Resolving BSOD Error 0x0000000F on Windows 10

2024/11/14

In this article, we will delve into the various factors that lead to BSOD Error 0x0000000F, often known as SPIN_LOCK_ALREADY_OWNED. This Blue Screen of Death error typically arises from the use of incompatible software with your operating system.

When this error occurs, it can present an unusual message on the display, and in some instances, the device may shut down unexpectedly to safeguard against data loss. Additionally, your computer may struggle to perform essential functions, followed by Windows restarting automatically, which can result in the immediate loss of unsaved data.

What Leads to BSOD Error 0x0000000F?

Numerous factors can trigger the BSOD Error 0x0000000F on a Windows 10 system. These can involve missing essential files, corrupted drivers, or issues related to memory or storage.

On the hardware front, problematic RAM sectors, issues with the HDD, insufficient storage, or even conflicts caused by third-party applications may contribute to this error. Records have shown that this problem can be severe and potentially result in permanent system damage.

When Does BSOD Error 0x0000000F Occur?

This error frequently appears when you launch a new application or after installing an update. The SPIN_LOCK_ALREADY_OWNED error can stem from a myriad of sources.

The most effective resolution approach involves executing a manual update process that will revert your system to its last successful boot. You must restart your device and wait for the BIOS messages to prompt before proceeding with this action.

Ways to Resolve 0x0000000F BSOD Error on Windows 10

We outline 19 methods to address the error 0x0000000F based on our earlier analysis. It is advisable to methodically test each solution until the BSOD SPIN_LOCK_ALREADY_OWNED has been successfully resolved.

1. Activate the Blue Screen Troubleshooter

Recently, Microsoft introduced the Windows Blue Screen Troubleshooter which assesses and corrects potential BSOD issues. This built-in Troubleshooter identifies the root cause of blue screen errors and assists in rectifying them. It is off by default, so enable this tool and follow these steps:

Click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon.
From the Settings window, choose the Update & Security option.
Select Troubleshoot from the left sidebar.
On the right pane, find the Blue Screen option.
Choose it and click the Run the troubleshooter button.

Completion of this step is your next move.

If the BSOD Error 0x0000000F continues, proceed to the next solution below.

2. Fix Memory Issues Using Windows Memory Diagnostic

Defective RAM sections and improper memory allocation are two leading causes of this error. The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool can effectively resolve BSOD Error 0x0000000F. Follow these instructions to launch the utility:

Open the Start menu and type memory.
Select Windows Memory Diagnostic from the search results.
Choose “Restart now and check for problems (recommended)” .

Your computer will restart and begin its first round of diagnostics.
A blue screen will appear, scanning for memory issues.
Once the process reaches 100%, your device will reboot automatically.
Upon start-up, you can check the results in the “System tray – Notification area” .

3. Boot Into Safe Mode

Since you may not have access to your display due to the BSOD, troubleshooting fixes can be nearly impossible. You should boot your device into Safe Mode to facilitate troubleshooting for Error 0x0000000F. In Safe Mode, Windows loads minimal functionality, focusing solely on essential drivers and services.

Here’s how to access Safe Mode:

Step-1: Press the Win + R keys together to open the Run dialog.

Step-2: Enter MSConfig and hit Enter to access the System Configuration wizard.

Step-3: Navigate to the Boot tab. Under Boot options, tick the Safe Boot checkbox.

Step-4: The Minimal radio button is typically auto-selected, but ensure it is checked.

Step-5: Click Apply and then OK to save your changes.

Step-6: Close the window and choose Restart for your device.

Step-7: As Windows boots, repeatedly press the F8 key (the applicable function key may vary by device model).

Step-8: A wizard for Safe Boot will appear; select this to enter Safe Mode.

4. Disable Automatic Restart

A significant inconvenience associated with the 0x0000000F BSOD is the automatic rebooting of the PC, which hampers the troubleshooting process. Therefore, it’s wise to disable this feature to give yourself sufficient time to troubleshoot the error message. Here’s how to do this:

Begin by navigating to the Desktop using Win + D.
Open File Explorer by pressing Win + E.
Right-click on This PC.
Select Properties from the context menu.
In the left sidebar, click on Advanced system settings.

Click the Settings button in the Startup and Recovery section.
In the System failure section, uncheck the box labeled Automatically restart.

Click OK to save your changes.

By following these steps, you’ll prevent your OS from auto-restarting, allowing you to focus on other methods to correct the SPIN_LOCK_ALREADY_OWNED issue on your Windows 10 PC.

5. Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus Applications

Many users opt for third-party antivirus solutions to remove viruses and Trojan files. However, the features offered by these programs are largely duplicated by Windows Defender, making such installations often unnecessary.

Consequently, setting Windows Security as your primary defense system can likely resolve the 0x0000000F BSOD error. Here’s how to uninstall any external antivirus:

Open Windows Settings using Win + I.
Select the Apps option in the new window.
Click on Apps & Features from the left panel.
Browse the list of installed applications on the right.
Locate the third-party antivirus, select it, and click the Uninstall button.
If a User Account Control prompt appears, choose Yes to confirm.
Follow the online instructions to complete the removal.

