BSOD Fix: “INVALID_KERNEL_HANDLE” (0x00000093) — What It Means, What Causes It, and How to Fix It

When Windows crashes with a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error labeled 0x00000093: INVALID_KERNEL_HANDLE, it signals a serious problem in kernel-mode operations—specifically that the operating system attempted to close an invalid or protected kernel handle using the NtClose function.

This guide will break down what this error means, why it happens, and step-by-step solutions to fix and prevent this BSOD from recurring.

What Is Error 0x00000093 (INVALID_KERNEL_HANDLE)?

The INVALID_KERNEL_HANDLE BSOD occurs when the Windows kernel attempts to close a handle that:

• Is invalid (not open or already closed)
• Was never properly initialized
• Points to protected system resources

The function at the core of this crash is NtClose, which is used in Windows to close a handle. If this function receives an invalid or illegal handle, the system performs a bug check to protect its integrity and prevent memory corruption or leaks.

Common Causes of the INVALID_KERNEL_HANDLE BSOD

1. Faulty Device Drivers
   Outdated, buggy, or incompatible drivers (especially for hardware like graphics cards or network adapters) may mishandle kernel objects and improperly pass them to NtClose.
2. Corrupt or Incompatible System Updates
   A recently installed Windows update or patch may introduce changes that affect handle management routines.
3. Malware or Rootkits
   Malicious software with kernel-level access may tamper with handle operations, leading to instability and crashes.
4. Bad Memory (RAM)
   Faulty or mismatched memory modules may result in corruption of handle values stored in memory.
5. Overclocking or Hardware Failures
   System instability from overclocking or failing hardware components can corrupt critical kernel data structures.
6. Software Bugs in Kernel-Mode Programs
   Custom kernel-mode software (e.g., security software, low-level utilities) may pass protected or invalid handles if improperly coded.

How to Fix the INVALID_KERNEL_HANDLE BSOD (0x00000093)

1. Boot Into Safe Mode

Start by booting into Safe Mode to prevent problematic drivers or processes from loading.

• Press F8 (older systems) or interrupt boot 3x to trigger Recovery
• Navigate to Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Safe Mode

2. Update or Roll Back Drivers

Corrupt or outdated drivers are a top cause. Do the following:

• Press Win + X → Device Manager
• Check for yellow warnings
• Right-click and update drivers or roll back recently updated ones

Focus on:

• GPU drivers (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel)
• Network and chipset drivers
• Security software drivers

3. Run System File Checker and DISM

Corrupted system files can lead to invalid kernel behavior.

cmd

CopyEdit

sfc /scannow

‍

Then run:

cmd

CopyEdit

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

‍

This can repair corruption in Windows image and kernel files.

4. Check RAM with Windows Memory Diagnostic

Faulty RAM can corrupt handles and other memory structures.

• Press Win + R, type mdsched.exe, and choose Restart now and check for problems

If issues are detected, consider replacing your RAM.

5. Uninstall Recently Installed Software

If the BSOD started after installing new software:

• Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl
• Sort by Install Date
• Uninstall any recent additions, especially system utilities or kernel-level tools

6. Run a Full Malware Scan

Use trusted security software or Microsoft Defender Offline to scan your system for rootkits or deep-level malware.

• Run: Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection > Scan Options > Microsoft Defender Offline Scan

7. Check Event Viewer for Details

The Event Viewer may give insight into what process caused the crash:

• Press Win + X, select Event Viewer
• Navigate to Windows Logs > System
• Look for entries with BugCheckCode 0x93

8. Disable Overclocking and Reset BIOS

Return BIOS/UEFI to default settings:

• Restart and enter BIOS (usually Del or F2)
• Select Load Optimized Defaults or Reset to Default
• Save and exit

Overclocking can destabilize kernel operations, especially during high-memory operations.

9. Restore to a Previous System State

If the issue is persistent, restore to a time when the system was stable:

• Open System Restore → Choose a restore point before the error began

Tips to Prevent INVALID_KERNEL_HANDLE in the Future

• Always keep drivers updated using OEM utilities or Windows Update
• Avoid shady driver updaters or unverified kernel utilities
• Use quality antivirus tools to catch kernel-level malware early
• Install Windows updates cautiously, especially preview builds
• Regularly back up your system in case a bad update or crash requires a restore
• Do not terminate system processes manually unless you’re absolutely sure what you're doing

Final Thoughts

The INVALID_KERNEL_HANDLE error is often a sign of deeper issues in your system’s memory management, drivers, or software interacting at the kernel level. While intimidating, it’s usually fixable with careful diagnostics and a methodical approach. By following the above steps, you can resolve the BSOD and help prevent it from striking again.

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