Covpnv64.sys: How to Fix This Blue Screen Error

Expert solutions to get rid of the BSOD in a jiffy

Windows 11 » Repair

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by Kazim Ali Alvi 

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Key notes

  • The covpnv64.sys is a critical system file; if it fails, the PC crashes with a BSOD error. 
  • The error is mostly encountered by users running the F5 VPN software.
  • To fix things, we recommend you scan for malware, reset the driver verifier, or uninstall conflicting programs, amongst other solutions.
fix covpnv64.sys bsod in Windows

Blue Screen of Death errors are one of the most dreaded in Windows, particularly due to the loss of unsaved data and its subsequent corruption. One such BSOD is the DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL, often caused by the covpnv64.sys file.

A Windows System File (.sys), covpnv64.sys pertains to the VPN functionality and is often linked to the F5 VPN software. So, let’s find out the various triggers and the troubleshooting steps to fix the BSOD error in no time.

What is the covpnv64.sys blue screen?

The blue screen appears due to issues with the installed drivers, and it’s usually the covpnv64.sys file to blame. Here are a few reasons you get the BSOD:

  • Driver Verifier is enabled: When the Driver Verifier is enabled, the PC automatically crashes with a blue screen whenever a driver initiates an unwarranted action.
  • Conflicting third-party programs: A third-party antivirus or other performance-booster programs can also trigger the error for some users.
  • Corrupt system files: If the covpnv64.sys or other system files are corrupt, you are likely to encounter a BSOD.
  • Buggy update: Some F5 APM Client users started reporting the error after a buggy update which was fixed for most in the subsequent versions.

How do I fix the covpnv64.sys error?

Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, here are a few quick things you can try:

  • Restart the computer and verify whether the error reappears.
  • Scan your PC for malware and virus using the built-in Windows Security or a third-party antivirus, and eliminate any that are found.

If these don’t work, move to the solutions listed next.

1. Upgrade to APM Client version 7.2.2.2 or a more recent one (F5 client users)

The bug was widely reported to F5 by users, and the developers soon came out with version 7.2.2.2, which supposedly introduced the patch for the covpnv64.sys BSOD error. So your primary approach should be to update to APM Client Version 7.2.2.2.

A few users reported the error even after the upgrade, but it was fixed for most of them in the subsequent versions. Just make sure you always remain up-to-date.

2. Reset the Driver Verifier

  1. Shut down the computer, then turn it on, and as soon as the display lights up, hold the power button to turn it off. Repeat this thrice, and on the fourth attempt, the Automatic Repair should kick in. If it doesn’t, try a few more times.
  2. Wait for Automatic Repair to run, and then click on Advanced options.advanced options
  3. Choose Troubleshoot from the entries here.troubleshoot
  4. Again, select Advanced options.advanced options to fix https://i.imgur.com/ic2aNoy.png
  5. Now, click on Startup Settings.startup settings
  6. Click Restart.restart
  7. After the PC reboots, press 6 or F6 to boot Windows into Safe Mode with Command Prompt.safe mode to fix covpnv64.sys
  8. Once in Safe Mode, press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.command prompt
  9. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
  10. Paste the following command and hit Enter:verifier /resetreset verifier to fix covpnv64.sys
  11. Finally, boot Windows normally.

The Driver Verifier functionality in Windows crashes the OS as soon as an installed driver tries to make an untoward change or perform an action not expected from it. Driver Verifier is just a troubleshooting technique to identify the problematic driver and not a solution in itself.

After you have reset it, check whether the covpnv64.sys BSOD error is fixed.

3. Uninstall conflicting software

Note icon NOTE
If you can’t turn on the PC, boot Windows into Safe Mode either through the method shared in the previous solution or via the built-in Settings.
  1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and click OK.appwiz.cpl
  2. Select the F5 VPN Software from the list, and click on Uninstall.uninstall to fix covpnv64.sys
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
  4. Once done, press Windows + E to open File Explorer, navigate the following paths, and delete any remnant files/folders related to the F5 VPN Software:C:\ProgramData C:\Program Filesfiles
  5. Finally, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect.

That’s it! One of these solutions should have helped fix the covpnv64.sys BSOD error in Windows. And in case you were forced to uninstall the F5 VPN software to get things running, here are the best VPN tools for Windows.

For any other queries or to share a solution not listed here, drop a comment below.

More about the topics: BSoD errors, crash, VPN errors

Kazim Ali Alvi

Kazim Ali Alvi Shield

Windows Hardware Expert

Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He's specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem. Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He's also one of our experts in Networking & Security.