CRITICAL_STRUCTURE_CORRUPTION — Causes & Fix
Windows Stop code 0x00000109 (CRITICAL_STRUCTURE_CORRUPTION) means the kernel detected that a critical data structure was modified/corrupted — a driver, faulty hardware, or (blocked) tampering.
- Applies to
- Any Windows PC
- Time to fix
- 30 minutes – 2 hours
What it means
Causes include a buggy driver, faulty RAM, or software attempting unsupported kernel modifications. This is a Windows Stop error (a "bugcheck" / blue screen) documented by Microsoft. The blue screen shows this code; more detail sits in the crash dump (%SystemRoot%\Minidump), which usually names the specific driver or component at fault — a free tool like BlueScreenView or WinDbg can read it.
Symptoms
- Blue screen citing CRITICAL_STRUCTURE_CORRUPTION
- Crashes after installing low-level software/drivers
How to fix it
- 1
Remove low-level software
1. Uninstall recently added drivers or kernel-level tools (some cheats/tweaks trigger it).
- 2
Test RAM / repair files
1. Run MemTest86 and SFC/DISM.
Frequently asked questions
What triggers 0x109?
A corrupted kernel structure — usually a bad driver or RAM, sometimes software that tampers with the kernel. Remove low-level tools and test memory.
Last updated July 20, 2026
Guidance only — always consult a qualified professional or the official service manual before carrying out repairs.