We hope the above steps will fix the 0x0000000F BSOD error on your Windows 10 PC. If not, you can try the next method.

6. Reset Windows System Components and Restore DLL Files

If you’re using the latest version of Windows 10, a missing DLL file can lead to relevant dialog box errors, significantly hindering system performance and affecting running applications.

In certain cases, essential Windows system components can become corrupted due to malware attacks, which then leads to the 0x0000000F BSOD error. Correcting this can be vital for your system’s functionality. Microsoft’s System File Checker is capable of handling the BSOD SPIN_LOCK_ALREADY_OWNED issue effectively. To recover missing DLL files, follow these steps:

Right-click on the Taskbar.
Choose Task Manager from the menu that appears.
At the top left, click on File and select “Run new task” .
Input cmd into the text field.
Check the box for “Create this task with administrative privileges” .
Click OK to launch Command Prompt in administrator mode.
Enter the command sfc /scannow and press Enter.

The system will begin checking for corrupted items, addressing any issues found.
Once completed, restart your PC.

7. Update Your OS with Latest Patches via Windows Update Settings

Microsoft frequently releases updates that offer new features alongside various fixes. Many existing bugs are addressed within these patches.

Using an outdated version of Windows can increase susceptibility to BSOD errors like 0x0000000F. To mitigate this risk, it’s essential to update your operating system using the following method:

Open Windows Settings by pressing Win + I.
Select Update & Security.
In the next window, click on Windows Update from the left pane.
On the right, click on Check for updates.

Upon viewing the updates available, click on the Download button for each one.
The download will commence, followed by the installation once completed.
Finally, reboot your PC when Windows prompts you to do so.

Note: If you’re having trouble with checking for updates, refer to this guide.

8. Scan for Malware on Your Windows PC

Experiencing sluggish performance or irregular behavior might indicate a malware infection or trojan presence on your PC originating from unsafe websites. These malicious programs often require your action to assist in installing them, displaying messages suggesting necessary software installations.

If these programs gain access to your system, they can compromise vital data needed by Windows. Such conflicts can induce the recurring BSOD Error 0x0000000F. Thankfully, you can pinpoint and eliminate these threats using the built-in Windows Security application.

Press Windows + S to access the Taskbar search.
Type Security and hit Enter.
Select Virus & threat protection in the application window.
Switch to the right side and click on Scan options.
Choose the radio button next to Full scan.
Click Scan now to initiate the detection process.

The scan may take some time as it examines every file in the system; results will later display on your screen.
If any malware is found during this scan, choose to Clean threats to remove them.
From the three options presented, select Remove and click Start actions to eliminate all malicious components.

9. Update Incompatible Drivers Marked with a Yellow Exclamation

Generally, incompatible or outdated device drivers are significant culprits behind the occurrence of 0x0000000F BSOD errors on your system. Hence, ensuring that your device drivers are current using Device Manager is crucial. To identify these problematic drivers, access Device Manager and search for any marked with a yellow exclamation mark.

If you find any, updating that specific driver is necessary. Follow the steps outlined below:

Right-click on the Start button and choose Run.
In the dialog that appears, input “devmgmt.msc” and hit Enter.
Look for drivers highlighted with a yellow exclamation mark.
If found, expand that section and right-click on the faulty driver, selecting the Update driver option.

A new window will appear providing two options.
Choose Search automatically for updated driver software to let the system handle the rest.

Repeat the same for all outdated drivers.

Once all problematic drivers are updated, try running Windows Update again to see if you still face the 0x0000000F BSOD error.

10. Clean Up Junk Files Using the Disk Cleanup Tool

Junk files accumulate over time, taking up valuable disk space, which may lead to the 0x0000000F BSOD. While these files generally do not have direct performance impacts, retaining large amounts can certainly hinder storage capacity.

It’s prudent to regularly clear out unnecessary files, ideally once a month, using the Disk Cleanup utility. Follow these steps to get started:

Type cleanmgr in the search bar after pressing the Windows key.
Select the Disk Cleanup application from the results.
A prompt will ask you to choose a drive; select the C: drive and hit OK.

The cleanup tool will search for file space that can be freed up.
Click the Clean up system files button.
Again, select the C: drive and click OK.
This time, it calculates the space that can be reclaimed by deleting system files.
Select all checkboxes except for Downloads on the next window and press OK.
The process to remove junk files will commence instantly.

11. Uninstall Duplicate Applications to Minimize Conflicts

To prevent further complications, ensure you remove applications that serve similar functions. When multiple applications fulfill the same role, they may compete for system resources, heightening chances for conflicts. Here are the steps to uninstall such applications:

Press Win + R to bring up the Run menu.
Type appwiz.cpl and click OK. The “Programs and Features” window will appear.
Identify the programs that could be contributing to SPIN_LOCK_ALREADY_OWNED BSOD.
Select the conflicting program and click the Uninstall button.
Finally, restart your PC and allow time for changes to take effect.

If the 0x0000000F BSOD error still occurs, proceed to the next method outlined below.

