The kernel is the most important part of any windows os and has full authority over the device. Whenever a system is first turned on, the kernel performs a series of initialization tasks, including a memory check. It handles the process of allocating and freeing memory to make software execution possible. 

However, many windows users have reported an error with kernel files that a kernel file is missing from the disk when they try to boot up their pc. There are some possible reasons for this error message. In this article, I will discuss the reasons behind this error and some effective methods to fix it.

Possible Causes Behind a Kernel File Missing from the Disk Error

Based on research and comments on the various causes of this problem, the following four causes are mostly identified that may result in this error message:

• Some users have reported that this error started occurring after they added more RAM or connected a backup HDD, indicating that these changes may have caused a hardware problem.
• The problem is often observed on systems that include an SLI and CrossFire configuration, which uses a second graphics processing unit (GPU). In which the power system is insufficient to maintain all devices.
• The warning message indicates that there is an issue with the files within the system and that this problem is of a system-level type.
• A malicious third-party program can prevent the system from booting properly. There are incidences in which the problem was caused by a malicious third-party application.

How to Fix the ‘A Kernel File Is Missing from the Disk’ Issue

To fix the kernel file error problem, there are described effective solutions. You have to try the methods properly to fix this error.

Method 1: Boot up Your Pc into Safe Mode

When you start your system in Safe Mode, it will do so in a restricted condition, with only the fundamental files including drivers that are required for the process of starting up. If your system is booted normally when you go to Safe Mode, therefore the problem is probably caused by some program that you installed at some point in the past. After you have properly started into Safe Mode, you have to take the following steps to fix this error. 

Step 1: First, you have to go to the Settings Recovery tab. For this, simply open the Run. For this, press the Windows + R from your keyboard and press the Enter button.

Step 2: Then, enter the text below into the Run dialog box and hit on Enter.

ms-settings:recovery

Step 3: Now, to restart your computer immediately, click the box labeled Advanced startup.

Once you get to the Advanced Startup Options screen, select Troubleshoot and then click on Advanced options.

Step 4: Select the Startup Settings button within the Advanced settings, and afterward, select the button labeled Restart.

Step 5: Finally, when you have reached the Startup Settings screen once more, you can boot out of one of the available Safe Modes by pressing the F4, F5, or F6 keys. If your pc can enter Safe Mode without any problems, it is reasonable to assume that the issue is being caused by a service associated with one of the applications that you have only recently installed. 

If this is the case, you have two options: either consider the option of removing recently times installed software that you suspect may be the source of the problem, or you could just try to thoroughly eliminate services and programs first from the process of starting the computer up before you reach the threatening application or service.

Method 2: Run System Restore

You may initially notice this issue immediately after downloading a Windows Update. In this case, activating the System Restore function can be the solution to the problem.

Step 1: First, click the Start menu, then enter the control panel into the search box, and finally, choose Control Panel from the list of results that appears.

Step 2: Simply search for the Control Panel for Recovery, then if you find it, go to Recovery and hit on the Open System Restore and Next.

Step 3: Now, click the restore point that is linked with the update, driver, or application that is causing the issue, and afterward choose Next and finally hit on Finish.

Method 3: Run an SFC, CHKDSK, and DISM scan

By launching these 3 Windows repair tools, you can confirm that the issue is not caused by a malfunction with a system file as well as the file system. Here’s how to apply such programs to fix the problem:

Step 1: First, run the System File Checker. If you’re stuck at the startup window, enter the Advanced Startup Context menu. 

Step 2: Now, choose to Troubleshoot and then, select Advanced Options after that, click on the Command Prompt. Then, enter the following command and press Enter to activate System File Checker.

sfc /scannow

When sfc/scannow has been completed, restart the system and check to see whether the problem still exists. If that’s still the case, open a Command Prompt with administrative privileges and perform CHKDSK by typing the command below  and pressing enter:

chkdsk /f C:

Note: Unless your Windows 10 setup is installed here on the C drive, you will need to modify the letter “C” in the command.

After the procedure has been finished, you should restart the computer and check if you can go past the initial screen. Back to the mounted Command Prompt, Then, simply copy the command below and paste it, and then hit Enter to begin the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scan: Whether the same issue occurs again, you will need to execute the DISM scan.

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

Step 3: Finally, after this procedure has been finished, you should restart your computer and check to see whether it boots normally now. If the issue has not been fixed, you can move on to the next possible solution.

Method 4: Unplug the Secondary GPU and External HDDs/SSDs

At this point, you should simply unplug any non-essential devices, such as a secondary hard drive, an external hard drive, a DVD CD disk, an additional GPU from an SLI (or CrossFire) configuration, and non-essential peripherals. After you have reduced your computer to its most fundamental settings, you should power it back on and check to see whether it boots normally. If it boots up without displaying the error messages, you should systematically replace the devices that are not important until you can determine which one is causing the problem. If this solution does not resolve the problem, move on to the following solution.

Method 5: Check RAM for Issues

You can check to see if the RAM modules you have installed are the cause of this problem. To accomplish this, you will need to start your pc and take out one module (if you are having two RAM cards). If your computer boots normally with just one RAM stick installed, you should try switching the connection between two RAM sticks. Problems can arise when the higher memory is positioned behind the lower one.

In addition, you have the option of running a MemTest on both of the RAM sticks. If you can verify that the problem is not caused by your RAM cards, then maybe you can move on to the next solution.

Conclusion

This kernel file is missing an error that can be issued for many reasons. If you are having this error, don’t worry. There are several solutions for this error. You just have to follow the steps properly to fix it. Before applying any method, you have to check your operating system.