SECURE_KERNEL_ERROR or CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED Blue Screen After Hotfix Installed on Alienware or Dell G Series

Summary: Learn how to resolve a SECURE_KERNEL_ERROR or CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED blue screen error that occurs after installing a Windows hotfix on an Alienware or Dell G Series computer.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.

Symptoms

An Alienware or Dell G Series computer may experience a blue screen error of SECURE_KERNEL_ERROR or CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED. This occurs after installing Windows hotfixes.

Affected Platforms:

  • Alienware m16 R2
  • Alienware m18 R2
  • Alienware x16 R2
  • Dell G15 5530
  • Dell G16 7630

Affected Operating Systems:

  • Windows 11

Cause

Windows hotfixes cause this blue screen error. It can be caused by installing any of the following hotfixes:

  • KB5053598 (22621.3476)
  • KB5053656 (26100.3624)
  • KB5055523 (26100.3775)

Resolution

Update the operating system to hotfix KB5055627 (26100.3915) to resolve this issue. For more information about how to update to this hotfix, refer to April 25, 2025—KB5055627(OS Build 26100.3915) Preview - Microsoft SupportThis hyperlink is taking you to a website outside of Dell Technologies..

Affected Products

Alienware m16 R2, Alienware m18 R2, Alienware x16 R2, Dell G15 5530, Dell G16 7630
Article Properties
Article Number: 000331366
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 23 May 2026
Version:  4
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