12. Run the DISM Command for Repairing Corrupted Windows Files

System File Checker (SFC) is a command-line tool that is highly effective in inspecting your system files for corruption. If a modification to a file has occurred, this utility will restore it to the correct version.

In certain instances, corruption of Windows files can lead to severe issues on your system. Therefore, executing the DISM tool might rectify the 0x0000000F BSOD error. Here’s how to use it:

Press Windows + Q to initiate a Taskbar search.
Type Command Prompt in the text field.
Right-click the result and select Run as administrator.
If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes.
Input the following command and press Enter:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

This command will detect and rectify issues leading to the BSOD error. Upon completion, simply reboot your computer to resolve BSOD Error 0x0000000F.

13. Use System Restore to Revert to a Previous Version

At times, newly installed applications or the removal of existing ones can disrupt the Registry, resulting in the occurrence of 0x0000000F BSOD errors. When this happens, reverting your OS to a previous state where stability was present is advisable. Here’s how to initiate System Restore:

Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
Type rstrui and press OK.
In the System Restore window, click Next.
Check the box for Show more restore points to access all available options by date and time.

Select the most recent restore point, then click Next.
Press Finish to commence the restoration process.

14. Remove Leftover Files from Incomplete Windows Updates

Windows Updates provide quality upgrades and additional features as they become available for your system. Occasionally, issues can arise during the update process, potentially leading to BSOD Error 0x0000000F. In such cases, you must delete these problem files. Here are the steps:

Press Win + I together to open the Settings app.
Select the Update & Security category.
On the next screen, choose Windows Update.
Navigate to the right pane and click on View update history.
Click on Uninstall updates to view the available updates.
Follow the prompts to uninstall the identified updates.

15. Utilize Disk Checking Utility via Command Prompt

Extended use of any device may lead to errors within its various sectors. Such issues can trigger the 0x0000000F BSOD Error. In these situations, utilizing the Disk Checking utility is notably beneficial. Here’s how to implement it:

Press the Windows key and type cmd.exe in the search box.
Right-click Command Prompt from the search results and select Run as administrator.
If UAC prompts you, click Yes to continue.
Type the following command into the elevated Command Prompt:

chkdsk C: /f /r /x

- C: refers to the disk with the OS installed, but adjust accordingly if necessary.
- /f indicates the program should fix scanned errors.
- /r allows detection and recovery of bad sectors on the disk.
- /x forcibly un-mounts the volume to assist the detection process.

Press Enter to allow the Disk Checking Utility to begin scanning for underlying issues; this may take some time.
Once done, restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

16. Execute Windows Automatic Repair

The Windows Automatic Repair tool can address the various issues affecting system performance, and it may rectify the BSOD error 0x0000000F upon detecting its cause. Follow these guidelines:

Connect the Windows installation media and restart your PC.
During the boot process, press the appropriate function key (F12, Esc, Delete, etc.).
When the Windows Setup screen appears, choose your language preferences.
Click on the Next button to proceed.
At the bottom left of the page, click on Repair your computer instead of Install now.
In the Startup Repair window, open Advanced Options.

Select the Troubleshoot option.
Reboot your system to check if the BSOD Error 0x0000000F has been resolved.

17. Rebuilding Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

The corruption of Boot Configuration Data can frequently cause BSOD Error 0x0000000F. Repairing BCD files could potentially resolve the Blue Screen issue. Here are the steps to follow:

Insert the USB drive with the Windows Installation Media and restart your computer.
As the BIOS loads, press the supported function key (F2, F4, F9, Esc or Delete).
Select the Troubleshoot option and then navigate to Advanced options.
Choose Command Prompt.
In the elevated prompt, enter the following commands one at a time:

bootrec /scanos bootrec /fixmbr bootrec /fixboot bootrec /rebuildbcd

After inputting all the commands successfully, restart your computer to see if normal access to your desktop is restored without BSOD Error 0x0000000F.

18. Freshly Install Windows 10

In the unfortunate event that all previous attempts are unsuccessful and the BSOD Error 0x0000000F endures, a clean installation of Windows 10 should be considered. This process is complicated and may be time-consuming, so it is best approached when you have adequate free time.

Connect the USB flash drive to the appropriate port and restart your computer.
During the loading phase, press any function key (Esc, F12, Delete, etc.).
Select your preferred language and click on Next.
Then, choose Install now and enter your valid product key.
Check the box to accept license terms and click Next.
Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).

You will need to delete all existing partitions on the drive and then reallocate them.

Finally, follow the on-screen instructions until Windows 10 is successfully installed. We hope this method will assist you in resolving the BSOD error 0x0000000F.

19. Investigate Potential Corruption of HDD

If all the solutions mentioned fail to resolve the issue, there is a potential risk of your Hard Disk Drive being corrupted. In this case, we recommend seeking professional assistance to replace the HDD if you are unfamiliar with the procedure.

We trust that this guide will enable you to address the 0x0000000F BSOD Error on your device. Encountering these types of errors can be immensely frustrating. A clean installation of Windows 10 might be the last recourse for resolving these persistent issues. Before proceeding, ensure you back up all critical files, preferably on a USB drive or alternative storage solution.