardware incompatibility and conflict with antivirus. The steps below are ordered to resolve this efficiently.
Common Causes
- Outdated or faulty driver
- Hardware incompatibility
- Conflict with antivirus
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
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1
Update the driver in Safe Mode
Start with Update the driver in Safe Mode — it clears the most frequent root cause behind BSOD-tcpip.sys in the majority of cases we've seen.
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2
Return the driver to the previous version (Rollback)
For cases that don't clear up right away, the remaining steps target less typical drivers instability problems.
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3
Check the logs in Event Viewer
Try "Check the logs in Event Viewer" next if the issue persists — it addresses a secondary cause.
Commands & Diagnostics
verifier /standard /all
bcdedit /set safeboot minimal
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, outdated or faulty driver is behind BSOD-tcpip.sys. Hardware incompatibility and conflict with antivirus can trigger it too.
The fastest fix is "Update the driver in Safe Mode". Only move on to the later steps if BSOD-tcpip.sys keeps coming back.
BSOD-tcpip.sys is rated critical severity in our database. It's worth acting on quickly rather than letting it recur.
You shouldn't need to. Work through the guide above first — a reinstall is only worth considering if none of those steps help.
Sometimes. Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix known BSOD triggers including BSOD-tcpip.sys. Make sure Windows is fully up to date via Settings → Windows Update before attempting more advanced fixes.
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