How to Resolve the “fltmgr.sys” Blue Screen Error on Windows 10

How to Resolve the “fltmgr.sys” Blue Screen Error on Windows 10

The “fltmgr.sys” Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error in Windows 10 is a critical issue that often causes your system to crash unexpectedly. This error is linked to the File System Filter Manager, a critical component of Windows that manages file system input/output operations. When it fails, your system encounters a stop error, resulting in the infamous BSOD.

In this guide, we will explore the causes behind the fltmgr.sys error and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it.

Common Causes of the “fltmgr.sys” Error

Understanding the root causes of this error can help in effectively troubleshooting the problem. Some common reasons include:

1. Corrupted System Files: If the fltmgr.sys file itself is corrupted or missing, Windows may crash.
2. Driver Conflicts: Outdated or incompatible drivers can interfere with the File System Filter Manager, causing system instability.
3. Hardware Issues: Faulty or failing hard drives and RAM can trigger this error.
4. Malware or Virus Infection: Malware attacks may corrupt system files, leading to the fltmgr.sys error.

Fix 1: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

The System File Checker (SFC) and DISM tools can scan your system for corrupted files and repair them, including the fltmgr.sys file.

Steps to Run SFC and DISM:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Run SFC Command:
   • Type the following command and press Enter:
     bash

     sfc /scannow

   • Wait for the scan to complete. If any corrupted files are found, SFC will automatically repair them.
3. Run DISM Command:
   • After the SFC scan, run the DISM command to further repair your system files:
     mathematica

     DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   • This process may take a few minutes.
4. Restart Your Computer:
   • Once both scans are complete, restart your computer and check if the fltmgr.sys error persists.

Fix 2: Update or Reinstall Device Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can interfere with system files like fltmgr.sys, causing the BSOD error. Updating or reinstalling drivers may resolve this issue.

Steps to Update or Reinstall Drivers:

1. Open Device Manager:
   • Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.

   

2. Update Drivers:
   • Look for drivers with a yellow warning symbol, indicating potential issues.
   • Right-click on each driver and select Update driver, then choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
3. Reinstall Problematic Drivers:
   • If a driver update doesn’t fix the issue, try uninstalling and reinstalling the driver.
   • Right-click on the problematic driver and select Uninstall device, then restart your computer. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

Fix 3: Check Hard Drive for Errors

A failing or corrupt hard drive can trigger the fltmgr.sys error. Running a disk check can help identify and fix any hard drive issues.

Steps to Check Hard Drive for Errors:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Windows + X and choose Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run CHKDSK Command:
   • In the command prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
     bash

     chkdsk /f /r

   • You will be prompted to schedule a scan for the next restart. Type Y and press Enter.
3. Restart Your Computer:
   • Restart your PC to allow the disk check to run. This may take some time, depending on the size and condition of your hard drive.

Fix 4: Check RAM for Errors

Faulty or failing RAM can cause the fltmgr.sys error. Running a memory diagnostic can help determine if the RAM is at fault.

Steps to Run Windows Memory Diagnostic:

1. Open Windows Memory Diagnostic:
   • Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
2. Restart and Scan for Memory Problems:
   • Click Restart now and check for problems.
3. Wait for the Scan:
   • The system will reboot, and the memory diagnostic will run automatically. It will detect any RAM issues.
4. View Results:
   • After the scan is complete, Windows will show the results. If any errors are detected, consider replacing your RAM.

Fix 5: Scan for Malware

Malware can corrupt system files and cause errors like fltmgr.sys. Running a full virus scan can help remove malware that might be causing the issue.

Steps to Run a Virus Scan:

1. Use Windows Defender:
   • Open Windows Security by searching for it in the Start menu.
   • Go to Virus & threat protection and select Full scan.
2. Use Third-Party Antivirus:
   • If you have third-party antivirus software, perform a full system scan to check for malware.
3. Remove Detected Threats:
   • If any malware is detected, follow the prompts to remove or quarantine the threats. Restart your computer afterward to check if the error is resolved.

Fix 6: Perform a System Restore

If the fltmgr.sys error started after a recent update or software installation, performing a System Restore can revert your computer to a previous state where it was working fine.

Steps to Perform System Restore:

1. Open System Restore:
   • Press Windows + S and search for Create a restore point. Open it and click System Restore.
2. Select a Restore Point:
   • Choose a restore point from a date before the error started occurring.
3. Restore Your System:
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restore process. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Conclusion

The fltmgr.sys Blue Screen Error in Windows 10 can be caused by various factors such as corrupted system files, driver issues, or hardware problems. By following the solutions in this guide—such as running SFC and DISM scans, updating drivers, and checking for hardware issues—you should be able to resolve the error.

If none of these fixes work, you may need to seek professional help or consider reinstalling Windows to resolve any deeper system issues.