ErrorFindly
0x0000011BBSODCritical

0x0000011B — Driver Returned Holding Cancel Lock | Blue Screen Fix Guide

DRIVER_RETURNED_HOLDING_CANCEL_LOCK

Windows XPWindows VistaWindows 7Windows 8Windows 10Windows 11

What Does 0x0000011B Mean?

A driver returned from a cancel routine while still holding the cancel spin lock.

Real-World Causes

  1. 1Driver not releasing cancel spin lock
  2. 2IRP cancellation handling bug
  3. 3Driver synchronization error

Symptoms

  • ⚠Blue screen with stop code DRIVER_RETURNED_HOLDING_CANCEL_LOCK
  • ⚠System reboots unexpectedly
  • ⚠Possible data loss from unsaved work

DIY Fix

Beginner-friendly steps you can try at home

  1. 1Restart your computer
  2. 2Update or roll back recently installed drivers
  3. 3Run System File Checker (sfc /scannow)
  4. 4Check Windows Update for driver updates

Advanced Fix

For experienced users and IT professionals

  1. 1Analyze crash dump with WinDbg
  2. 2Run Driver Verifier to isolate faulty driver
  3. 3Use Safe Mode to uninstall problematic drivers
  4. 4Check Event Viewer for related errors

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes DRIVER_RETURNED_HOLDING_CANCEL_LOCK?
A driver returned from a cancel routine while still holding the cancel spin lock.
Can I fix Driver Returned Holding Cancel Lock myself?
In many cases yes. Start with basic troubleshooting like restarting, updating drivers, and running System File Checker. If the issue persists, advanced analysis of crash dumps may be needed.

Related Error Codes

0x00000048Cancel State in Completed IRP0x00000044Multiple IRP Complete Requests

About the Author

Windows Troubleshooting Team

Verified against official Microsoft documentation and real-world diagnostic data. Error behavior confirmed across Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server.