The System Detected an Overrun of a Stack-based Buffer [Fix]

The list of issues that can emerge on Windows 10 is incredibly long. One of these errors, the System detected an overrun of a stack-based buffer in this application, is rare but can go as far as preventing your PC from booting after a BSOD.

But, no worries, you can resolve it with some effort. The steps we provided below should be enough.

What causes stack-based buffer overflow?

Below are some of the factors that can lead to the system detected an overrun of a stack-based buffer error:

• Presence of malware: One of the major causes of this issue is the activities of malware. You need to perform a virus scan in safe mode to fix this.
• Faulty system files: Some of your system files might be broken, leading to this issue. The solution to this is to repair and restore these files.
• Issues with third-party apps: Sometimes, the problem might be down to a third-party app or two. The solution is to perform a clean boot and remove the faulty app with uninstaller software.

Fix the system detected an overrun of a stack-based buffer in this application error

1. Scan for malware

1. Restart your PC and press the power button to forcibly shut it down when the manufacturer’s logo shows up. Repeat this 3 times to enter the Advanced recovery menu.
2. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
   
3. Now, click Startup Settings.
   
4. Click the Restart button.
   
5. When your PC restarts, press the corresponding key to Enable Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking.
   
6. Once the PC boots, press the Windows key, type virus, and select Virus & threat protection.
   
7. Now, select Scan options.
   
8. Finally, select the Full Scan option and click the Scan now button.
   

As you’re already aware, the system detected an overrun of a stack-based buffer in this application error states that the problem can cause a malicious user to gain control of your PC.

So, you need to perform a full system scan or use the Microsoft Defender Offline option to eliminate the viruses.

2. Run SFC/DISM

1. Repeat Steps 1 to 5 in Solution 1 to Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
2. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
   
3. Now, type the commands below and press Enter after each: DISM /online /Cleanup-Image / ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. After the commands finish running, type the command below and hit Enter: sfc /scannow
5. Finally, restart your PC when it’s done.

System files are important for the smooth running of your PC. If any files are problematic, you might encounter the system detected an overrun of a stack-based buffer error.

3. Perform a clean boot

1. Press the Windows key + S, type msconfig, and click OK.
   
2. Select the Services tab at the top, check the Hide all Microsoft services box, and click Disable all.
   
3. Now, select the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
   
4. Next, right-click each of the apps there and select Disable.
   
5. Go back to the System Configuration windows and click Apply, followed by OK.
   
6. Finally, restart your PC.

Another viable step to resolve issues invoked by a rogue application is a clean boot. It’s quite obvious that one of the applications which start with the system is corrupted and thus causes the system detected an overrun of a stack-based buffer.

So, we’ll need to prevent all third-party applications from starting with the system. Suppose you can boot into the system without issues; even better. But if you can’t, use the Safe Mode shown in Solution 1.

4. Repair with system resources

1. Access the Advanced Recovery menu and choose Troubleshoot.
   
2. Choose Advanced options.
   
3. Now, select System Restore or Startup Repair.
   
4. Try one and then the other; hopefully, you’ll be able to boot.

On the other hand, if you cannot get into Safe Mode to fix the system detected an overrun of a stack-based buffer error, you can try the system recovery options.

Of course, the best solution is System Restore. But you can also use the Startup Repair option to fix issues with your startup files.

Read more about this topic

• Fix: Driver Overran Stack Buffer BSoD in Windows 10/11
• Error Writing the Value’s New Contents Windows 10 Registry [FIX]
• Mouse Loading Icon Won’t go Away: 3 Ways to Fix it
• FIX: Microsoft Project won’t open corrupted file

5. Repair with a bootable drive

1. Unplug everything from your PC apart from the mouse and keyboard.
2. Create and insert a bootable media drive (USB or DVD) and boot with it. If your PC does not boot automatically from the bootable drive, you need to enter BIOS to change your boot drive.
3. Once the drive boots, enter your language and other important information and click Next.
   
4. Now, choose the Repair your computer option in the bottom left corner.
   
5. Choose Troubleshoot.
   
6. Select Advanced options.
   
7. Finally, choose Startup Repair.
   

If you’re completely unable to boot, this and the next step will require a bootable media drive. You’ll need an alternative PC to download Media Creation Tool and create a bootable drive.

Once you’ve done that, you can repair the current system image using the bootable drive, as shown above. Aside from the System Repair option, you can also use Automatic Repair to fix the system detected an overrun of a stack-based buffer error.

6. Reinstall Windows 10

Finally, if none of the previous steps helped you address the problem, we encourage you to back up your data and reinstall Windows 10.

We’re probably looking into a large-scale problem, and although reinstallation can be a drag, it’s a definitive solution.

That is all you need to fix the system detected an overrun of a stack-based buffer error on your PC. You only need to follow the steps carefully, and you should be able to restore normalcy on your PC.

If you are facing other issues, like the driver overran stack buffer BSOD, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.

Lastly, don’t forget to tell us whether you find these steps helpful in the comments below.