How to Fix BSOD Error 0x00000149 in Windows 10

In this blog post, we explore the different reasons that cause BSOD Error 0x00000149 along with its probable solutions. REFS_FILE_SYSTEM is a type of Blue screen of death error that usually occurs when a program that is incompatible with the system is used. In this case, you will experience unusual flashing on display and sometimes the computer goes shut down automatically to prevent more fatal data loss. In addition, the PC may stop working some essential functions with automatic Restarting of Windows which causes the unsaved work or data will be immediately lost.

Several reasons are responsible to cause the BSOD Error 0x00000149 in Windows 10 PC like – missing core files, corrupt device drivers, memory or storage issues. Also, in the hardware side, availability of bad areas in RAM, HDD itself, low storage space, and even sometimes the presence of a third-party application may also cause this bug. Case history reveals, the issue is very critical and may even lead to permanent damage to the system.

However, the most simplistic way of fixing this error is to do the manual update way which is to revert to the last successful boot. In order to do this, you must restart the computer and wait for it to reach the BIOS messages. Generally, you will receive this error while starting a new program or installing updates. REFS_FILE_SYSTEM having error code 0x00000149 could be caused by one or more of the following reasons. So, here is the list of the entire solution –

List of Contents

Activate Default Windows BSOD Tool- Blue Screen Troubleshooter
Fix up all the memory issues in Windows Memory Diagnostic
Boot Windows 10 into Safe Mode
Halt the auto-restart of your PC
Remove Third-Party Antivirus from the System
Reset the corrupt Windows System components & recover DLL files
Install recent patches via Windows Update Settings
Dismiss the existing Malware in Windows Security
Update the corrupt Drivers with Yellow exclamation mark
Delete all the junk files from Disk Storage using Disk Cleanup Tool
Uninstall similar Applications to reduce the risk of their conflict
Execute the DISM command to repair corrupt Windows files
Use System Restore to reach to an earlier version
Delete leftovers of an incomplete Windows Update
Run Disk Checking Utility via Command Prompt
Perform Windows Automatic Repair
Rebuild Boot Configuration Data (BCD)
Fresh install Windows 10
Corrupt HDD

Methods to fix 0x00000149 BSOD Error in Windows 10 PC

We provide 19 solutions to fix the error 0x00000149 depending on the above reason analysis. It’s suggested to try the following methods one by one until the BSOD REFS_FILE_SYSTEM is fixed successfully.

1} Activate Default Windows BSOD Tool- Blue Screen Troubleshooter

In recent times, Microsoft launched Windows Blue Screen Troubleshooter that can look and resolve the potential BSOD errors. This is an in-built Troubleshooter application that finds the root cause of the Blue screen errors and helps you fix them. By default, this section is turned off, hence, enable this tool and follow these guidelines-

At first, click on the Start button and then select the Settings Gear Icon.
From the appearing Settings app, choose Update & Security option.
Click on Troubleshoot from the left column.
Switch to the right side and locate the Blue Screen option.
Once found, click on it to expand and tap Run the troubleshooter button.

You are done

If the BSOD Error 0x00000149 is still persisting on the system then jump to the next workaround given below.

2} Fix up all the memory issues in Windows Memory Diagnostic

Faulty RAM sections and incorrect allocation of memory are the two major reasons that can cause this issue. Windows Memory Diagnostic is a default tool that can easily resolve this BSOD Error 0x00000149. Below are the instructions to launch the application-

Click on the Start icon and type memory.
Select Windows Memory Diagnostic from the result.
Choose “Restart now and check for problems (recommended)”.

As a result, Windows will attend the first cycle of the reboot.
You will see a blue-colored page detecting memory issues in the system.
When the progress rate becomes 100%, the device will restart again automatically.
Finally, when the system powers up, the results of this diagnosis will be available in the System tray- Notification area.

3} Boot Windows 10 into Safe Mode

Since this is a BSOD error, you may not be able to access the Display Screen. Hence, it is really difficult to apply any fixes. In this situation, boot your PC into the Safe Mode then only implement any workarounds. While being in Safe Mode, the OS loads a minimal user interface, with only the necessary services and drivers required for it to perform. This mode makes it accessible to troubleshoot the BSOD Error 0x00000149 because it does not load things that can make a Windows crash. Read and apply the following series of steps to enter into the Safe Mode-

Step-1: Press Win+R keys together to invoke the Run dialog.

Step-2: Type msconfig in the space and hit the Enter key. This will open the System Configuration wizard.

Step-3: Switch to the Boot tab and under Boot options mark the checkbox before Safe boot.

