secure_kernel_error 0x18b

Question

My computer has had this error for about three days now. When i turn it on it stays on for about 10 minutes before it turns off. I have tried fixing it but every-time i try, it gets the error screen before the fixes can be completed, as it resets before it can be fixed that means i cant fix the issue. I was wondering how i could fix this.

Answer 1

Do you only have this minidump file? It doesn't have much information either. Did you check if any driver, BIOS, or Windows updates were installed before the problem occurred (see question 5 of the previous answer)?

Also send me your computer specifications.

• Press WINDOWS + R > Type "msinfo32" > In System Summary, send me a screenshot.

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See if the problem occurs in Secure Mode.

1. Press the CTRL + R shortcut > Type ''msconfig'' (without quotes) > Click on the ''System Boot'' tab > Check the ''Safe Boot'' option > Click ''OK''.
2. Restart the computer.

To exit Safe Mode, access msconfig again (Step 01) > In “General”, check the “Normal Startup” option > Apply > Restart the PC.

Answer 2

Hi!

This error is caused by a flaw in the Secure Kernel (an isolated part of the system responsible for Windows security).

Please send me the minidump files, which are generated by shutdowns. They help me better identify the problem.

Also, please answer:

1. Have you recently replaced any computer parts?
2. Did you install any games or apps before this problem occurred?
3. Have you made any advanced configurations in the Windows security settings?
4. Do you have any antivirus software installed, such as Avast, AVG, or McAfee? Open Windows Settings > Apps > Installed Apps > Look for these antivirus programs.
5. Have you recently updated your BIOS, drivers, or Windows? To view updates, go to Windows Settings > Windows Update > Update History > See the most recent updates (before this problem) in the Quality Updates, Features, Drivers, etc. tabs.

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Minidump Files

1. Press the WINDOWS + R keys > Type "%windir%" (without quotes) > Search for the "minidumps" folder.
2. Upload all files inside the Minidumps folder to OneDrive. The link below shows how to do this.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/upload-photos-and-files-to-onedrive-b00ad3fe-6643-4b16-9212-de00ef02b586#

3. When uploading, share the files via a link. The steps are explained in the tutorial below.

• Don't forget to grant access to whoever has the link.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/share-onedrive-files-and-folders-9fcc2f7d-de0c-4cec-93b0-a82024800c07

Answer 3

The SECURE_KERNEL_ERROR bug check (0x18B) indicates that the secure kernel has encountered a fatal error and forces a blue screen and restart.

Because the system crashes again before fixes can complete, troubleshooting must be done using Windows recovery tools and crash-dump analysis rather than from the normal desktop:

1. Boot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
   • Power on the PC.
   • As soon as Windows starts loading (spinning dots or logo), hold the power button to force shutdown.
   • Repeat this power‑on/force‑off cycle 2–3 times until “Preparing Automatic Repair” or “Recovery” appears.
   • Select Advanced options → Troubleshoot.
2. Use System Restore or Startup Repair
   • In Troubleshoot → Advanced options:
     • Try Startup Repair first and let it complete.
     • If restore points exist, run System Restore to roll back to a date before the crashes started.
   • If these complete successfully, boot normally and test whether the 0x18B error still occurs.
3. If Windows can boot long enough, collect and analyze crash dumps
   • When able to log in (even briefly), ensure that small memory dumps are enabled, then let the system crash again to generate dump files.
   • Analyze the dumps with WinDbg and !analyze to identify the failing component, similar to the approach used for other kernel security bug checks.
   • Examine multiple dump files and the Event Viewer system log to see if the same driver, service, or hardware component appears repeatedly.
4. Check for recent changes
   • If any new drivers, firmware, or hardware were added just before the issue started, remove or roll them back from WinRE (e.g., Uninstall Updates under Advanced options) or from Safe Mode if it can be reached.
5. If the issue persists
   • If System Restore/Startup Repair do not resolve the problem and dumps point to no clear driver, a repair install or reset of Windows (keeping personal files) from WinRE may be required.

Because 0x18B is a secure-kernel-level failure, resolving it typically requires either reverting recent low‑level changes (drivers/firmware/updates) or repairing/reinstalling Windows using the recovery environment so that the system does not crash before repairs complete.

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References:

• Bug Check 0x18B: SECURE_KERNEL_ERROR
• Bug Check 0x139: KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE
• Crash dump analysis using the Windows debuggers (WinDbg)
• Analyze Bug Check Blue Screen Data