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Stop code 0xC000021A: WINLOGON_FATAL_ERROR

Updated

Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on .

What the code means

This means that the Winlogon process terminated unexpectedly. (Bug Check 0xC000021A: WINLOGON_FATAL_ERROR)

Code facts for 0xC000021A

Code as Windows shows it0xC000021A
TypeStop code (bug check)
Symbolic nameWINLOGON_FATAL_ERROR
Hexadecimal, 8 digits0xC000021A
Decimal (unsigned)3221226010
Decimal (signed 32-bit)-1073741286
GroupStop codes

Read with care

  • A stop (bug check) code is not a Win32 or HRESULT code. Do not look it up in the Win32 error list. (Bug check code reference)

Code facts: Bug Check 0xC000021A: WINLOGON_FATAL_ERROR (Microsoft Learn, CC BY 4.0), checked Nov 14, 2026.

Code facts: Bug check code reference (Microsoft Learn, CC BY 4.0), checked Nov 14, 2026.

Where this error shows up

This code shows up on a blue screen, after Windows stops and restarts.

Applies to

Stop-code support page: Windows 11 and Windows 10 (as listed at the top of the Microsoft page). Bug check page: Windows (reference for programmers, no version list).

These steps come from a Microsoft page written for advanced users.

Try these first

These steps carry no risk flag in the data. They keep the order of the full list below, which is not reordered. A step without a flag is not a promise that it is safe for your computer.

3 steps to try, in order

Steps are grouped by the Microsoft page they come from. The page lists only what those pages give; other causes of 0xC000021A are not covered. 1 step is flagged.

If this page and Microsoft's page differ, follow Microsoft's page.

Microsoft also gives general steps that cover this code: see the general steps in the stop codes group. Each block there says which codes its Microsoft page gives the steps for.

From: Bug Check 0xC000021A: WINLOGON_FATAL_ERROR

Source: Bug Check 0xC000021A: WINLOGON_FATAL_ERROR (Microsoft Learn), checked Nov 14, 2026. © Microsoft, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Steps shortened and reworded by PC Driver Update.

From Microsoft's bug check page, which says it is written for programmers. Only its basic, non-debugger troubleshooting lines are used.

  1. Remove new software

    Uninstalls software

    If the error appeared after installing a new or updated device driver, system service or third-party application, remove or disable that software to isolate the cause, and ask its maker about an update.

    Microsoft advises: If you plan to reinstall the program later, make sure you have its installation media and all required activation information before you remove it. (Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors)

  2. After restoring from a backup

    If you recently restored the hard disk from a backup, check whether the maker has an updated version of the backup/restore program.

  3. Review recent installs

    Open Uninstall or change a program in Control Panel and sort the installed applications by install date.

Stop and get help

If these steps do not fix the problem, or you are not sure about a step, stop and get help from Microsoft Support or from the maker of your PC. Stop at once if the data on this computer is at risk: back up your files first, or ask a professional before you go on.

Dates and review

Automated checksfirst check: ; fourth check:
Microsoft pages read
  • Troubleshooting Windows unexpected restarts and stop code errors: read , the Microsoft page is dated Jul 28, 2026
  • Bug Check 0xC000021A: WINLOGON_FATAL_ERROR: read , the Microsoft page is dated Sep 12, 2019
  • Bug check code reference: read , the Microsoft page is dated Jul 15, 2025
  • Windows recovery environment: read , the Microsoft page is dated Aug 18, 2026
  • Windows startup settings: read , the Microsoft page is dated Feb 24, 2026
Review statusCleared for publishing after the automated checks on .