Step-4: Subsequently, the Minimal radio button gets auto-selected. However, if it doesn’t happen, tick them manually.

Step-5: Click on the Apply button then OK to save the changes.

Step-6: Now, close the current window and Restart your device.

Step-7: When the Windows is booting, keep pressing the F8 key. The function key depends on your System model, hence, know your function key in advance.

Step-8: Here, a new wizard with Safe Boot in Advanced Boot Options appears on the Display Screen. Select this to enter Safe Mode.

4} Pause the auto-restart of your PC

Out of several bugs that appear due to 0x00000149 BSOD, Auto PC reboot irritates the most and it’s also not a good user experience. We include the word “most” deliberately as this won’t let you fix the trouble. In an attempt to mitigate this issue, disable the Auto-restart feature that may provide you sufficient time to think and resolve this error message. Here’s how to proceed-

At first, move to the Desktop Screen by using the Win+D keys.
Now, press Win+E to open File Explorer.
Locate This PC and do the right-click on it.
Choose Properties option from the context menu.
From the left column of the following screen, select Advanced system settings option.
In the System Properties wizard, go to the Startup and Recovery section.

Click on the Settings button.
On the next wizard, jump the System failure section.
Untick the checkbox against Automatically restart.

Click the OK to save the changes made so far.

Performing the above steps will simply stop the auto-restarting of your OS. You may now follow the below workarounds to fix 0x00000149 in Windows 10 PC.

5} Remove Third-Party Antivirus from the System

It’s a general practice to install a third-party free anti-malware program so as to remove viruses and Trojan files. However, they are not worth the installation as their features are already included in the Windows Defender app. Hence, it is better to make the Windows Security application as the default one. Removing external anti-malware programs will have higher chances to solve the 0x00000149 BSOD error in the system. Here’s the complete procedure-

Press Win+I to start the Windows Settings.
On the new window, select the Apps option.
Thereafter, click on the Apps & Features from the left side.
Switch to the adjacent right side and you will see the list of entire installed applications.
Click on the third-party antivirus and select the Uninstall button to remove this app completely.
If UAC prompts, tap Yes to approve your consent.
Succeeding this, follow the online instructions to complete the uninstallation.

We expect the above procedure will resolve the 0x00000149 BSOD error in Windows 10. If not, try the next workarounds-

6} Reset the corrupt Windows System components & recover DLL files

If your device is running on the latest OS Windows 10, possibilities are more of facing a dialogue box error. It informs you of a missing DLL file which quickly becomes a problematic task. It also affects the system performance and in other cases, it surely reduces the application trying to run. In addition, Windows system components slip into corruption for various reasons like malware infection which results in 0x00000149 BSOD. Supporting this action can be dangerous to the system. Fortunately, System File Checker is developed by Microsoft which can execute the BSOD REFS_FILE_SYSTEM efficiently. Here are the following steps to recover the missing DLL files –

At first, right-click on the Taskbar.
When the menu appears, select Task Manager and let it open on display.
Click on the File option located at the top left end and select the “Run new task” option.
Type cmd in the text field available here.
Tap in the box before “Create this task with administrative privileges”
Click on the OK button and this will open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
Now, type the following command and hit Enter key – sfc /scannow.

This will start checking the faulty elements and will fix any other flaw.
At last, restart your PC when the process ends completely.

7} Install recent patches via Windows Update Settings

Microsoft periodically publishes the updates so that you can avail of the latest features. With the former, fixing of existing bugs is available in the patches. The outdated Operating System is greatly prone to get influenced by BSOD 0x00000149. In this case, we need to update the OS moving ahead with Windows Settings app. Here is the method in brief –

Open Windows Settings by pressing Window + I hotkey.
Select the Update & Security option available there.
On the next page, select Windows Update located at the left pane.
Switch to the right side and click on Check for updates.

When you see all the updates, click on the Download button under each of them.
Downloading will start shortly and installation will follow once the process is finished.
At last, wait for a while and then restart the PC when the Windows prompt.

Note – Read this article, if the check for updates is not working.

8} Dismiss the existing Malware in Windows Security

You may well familiar with malware and Trojans which presents everywhere on the web. Once they get a chance to enter into our systems, wipe out the most important data required for Windows and therefore, we are no longer safe from these vulnerabilities. In the process, 0x00000149 BSOD develops in the system. Besides, we are able to detect and dismiss the threats in Windows Security app, a default anti-virus program. To perform this task, here are the following instructions –

Press Windows + S keys and let Taskbar search come up.
Type Security and press Enter.
When the app interface opens, choose Virus & threat protection.
Switch to right and click on the Scan options.
Select the radio button ahead of the Full scan option.
Click on the Scan now button and start the detection.

