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0x00000162KERNEL_AUTO_BOOST_INVALID_LOCK_RELEASEStop codeWidely reported

KERNEL_AUTO_BOOST_INVALID_LOCK_RELEASE (0x162): what it means and how to fix it

Updated Nov 10, 2026 · Checked against Microsoft documentation · How this page is made

Quick answer

This error occurs when a system process attempts to release a lock it does not own. It is most often caused by a faulty device driver or corrupted system software. Start by checking for recent driver updates or hardware changes.

What it means

Understanding the Error

When your computer displays the KERNEL_AUTO_BOOST_INVALID_LOCK_RELEASE stop code, it means Windows has detected a synchronization error. In technical terms, a lock tracked by a feature called AutoBoost was released by a thread that did not own that lock.

Why This Happens

Windows uses locks to manage access to system resources. These locks ensure that only one process can modify a specific piece of data at a time, preventing conflicts. AutoBoost is a mechanism that helps manage these locks efficiently.

When a piece of software or a device driver tries to release a lock it does not hold, or attempts to release a lock on behalf of another process, Windows stops the system to prevent further data corruption. This is a protective measure. The error typically happens because a driver is behaving incorrectly, either by trying to access memory it should not or by mismanaging the internal rules of the Windows kernel.

Common causes

  • A device driver is attempting to release a lock it does not own.
  • A driver is trying to release a lock on behalf of another thread, which is not permitted.
  • System data structures have become corrupted due to faulty software.
  • Recently installed hardware is incompatible with current system drivers.

How to fix it

Safest and most likely fixes first. Readers' answers to "Did this fix it?" reorder this list over time.

  1. Update your device drivers

    Use this if you have recently installed new hardware or updated your system.

    1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
    2. Look for any devices marked with a yellow exclamation point.
    3. Right-click the device and select Update driver.
    4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
    Did this fix it?

  2. Check for Windows Updates

    Use this to ensure your system has the latest stability patches.

    1. Open the Settings app.
    2. Select Windows Update from the left-hand menu.
    3. Click Check for updates.
    4. Install any available updates and restart your computer.
    Did this fix it?

  3. Review the System Event Log

    Use this to identify which driver or service might be causing the crash.

    1. Press the Windows key and type Event Viewer, then press Enter.
    2. Expand Windows Logs in the left sidebar.
    3. Click on System.
    4. Look for Critical or Error events that occurred at the exact time of your last blue screen.
    Did this fix it?

  4. Remove recently added hardware

    Use this if the crashes began immediately after connecting a new device.

    1. Shut down your computer completely.
    2. Disconnect any recently added hardware, such as USB drives, printers, or external cards.
    3. Restart your computer and observe if the error persists.
    Did this fix it?

Is it just you?

25+ Microsoft Q&A threads discuss this. Most recent activity:

Checked Nov 7, 2026. Refreshed automatically every few days.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Is my hardware broken?

Not necessarily. This error is usually caused by a software or driver issue rather than a physical hardware failure.

Can I fix this by reinstalling Windows?

Reinstalling Windows is a last resort. Try updating your drivers and checking for system updates first, as these resolve most instances of this error.

What is AutoBoost?

AutoBoost is a Windows kernel feature that helps manage how threads and processes share access to system resources.

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