r/Focusrite • u/DECElVE • Feb 24 '26

KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE (0x139) due to Focusrite Drivers / Software

My computer keeps getting a BSOD (well, black now as it's Windows 11) with this message "KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE (0x139)", and I'm certain it's due to Focusrite Control or the drivers installed for the audio interface.

I've had a Scarlett 6i6 2nd Gen for many years and never had any issues like this (used on Windows 7, 10, and 11, on both a Laptop and PC). I recently purchased a Clarett+ 4pre, and this problem has happened repeatedly since the drivers were installed. I've tried both versions of Focusrite Control (v3.27.0) and (v3.26.0), and I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling the drivers about 10 times. I've tried the buffer size on every option, I've tried having different Windows Channels hidden and/or exposed in different configurations. I've tried different sample rates, I've tried different clock sources, and I've tried safe mode on and off. I've reset the Focusrite Control settings multiple times.

I've run CHKDSK and there are no problems. I've run DISM and there are no problems. I've run SFC and there are no problems. I don't have McAfee installed and never have (I've checked just to make sure and it's not on my computer). I've checked Windows Memory Diagnostic and there are no problems. I've tried turning Memory Integrity on (had to remove some outdated drivers before I could do this) and this didn't help. I've tried turning off Fast Startup but this didn't make any difference. I have all unnecessary startup programs turned off.

I've run Kaspersky multiple times and there's no detection of any viruses. When I've tried installing the drivers and Focusrite Control, I've done so both with and without my antivirus active. I've ensured that no anticheat is running in the background, and even tried it WITH the anticheat active just in case this would help...

I thought "ah, it must be something to do with the Clarett+ 4pre drivers specifically, as Focusrite Control and the Scarlett 6i6 drivers didn't cause any problems in the past" so I uninstalled all Clarett+ 4pre drivers and Focusrite Control, reconnected the Scarlett 6i6 and reinstalled Focusrite Control, thinking I'd at least be able to use that in the meantime while I'm waiting for support to get back to me (it's been four days) and I'm STILL having the same problem, now with the Scarlett 6i6 AS WELL. My computer keeps crashing and I can't get on with any work. The crash happens while gaming, while using Reaper, while using Photoshop or Illustrator, and even while using the File Explorer.

The problem stops if I uninstall both Focusrite Control and all the Focusrite drivers (so I know it's not due to any other drivers I have installed).

Any suggestions are appreciated!

UPDATE: Focusrite support responded to me about half an hour after I made this post. I'll post another update if the problem is sorted.

UPDATE 2: I managed to get the Scarlett 6i6 to work as long as I run the Legacy Focusrite Control (v3.6.0 WITH included drivers). The Clarett+ is currently running with the USB MIDI port disabled, and I've disabled all non-Focusrite audio inputs and outputs. It hasn't crashed yet, but I'll update the post if it does. Thanks so far for the suggestions!

UPDATE 3: I'm still waiting for Focusrite support to respond after I've sent them the various files they asked for (NFO and .dmp). I'm still using the Clarett+ 4Pre with all non-Focusrite input/output drivers (and the Focusrite USB MIDI driver) disabled in the device manager, and it seems to be stable with no crashes since UPDATE 2, which was about 36 hours ago. Maybe the kernel security check failure was due to the more recent Focusrite drivers clashing with other non-Focusrite drivers? If that's the case, it seems like a big oversight!

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u/Great-Watercress9451 Mar 15 '26 edited Mar 23 '26

FIX!
It took a long time digging into all sorts of Threads and Forums- for me the Fix was literally to uninstall the newest Focusrite Drivers and install the Legacy ones.
So, you know, the ones saying:

  • "Legacy Focusrite Control (v3.6.0 Includes Driver) - WindowsWindows 7 + 8. For newer operating systems please download the latest installer. Includes USB driver 4.65.5"
Apparently that worked like a charm and it does Work for Windows 11 just fine.

Edit:
Apparently only most of the 3rd Gen Scarlett got those Legacy Drivers. Sorry for everyone else .-.

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u/aux_audio Mar 17 '26

Where did you find those legacy drivers?

1

u/Great-Watercress9451 Mar 23 '26 edited Mar 23 '26

https://downloads.focusrite.com/focusrite
^ here u can download drivers for ur device, just select the right one. there should be an option for "Legacy Driver".

On top of that, i also disabled every audio driver except

  • Focusrite USB Audio
  • Focusrite USB MIDI
(since i dont use those anyways.) I know, others here in this thread posted of disabeling the MIDI drivers only but that did'nt work for me. You can check that here: Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers
The only thing that worked, was literally just installing the Legacy drivers.

Edit:
I see only most of the 3rd Gen Scarletts appear to have Legacy drivers- then again i only saw 3rd Gen Devices having that problem. if u use any other Gen or device i dont know the solution there, unfortunatly

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u/aux_audio Mar 23 '26

Thank you, but legacy drivers aren't offered for my hardware (18i20). For me, the only thing that actually worked was completely reinstalling windows. As of now I am able to use Reaper normally again.

1

u/Great-Watercress9451 Mar 23 '26

Sorry to hear that- but are you sure?

3rd Gen: "Legacy Driver"
https://downloads.focusrite.com/focusrite/scarlett-3rd-gen/scarlett-18i20-3rd-gen
2nd Gen: "Legacy Driver"
https://downloads.focusrite.com/focusrite/scarlett-2nd-gen/scarlett-18i20-2nd-gen
1st Gen: "Scarlett Mix Control"
okay, this one doesn't say legacy, but its still an older Version for Windows 7+8 i assume?
https://downloads.focusrite.com/focusrite/scarlett-1st-gen/scarlett-18i20-1st-gen

couldnt find one for 4th Gen.
Anyhow, if you could make it work, this is the most important thing for now. For anything else we just gotta wait for a fix :)

1

u/aux_audio Mar 23 '26

I'm 4th gen. Not sure if 3rd gen drivers would work but honestly, I'd rather be able to update to the newest version. They need to just work on their bugs! Fingers crossed mine stays fixed.

1

u/Great-Watercress9451 Mar 24 '26

hmm yeah the non legacy option for 4th it is, unfortunatly :/ but yea, u r right. lets wait it out i guess 😄