The CldFlt.sys is normally responsible for the Cloud Files Filter driver, and when this system file gets corrupted, you get the infamous blue screen error. Some other settings might be causing this BSoD problem, such as corrupt registry entries, or other old drivers. If you want to resolve the problem, you can use an SFC scan, edit the Registry or perform the System Restore. In case this problem leads to system failure or inability to boot, then use data recovery software to retrieve the lost data.
My system restarted after a crash, followed by an extended beep, before being utterly unbootable. However, the fans and power were still functioning. This problem comes up whenever I restart my system.
Multiple Windows users are experiencing the CldFlt.sys blue screen error. Most of the time, it occurs when synchronizing files with the help of Steam games, OneDrive and any other cloud application. It may also appear the moment you start your system, making your electronic device and data vulnerable. In this blogpost, let’s look further into this error, when did it begin, and how it may be resolved?
Learn About CLDFLT.sys
Cldflt.sys is a Windows system file related to the Microsoft Cloud Files Filter Driver, and it’s primarily used to manage cloud storage services such as OneDrive. The file assists the Microsoft Cloud data Filter Driver in matching data between local and cloud storage, enabling users to access and view either cloud or system files.
CLDFLT.sys Blue Screen Error
When the CLDFLT.SYS file gets damaged or encounters difficulties with cloud storage services, it may trigger a number of significant system challenges. A Blue Screen of Death is one of those annoying issues that create havoc on your system and, in the most severe case, render it unbootable.
Some users experienced frequent system crashes to a blue screen. The problem usually appears while saving files to a synced OneDrive local folder or DropBox. Sometimes the error happens right away upon booting and results in a blue screen with the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION error message, winning that cldflt.sys failed.
Although the cldflt.sys file corruption is considered as the main cause of the issue, there are some other variables contributing to this blue screen of death error, including:
→ Third-party app or software issues
→ Outdated cloud service app
→ incorrect registry entries.
→ Obsolete or outdated driver versions.
→ Buggy Windows patches
→ Malware infection.
Though the reasons for this could vary, it is all good as long as you know how to get out of this never-ending cycle. This blog covers all possible alternatives for this situation. Read on to learn more!
Methods to Fix Cldflt.sys BSOD Error
The explanations of this blue screen error are various and require various remedies. The ones that follow are the most recommended methods for fixing the issue.
Tip: If your PC won’t boot without a blue screen, try Safe Mode. If the system is unbootable, the initial priority should be to recover data. Professional data recovery software can be utilized to recover data from a crashed or unbootable PC.
Boot into Safe Mode:
Booting your computer in Safe Mode removes all third-party apps, programs, drivers, and files. It just helps in booting Windows with the necessary programs, services, and drivers. If the problem disappears in Safe Mode, you may track down the root cause and troubleshoot the error.
To boot the PC in Safe Mode:
When the brand or Windows logo displays on the screen, continue pressing and holding the power button until the device turns off.
→ Turn on the system again and continue the previous steps.
→ Boot the computer three times, and Microsoft will display the Recovery screen.
→ There, select Advanced Repair Options.
→ Next, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
→ On the one that follows the dialog, select Startup Settings and then Restart.
→ When the machine reboots, hit F4 to enable Safe Mode.
Once in Safe Mode, start carrying out the easy solutions listed here.
Rapid Fixes
Update Microsoft Windows:
Check to see how much any Windows updates are pending installation. To do this, navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates. If there are any updates pending for Windows, click on the Install right away to finish the process.
Reinstall OneDrive:
Try reinstalling OneDrive in order to fix the CldFlt.sys issue. Uninstall the OneDrive app from Settings > Apps. Select OneDrive before you uninstall it. Then, visit the Microsoft Store and download the OneDrive app again. Verify to see if this addresses the problem.
Modern methods:
If short-term fixes fail to solve the problem, try these additional methods:
Method 1: Run the SFC and DISM commands.
Since primary root of the problem might be a missing, corrupted or damaged cldflt.sys file, perform SFC and DISM methods. This command can be useful in correcting system file problems and in repairing Winds images in general together with their usage during the Windows installation procedure, which could have led to the mistake.
The guidelines for running SFC and DISM commands are as follows:
1. When Command Prompt shows up in the results, press Windows + S, type cmd in the search box window, and then select the Run as administrator option.
2. When the elevated, Command Prompt window opens, type sfc/scannow without quotes and press Enter for the computer to scan your disks for integrity issues.
3. When this process is complete, feedback the following commands and press Enter.
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Checkhealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
4. Allow the process to finish. Once completed, close the Command Prompt window. Restart the machine and see whether the issue in question is resolved.
Method 2: Modify Registry Entry.
Some registry entries may cause changes in Cloud Filter Driver protocols, which might clarify the Cldflt.sys blue screen error. To fix the problem, you can edit the registry entry:
Steps for Modifying Registry Entry:
1. To open the Run dialog box, press Windows + R, enter regedit, and select Enter.
2. Expanding HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE first, followed by SYSTEM.
3. Go to CurrentControlSet, then click to Function.
4. Locate CldFlt in the expanded Services category and double-click it.
5. Then, double-click Instance and choose DefaultInstance from the right side.
6. Right-click DefaultInstance and choose Modify.
7. Type CldFlt inside the Value data the area followed by click OK.
8. Now, exit the registry editor and restart the system.
9. Verify if the cldflt.sys blue screen error has been solved.
Method 3: Perform System Restore.
System Restore restores your system to a working condition by returning it to a particular restore point. When all of the other ways work, this Windows built-in recovery tool could come in handy. However, this function is disabled by default. If you leave it enabled, System Restore can produce restore points that save any changes to the registry, drivers, files, and so on. Therefore, at any given time, where your system identifies an error, it can help in the restoration of these changes, and fix the problems. In such a situation, you can also use the system restore procedure to know whether it really solves the CldFlt.sys BSOD issue.
Method 4: Recover data from an unbootable or crashed Windows PC.
The problem causes recited crashes in your system, which may ultimately lead to a total non-booting stage. If you have a backup, don’t worry. However, if you are missing a data backup and the system is unbootable due to the CldFlt.sys blue screen problem, you should use professional data recovery software, such as BLR Data Recovery Tool. This DIY data recovery software has a ‘Create Recovery Media’ option that allows you to create a bootable media recovery drive to boot into a destroyed or unbootable PC and restore data.
Bottom Line
The CldFlt.sys error can be solved using the methods discussed in this blog. However, keep in mind that the issue can cause your machine to crash regularly and become inoperable. As a result, it is recommended to use professional data recovery software to restore data and apply every step.