As per many Windows users, the KernelBase.dll error has been crashing their programs randomly. It is either in the middle of using any program or while launching or closing it, the users encounter an error, and the program suddenly stops running.
How to Fix “KernelBase.dll” Crash Issue
The KernelBase.dll is a Dynamic Link Library file containing some procedures and driver functioning essential for the Windows operating system’s normal functioning. One or multiple programs can access KernelBase.dll file at a time, and hence it can crash the program you are running. Here to resolve the situation, follow the fixes given in the article below:
FIX 1: Restore the KernelBase.dll file:
Users who are experiencing programs crash with the KernelBase.dll error have reportedly claimed that restoring the KernelBase.dll file has helped them overcome the said issue. Though for restoring the KernelBase.dll file, it is advisable to use a trusted source only.
FIX 2: Reinstall the problematic program:
At times when a particular program/ software is crashing with the KernelBase.dll error, it is recommended to reinstall that problematic program itself. This fix has helped a lot of users and might suit your case as well. For doing so,
- Firstly, open the RUN dialogue box by pressing WINDOWS + R altogether.
- Now in the empty text box, type Control Panel and press Enter. It will launch the Control Panel window for you.
- In the Control Panel window, set the View by as Category and further navigate to the option Uninstall a Program under Programs menu.
- Now from the list of Programs, right-click over the Problematic program and click on Uninstall.
- Restart your computer and then download the said program again freshly.
- Finally, re-run the program and check whether it is still crashing or if the issue has got resolved.
FIX 3: Install the latest Windows update
Windows introduce the latest updates with error resolving and security-related patches. At times the .dll files-related errors can also occur due to outdated Windows; thus, it is advisable to install the latest updates if any available. For doing so,
- Firstly, go to the desktop search bar, type Check for updates, and press Enter. It will launch the Settings window for you.
- Now in the Settings window, click on the Check for Updates tab and let it process. Your system will now automatically look for any latest available update and install it in your system, this process takes some time.
- Once done, restart your computer and check whether the said issue got resolved or if it persists.
FIX 4: Run the program compatibility troubleshooter:
Another fix for the KernelBase.dll program crash issue is running the program compatibility troubleshooter. At times a poorly written program can trigger the KernelBase.dll error, and thus to resolve it, follow the steps given below:
- Firstly, right-click over the problematic program and select the option Properties from the context menu.
- Now on the Properties window, navigate to the Compatibility tab from the vertical menu and then later click on the Run compatibility troubleshooter tab.
- Further on the next prompt, click on Try recommended settings and follow the on-screen instructions. It will test-run the program using recommended compatibility settings.
- Though it might not work for some users, and if you are one of them, instead of selecting the option Try recommended settings, click on the Troubleshoot program.
If the problem persists, then do the following:
- In the Properties window, navigate to the Compatibility tab. Under the Compatibility mode section, open the drop-down and select a previous version of the Windows system to test run the program. (If the program that is crashing is not designed for the current version of Windows you are using, then it might trigger the KernelBase.dll issue).
- Further below the Settings section, tick the checkbox before the option Run this program as an administrator.
- Lastly, click on OK, and you are done.
FIX 5: Copy the KernelBase.dll file from another device:
Another proven solution is copying the KernelBase.dll file from any other device into your computer. For doing so, follow the steps given below:
- Firstly, open the RUN dialogue box by pressing WINDOWS + R altogether.
- Now in the empty text box, type “cmd” and then press Enter. It will launch the Command Prompt window for you.
- In the Command Prompt window, type “systeminfo” and then press Enter.
Note: The location of the KernelBase.dll file differs from system to system. For instance, when Windows OS is 64-bit, the 64-bit KernelBase.dll file is located in C:\Windows\System32. Whereas when the 32-bit KernelBase.dll is located in C:\Windows\SysWOW64.
In case, your Windows OS is 32-bit, the 32-bit KernelBase.dll file is located in C:\Windows\System32.
The X64-based PC indicates that your Windows OS is 64-bit, whereas the X86-based PC indicates that your Windows OS is 32-bit.
- Further copy and then paste the KernelBase.dll file from any other computer running the exact version and edition of the Windows operating system.
NOTE: For users whose Windows OS is 32-bit: paste the KernelBase.dll to C:\Windows\System32. Whereas for users whose Windows OS is 64-bit, they must navigate to the following path-
C:\Windows\System32 and paste the 64-bit KernelBase.dll to C:\Windows\System32 on your computer; further, go to C:\Windows\SysWOW64 and paste the 32-bit KernelBase.dll to C:\Windows\SysWOW64 on your computer.
- Again, launch Command Prompt window with the same steps given above in this fix.
- Now in the Command Prompt window, type “regsvr32 KERNELBASE.dll” and then press Enter.
- Finally, Restart your computer and launch the relevant program; here checks if it works smoothly or crashes again.
FIX 6: Run System File Checker:
The KERNELBASE.dll crash issue can also be a result of corrupt system files. Thus it is advisable to run the System File Checker tool and restore the corrupt files. For doing so, follow the steps given below:
- Firstly, open the RUN dialogue box by pressing WINDOWS + R altogether.
- Now in the empty text box, type “cmd” and then press Ctrl, Shift and Enter altogether. It will launch the Command Prompt window with administrator access. If you are prompted for permission, click on Yes.
- Now in the Command prompt window, type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth and then press Enter. (Ignore this Command if you are using Windows 7 version).
- Once the operations are done, close the Command Prompt window and check whether if it has helped you or not. If not, then follow further below:
- Open Command Prompt and type the following command,
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth and then press Enter. Let it process on its own.
- Now type the following command,
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and then press Enter. Let it process on its own.
- Once the operations are done, then type the following commend also, and press Enter.
sfc /scannow
- Lastly, re-run the relevant program and check whether the KernelBase.dll issue triggers or not.
These were all the tried and tested fixes that will help you in case any of the programs in your computer crashes due to the KernelBase.dll issue. This is one common scenario and can trigger your system despite the version of Windows you are using.
However, if none of the fixes mentioned above helps in your case, consider updating your drivers to their latest version. It has helped a lot of users and would suit your case as well. You can update the drivers either manually or automatically with the help of driver updating tools available online. If you have any queries or feedback, please write down the comment in the below comment box.