How to Fix mfehidk.sys Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows?

If you encounter the mfehidk.sys Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), this signals a specific error, indicating a major problem with a system driver.

The file, mfehidk.sys, is linked to the McAfee Host IntrusionDetection Link driver, a component of the McAfee security suite. This file enforces McAfee security rules on Windows operating systems.

The occurrence of the BSOD associated with mfehidk.sys is due to problems between the McAfee software and the operating system, outdated drivers, or hardware problems. Some ways to solve it are:

1. Update McAfee, This update will download and install the latest version of the software, which may solve this problem, to do this:

Open McAfee.

Click the PC Security tab and select Update this app.

Click Check for updates.

Follow the steps shown on your screen.

2. Use autoruns to remove entries from mfehidk.sys. This program causes the BSOD and removing these entries will prevent it from starting, thus preventing the error.

Note: Deleting this file from startup will make some modules of McAfee antivirus software unavailable. Therefore, consider trying other solutions first.

Go to the official Microsoft website and download Autoruns.

Extract the zip file, right click on Autoruns and run it as administrator. Use Autoruns.exe for 32-bit systems or Autoruns64.exe for 64-bit systems.

In the AutoRuns window, search for mfehidk.sys and remove all related entries.

Right click on each entry and select Delete.

Restart your computer.

3. Uninstall McAfee, You can use McAfee Uninstaller to remove this software.

Remember that once the software is uninstalled, to protect your computer, consider using built-in Microsoft Defender or reinstalling McAfee. But if reinstalling McAfee triggers the BSOD again, you should consider using another antivirus.

Download and open the McAfee uninstaller from its official site here.

Once open, click OK > Next.

Enter the security verification code displayed and press Next.

Wait until the process finishes.

Press Restart.

5. Rename mfehidk.sys, this will prevent Windows from accessing the file which may stop the BSOD. You can change the file name using the command prompt in Advanced Startup. For it:

Press Windows + I to open Settings.

Go to Update & security > Recovery.

Click Restart now under Advanced Startup.

In the Advanced Startup window, click Troubleshoot.

Click Advanced Options.

Click Command Prompt and follow the on-screen steps.

Type the following commands: cd driversren mfehidk.sys mfehidk.old

Restart Windows.

6. Restore the system to a previous restore point. Since the problem may be caused by a recent update, rolling back could delete that update, which can potentially fix the problem.

7. If none work Reinstall Windows, this will remove all unnecessary files and software. You can potentially remove the McAfee software and the mfehidk.sys file, which could resolve this issue.

How to Fix mfehidk.sys Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows?

The mfehidk.sys file is a system driver associated with McAfee antivirus software. When encountering a BSOD referencing this file, it indicates a potential issue with your antivirus installation or its interaction with the system. Here's a structured approach to diagnose and potentially resolve the problem:

1. Update McAfee Antivirus:

Outdated software can lead to driver conflicts. Ensure you're running the latest version of McAfee by launching the application and navigating to the update section within its settings. A system restart after successful updates is recommended.

2. Repair McAfee Antivirus Installation:

A corrupted McAfee installation might be causing the BSOD. Utilize the built-in repair functionality within McAfee's settings or control panel to attempt to rectify the issue.

3. Reinstall McAfee Antivirus (if necessary):

If updating or repairing doesn't resolve the problem, consider a complete uninstall and reinstall of McAfee antivirus. Download the latest version directly from the official McAfee website to ensure compatibility with your system.

4. Temporary McAfee Antivirus Disabling (for isolation):

As a temporary troubleshooting measure, you can disable McAfee to isolate the problem. Caution: Only perform this step for a limited time and ensure real-time protection is re-enabled promptly after testing. Disabling your antivirus software leaves your system vulnerable to threats.

5. System Restore (if applicable):

If the BSOD began recently after installing new software or making system changes, consider performing a system restore to a point before the issue arose. This can revert your system state and potentially eliminate the conflict.

Additional Considerations:

If none of these solutions are successful, consult McAfee's official support channels for further assistance specific to your situation. Their expertise can help identify more nuanced causes.

Alternative Antivirus Solutions: If the problem persists and you suspect a fundamental incompatibility between McAfee and your system, explore alternative antivirus solutions with a strong reputation and proven compatibility with your Windows version. Prioritize a solution that offers robust protection without compromising system stability.

With these steps you should be able to effectively diagnose and resolve the mfehidk.sys BSOD error, ensuring a stable and secure Windows environment. Remember to prioritize the security of your system by maintaining the functionality of a reliable antivirus whenever necessary.