It might take a while as the application will start searching for viruses in every file in the system. In the end, you will view the result on the screen.
During this, if any malware is detected, click on the Clean threats to remove them.
From three more options, select Remove first and then hit Start actions to wipe out all the virus components.

9} Update the corrupt Drivers with Yellow exclamation mark

Most of the time incompatible or obsolescent device drivers lead to the 0x00000149 BSOD Error on your device. This is why we recommend updating the corrupted or outdated drivers regularly using the Device Manager. To explore such drivers, just open the Device Manager and look for the yellow exclamation mark next to the driver. If indeed there is one, just update that particular driver. Let’s follow the proper steps to do so-

At first, do a right-click on the Start button and select the Run option.
When it prompts, type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter.
In the Device Manager wizard, look for any yellow exclamation marks left to that of available device drivers.
If you find, expand the specific driver by clicking on the “>” arrow.
Do a right on the same and choose the Update driver option.

A new window prompts providing two options to choose from.
Select “Search automatically for updated driver software” and be assured as the System will take care of the rest.
Follow the same instructions for other corrupt drivers as well.

On updating all of the outdated device drivers, try to update the Windows OS again and then you won’t experience the 0x00000149 BSOD error while doing so.

10} Delete all the junk files from Disk Storage using Disk Cleanup Tool

Junk files are just unnecessary files that just pile up over the period of time. Whenever you perform a task, it occupies large space of the HDD which leads to low storage and thus causes 0x00000149 BSOD error message. In such scenarios, you can use the Disk Cleanup Tool to delete junk files. Here’s how to delete unnecessary files-

Press the Window key and type cleanmgr in the search field.
From the appeared results, select the Disk Cleanup application.
There appears a pop-up asking to choose the particular drive. Here, select the C: drive and hit the OK button.
This cleanup tool will start searching for the spaces that it can free-up.
Select the “Clean up system file” button.
Re-select the C: drive as performed earlier and hit the OK button.
This time, it does the calculation of how much storage can be retrieved by deleting the system files.
On the next window, select all the check-boxes except Downloads and press the OK button.

The cleaning of junk files will start immediately after.

Note – Check the boxes once before deletion as there may be the existence of some important files.

11} Uninstall similar Applications to reduce the risk of their conflict

To mitigate any further complexity, you must uninstall applications that perform similar tasks. If two or more apps work similarly, there is a possibility of them using each other resources and that’s why it’s quite essential to uninstall them. Here are the essential steps-

At first, press Win & R hotkey to cite the Run menu.
In the void, type appwiz.cpl and press Enter. The “Program and features” page will appear.
Now, find out the program (similar ones) which is responsible to cause REFS_FILE_SYSTEM BSOD.
Once found, select it and hit the Uninstall button.
When the removal completes, Restart your System and wait for a while.

If the error is still persisting, move to the next workaround given below.

12} Execute the DISM command to repair corrupt Windows files

The System File Checker (SFC) is a command-line application and also a most beneficial approach that scans your system files for repairing corrupted files or any other changes. Sometimes, corruption in the Windows files may arise some critical issues on your System and in this case, execute the DISM tool to resolve the 0x00000149 BSOD error. Let’s take a look at how to use them –

Press Window + Q hotkey to open the Taskbar search.
Type Command Prompt in the text box.
Right-click on the result and choose Run as administrator from the context menu.
If UAC prompts, tap Yes to allow your consent.
Type the given command followed by the Enter key.

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

This will detect any issue that may lead to such a problem. Once found, it will repair the same as well.
When you run the command successfully, restart your computer normally and this will resolve the BSOD error 0x00000149.

13} Use System Restore to reach to an earlier version

Sometimes, when you install new apps or uninstall the existing ones, this may result in errors inside Registry which may prompt 0x00000149 BSOD to appear on your screen. If that’s the case, you must revert back the existing OS to an earlier version when everything was functioning properly. Here’s how to reach to the previous point-

Press Win+R hotkey to launch the Run dialog.
Type rstrui in the search field and press the OK button.
In the System Restore window, hit the Next button.
Mark the Show more restore points checkbox and you will access all such points with specific Date and Time.

Select the latest restore point and press the Next button.
At last, press the Finish option so as to initiate the restoring process.

Note – This process is applicable only if you have created a restore point at some earlier time. In case, you don’t have any, just skip this method and proceed to the next workaround.

