Kernel Panic Not Syncing VFS: How to Fix

A Kernel panic error message could throw any computer user into a panic and rightly so. The Kernel Panic problem is usually a huge issue for most Linux users just like the famous blue screen of death on windows devices.

If you’ve come across this problem, there is no need to panic. In this tutorial, we will reveal the steps to fix the “Kernel Panic Not Syncing VFS” problem.

kernel panic not syncing vfs

Kernel Panic Not Syncing VFS: Causes

The causes of Kernel Panic vary and could sometimes depend on the operating system of your laptop. We will break down every operating system to help you better understand the possible cause.

Windows

On Windows, the kernel panic is referred to as the Blue Screen of Death. This is because when one happens, the whole screen turns blue with a message stating that the computer needs to restart. In most cases, this problem is usually due to poor driver optimizations or hardware malfunctions. Solving this problem could be as simple as updating your drivers.

Mac

Macs handle kernel panics differently. When it happens, an error message will be displayed and the Mac will restart. On macOS, kernel panics are majorly due to software errors, but they can also be due to hardware failures. In some cases, your computer will restart without warning, followed by a message explained by what happened. In some version, the screen fades to black with a message telling you to restart.

Linux

Kernel panic on Linux computers can be an indication of a serious problem. These concepts have a concept known as kernel oops, which refers to a serious error with the operating system. When this happens, the system will continue to run, but it may cause instability and may result in a full kernel panic, which manifests by a black screen filled with code.

In some cases, the kernel panic comes without the kernel oops, so you will see a black screen filled with code even before the system becomes unstable.

Android

While kernel panics are more common on computer systems, they can also happen on smartphones. Kernel panics can occur on Android OS but they are less likely to happen thanks to kernel optimizations and Android security updates. In most cases, a kernel panic on an android device would be due to software issues or probably due to an outdated Android version.

Troubleshooting a Kernel Panic

Each time a kernel panic occurs, an error message will be displayed. This message will contain information about what happened and could explain what likely caused the problem. In most cases, this would be incomprehensible to the average user, however, scanning the data could sometimes reveal the fault.

If you’re using a Windows system, you could install the Debugging Tool for Windows to help you make sense of the information. If you’re not sure what caused the kernel panic, then you could check the following.

Hardware Issues

First, you might want to get started with the hardware which are parts of the computer, you can actually touch. Hardware issues could be due to changes you made to the system recently. You could solve hardware issues by identifying the following areas.

  • Check the RAM: This should be very obvious. If you upgraded the RAM in your computer recently, the first step is to check that it is properly installed. If the problem persists, then you might have installed a faulty RAM. Remove the RAM you’ve added and contact your retailer for an exchange. To prevent this from happening, try going for a RAM with the same specs as the RAM you had in your laptop previously.
  • Detach Peripherals: When we say peripherals, you might think about scanners or printers. But while these large add-ons are the major culprits, there are other peripherals that could cause such a problem. We are talking about something as benign as a USB flash. As ridiculous as that might sound, a faulty USB flash might cause an operating system problem. Simply removing the flash as well as any other peripherals connected to the system should confirm if this is the problem
  • Check for Disk Errors: Usually the most common reason for kernel panic message, a disk error could mean you need to save up for a new disk. To check for disk errors, run the disk repair software built into your computer’s operating system to confirm if there are disk errors. If your computer crashes as soon as it boots, boot into the Recovery partition. Press F10 on Windows, Command + R on Mac, or boot from a disk or USB drive.

Software Issues

Software issues that lead to kernel panics are easier to pick up, You might notice the problem coming up over a period before kernel panic actually happens. In some cases, the application running in the background, such as security software may be the culprit.

To diagnose software problems, boot your Mac or Windows computer into Safe Mode. Safe Mode will run only the essential components of the operating system. to do this one window, hold F8 when you restart the computer. On Mac, hold the Shift Key after you hear the startup chime. If you’re using a Linux computer, you won’t find a safe mode, rather there is a recovery partition.

  • Check software: Kernel panics could be due to outdated software. Check to confirm all your software is up-to-date, and also take note of which programs are launching on boot. The first step would be to disable any programs you installed shortly before you started to experience kernel panics, then re-enable them later on.
  • Update the System: Chances are your system’s drivers or programs are not updated. Updating the operating system could solve this problem. If you’re testing beta versions of your operating system, these may not be stable and lead to kernel panics.
  • Use System Restore: If you made a ton of changes to your system before you started experiencing kernel panics, consider using System Restore or Time Machine. This will roll back the computer to a time before the kernel panics occurred.
  • Reinstall your OS: If everything fails, then you might want to reinstall your operating system from scratch. While this sounds tedious, it could be the only way to save your laptop.