System Service Exception Caused by wdfilter.sys

My Parts List

The Problem:
Just to start - I have read the Posting Instructions but I'm unable to get onto Windows to run the log collector. I've just built the above computer. I have the Windows Installation Tool on a USB drive, and I boot to that and install it. After the restart during installation, it boots up to a BSOD that states "System Service Exception" caused by WdFilter.sys. I can't get into Windows at all, only my BIOS and the USB Windows Installation. From what I understand, this is a Windows Defender process, but like I said I can't get into Windows to disable it or update my drivers or anything.

What I've done to try to fix it:
I've tried to install Windows many times now - even recreating the USB Installation Tool from scratch on my other computer. I've also tried to install without my Graphics Card connected, just using the onboard graphics in case it was a graphics driver incompatibility issue. I've updated to the latest BIOS. I'm really not sure what else to try without being able to get onto Windows to update my drivers or disable Defender.


This has really been bothering me trying to think of a solution, any help is GREATLY appreciated. Thank you!

Hello Craig,

What version of Win 10 are you trying to install?

philc43 said:

Hello Craig,

What version of Win 10 are you trying to install?

Hi Phil,

I'm trying to install Windows 10. Unfortunately, now I can't even boot the USB installation tool anymore. It loads for a few seconds, then quickly flashes a blue screen and the computer restarts. I tried reflashing the Windows installation onto the USB again thinking it got corrupted, and it still crashes.

Ok I asked because some insider versions were doing what you describe and people had to disable Windows Defender. W10 has many different versions hence my question, what license did you buy?

philc43 said:

Ok I asked because some insider versions were doing what you describe and people had to disable Windows Defender. W10 has many different versions hence my question, what license did you buy?

Ah I see - it's not an Insider version, just Home.

If you have a Product Key you could try downloading and creating a new W10 installation USB using the Media Creation Tool on another PC. Perhaps this is what you have already tried?

philc43 said:

If you have a Product Key you could try downloading and creating a new W10 installation USB using the Media Creation Tool on another PC. Perhaps this is what you have already tried?

Unfortunately I have tried that twice now, still no luck. What I may do is try to install Linux when I get home from work - that way, if Linux boots I know it was a Windows problem, otherwise I know I'll have to start troubleshooting my new hardware. Here's to hoping it's the first one.

OK, if it will be any use here is the thread which refers to a similar problem for an insider build.

SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION (Wdfilter.sys)

philc43 said:

OK, if it will be any use here is the thread which refers to a similar problem for an insider build.

SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION (Wdfilter.sys)

Perfect, I've bookmarked that thread. Thanks for the help! I'll post results here tonight either way. Hopefully Linux boots and I can find a way to get Windows working instead of having to return faulty hardware.