14} Delete leftovers of an incomplete Windows Update

Windows Update brings you the quality updates (or cumulative update) as soon as they’re available for your machine. However, there might occur some issues midway during this process. If this does happen, can generate such 0x00000149 BSOD errors. In such cases, you need to wipe out these files from the system. Here are the steps to follow-

Press Win and I hotkey together, the Settings app will appear.
From the list of categories, select Update & Security icon.
On the following page, select Windows Update.
Move to the corresponding right pane of the same page and choose the View update history link.
Next, click on the Uninstall updates option and wait till this completes.
It will reveal the list of entire installed cumulative updates on your device.
Hit the Uninstall button available at the top of the page.
Now, follow the on-screen instructions until the file is completely removed.

15} Run Disk Checking Utility via Command Prompt

Prolong usage of any device may create troublesome in its different sectors. Owing to such bad areas, you may receive the 0x00000149 BSOD Error on your PC. If that’s the case, the Disk Checking application is a pretty useful tool that deals with such errors. Here is the detailed procedure-

Press the Window button and type cmd.exe in the search field.
From the list, do the right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator option.
UAC will prompt asking your permission, tap Yes to continue.
Succeeding this type the following command line on elevated Command Prompt-

chkdsk C: /f /r /x

Note – ‘Chkdsk’ stands for Disk Status upon activation. However, the other letters have their specific meanings.

- C: – represent the Disk where the OS is installed. You can change this to D:, E: or any depending upon your usage.
- f- implies fixing the scanned bugs.
- r- implies detecting the existing problems in the Disk.
- x- stands for splitting up the disk volume to help the detection process.

On pressing the Enter key, Disk Checking Utility will start scanning the underlying causes. As this is a time-consuming process, wait until this gets over.
Eventually, reboot the PC so that changes made come into effect.

16} Perform Windows Automatic Repair

Performing the Windows Automatic Repair tool may rectify the reasons that affect your system performance. This might solve the BSOD error 0x00000149 once it finds the exact reason. Just follow the below guidelines-

Since you have to enter the BIOS Mode, do plugin the Windows installation media at its respective port and Reboot your PC.
While Windows 10 operating system is loading, press the function key (F12, Esc or Delete) to cite the Windows Setup page.
Next, select the preferred language then Next to go ahead.
Now, hit the Install now button then Repair your computer on the left bottom corner.

The next step is to select the Troubleshoot option. To do this, press the Advanced Options on the Startup repair window.
Finally, reboot your system normally and see if the BSOD Error 0x00000149 has resolved or not.

17} Rebuild Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

The most common reason behind BSOD Error 0x00000149 is the presence of corrupt Boot Configuration Data. Repairing these BCD files will surely help to solve the Blue Screen Of Death issue. Here are the essential steps-

Firstly, plug in the USB device containing the Windows Installation Media and Reboot your PC.
When the BIOS is loading press any of the supported function keys (F2, F4, F9, Esc, Del, or more) to launch Boot Menu.
Under Choose an option screen, pick the Troubleshoot option thereafter Advanced options. Now, choose Command Prompt among the different options available there. When the elevated prompt appears, execute the following codes one by one-

bootrec /scanos
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd

After running all these codes successfully, Reboot your system normally.

Performing the above steps will surely allow access to your desktop screen without causing BSOD Error 0x00000149. In case the problem is still available, try the last workaround.

18} Fresh install Windows 10

If all methods fail and BSOD Error 0x00000149 still disturbs the working performance, you should clean install the Windows 10. This task is a little bit lengthy and takes huge time to perform, so go for this in your free time.

Plugin the USB flash device to the respective port and Restart your computer.
Once your PC begins loading, press the function key (Esc, F12, Delete) that is for entering the boot mode.
There forth, select any of the languages whichever is preferable and hit the Next button.
Now, press the Install now followed by entering the genuine product key.
Moving ahead, check the box I accept the license terms and hit the Next option.
Subsequently, go for Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).

Here, delete all the earlier partitions available on the disk drive and re-allocate them again.

Lastly, go through the Onscreen instructions until the Windows 10 installs effectively. Hope this method helps you to diagnose the BSOD error 0x00000149.

19} Corrupt HDD

In case, all of the above solutions fail, there is a possibility of HDD of RAM being corrupt. Hence, we advise you to replace your Hard Disk Drive. If you don’t know how to perform this, consult a professional technician.

Conclusion

We hope, after reading this tutorial, you could solve the 0x00000149 BSOD Error on your device. This type of situation is really bothersome when your running PC receives any kind of BSOD. Because of any reason, if you are still getting then do a clean installation of Windows 10.

Just make sure to create a backup of entire important files or folders before proceeding towards clean install. We recommend using a USB device for storing data.