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| How to Fix Windows Blue Screen Errors |
Introduction
Nothing is more frustrating than seeing the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on your Windows PC. Blue screen errors occur when Windows encounters a critical system error and has to shut down to prevent damage.
These errors can be caused by hardware failures, corrupt drivers, overheating, malware, or system crashes. But don’t worry—BSOD errors are fixable!
In this guide, we’ll show you how to fix Windows blue screen errors step by step and prevent them from happening again.
1. What is a Blue Screen Error (BSOD)?
A blue screen error, also known as the STOP Error, occurs when Windows encounters a fatal system issue. It results in a blue screen with a stop code that provides clues about the problem.
Common Blue Screen Error Messages:
✔ CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED – System process failure.
✔ MEMORY_MANAGEMENT – RAM-related issues.
✔ PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA – Faulty RAM or driver issues.
✔ DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL – Corrupt or outdated drivers.
✔ VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE – Graphics card failure or overheating.
💡 Pro Tip: Note down the stop code from the BSOD screen—it helps in diagnosing the problem faster.
2. Restart Your PC and Check for Temporary Issues
Sometimes, a simple restart can fix blue screen errors, especially if they happen randomly.
✔ Press and hold the Power button to force shutdown.
✔ Restart the PC and check if the issue persists.
✔ Run Windows normally and see if you encounter another BSOD.
💡 Pro Tip: If the blue screen doesn’t appear again, it may have been a temporary software glitch.
3. Boot Into Safe Mode for Troubleshooting
Safe Mode runs Windows with minimal drivers and services, which helps diagnose if third-party apps or drivers are causing the BSOD.
✔ How to Boot Windows in Safe Mode:
1️⃣ Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
2️⃣ Go to the Boot tab and check Safe boot > Click OK.
3️⃣ Restart your PC to boot into Safe Mode.
💡 Pro Tip: If your PC works fine in Safe Mode, a third-party driver or software is likely the cause of the BSOD.
4. Check for Windows Updates
Microsoft regularly releases updates to fix security bugs, driver issues, and system crashes.
✔ How to Update Windows:
1️⃣ Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2️⃣ Click Update & Security > Windows Update.
3️⃣ Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
💡 Pro Tip: Many BSOD errors are fixed by installing the latest updates, so always keep Windows updated.
5. Update or Roll Back Drivers
Faulty or outdated drivers can cause BSOD crashes. Updating them can fix compatibility issues.
✔ How to Update Drivers:
1️⃣ Press Windows + X, then select Device Manager.
2️⃣ Expand categories like Display Adapters, Network Adapters, and Sound Controllers.
3️⃣ Right-click the driver and select Update driver.
4️⃣ Choose Search automatically for drivers.
✔ How to Roll Back a Problematic Driver:
1️⃣ In Device Manager, right-click the driver.
2️⃣ Select Properties > Go to the Driver tab.
3️⃣ Click Roll Back Driver if available.
💡 Pro Tip: If the blue screen error happened after a recent driver update, rolling back may fix the issue.
6. Scan for Malware and Viruses
Some malware or viruses can corrupt system files, leading to blue screen errors.
✔ How to Scan for Malware in Windows:
1️⃣ Open Windows Security by pressing Windows + I > Update & Security.
2️⃣ Click Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
3️⃣ Click Quick Scan (or Full Scan for a deeper check).
💡 Pro Tip: Use Malwarebytes or another antivirus software to detect hidden malware.
7. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic to Check RAM Issues
Faulty RAM (memory) is a common cause of BSOD errors. You can test your RAM using the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.
✔ How to Run Memory Diagnostic:
1️⃣ Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, and hit Enter.
2️⃣ Select Restart now and check for problems.
3️⃣ Your PC will restart and scan the RAM for errors.
💡 Pro Tip: If errors are found, you may need to replace your RAM module.
8. Check Your Hard Drive for Errors
A failing SSD or HDD can cause system crashes and blue screen errors.
✔ How to Check for Disk Errors Using CHKDSK:
1️⃣ Press Windows + X, then select Command Prompt (Admin).
2️⃣ Type:
3️⃣ Press Enter and type Y to schedule the scan.
4️⃣ Restart your PC to complete the check.
💡 Pro Tip: If you get bad sectors or disk errors, consider replacing your SSD or HDD.
9. Use System Restore to Undo Recent Changes
If the BSOD started after a recent update, driver installation, or app installation, using System Restore can roll back your system to a working state.
✔ How to Use System Restore:
1️⃣ Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2️⃣ Click Next and select a restore point before the BSOD error occurred.
3️⃣ Click Finish to restore your system.
💡 Pro Tip: System Restore does not delete your personal files but removes system changes that may have caused the issue.
10. Perform a Clean Windows Installation (Last Resort)
If none of the above solutions work, performing a clean installation of Windows can fix persistent BSOD errors.
✔ How to Reinstall Windows:
1️⃣ Create a Windows installation USB using the Media Creation Tool.
2️⃣ Boot from the USB and choose "Custom Install".
3️⃣ Format your system drive and reinstall Windows.
💡 Warning: Backup your important files before reinstalling Windows, as this will erase all data on your system drive.
11. Prevent Blue Screen Errors in the Future
✔ Keep Windows & Drivers Updated – Avoid outdated drivers and software.
✔ Use Reliable Antivirus Software – Protect against malware and system corruption.
✔ Check for Overheating Issues – Keep your PC cool to prevent hardware failures.
✔ Avoid Untrusted Software & Mods – Some third-party apps can cause system instability.
✔ Run Regular Disk & Memory Checks – Prevent storage and RAM-related crashes.
💡 Pro Tip: Regular system maintenance reduces the chances of blue screen errors significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does my PC keep getting blue screen errors?
✔ It could be due to faulty drivers, hardware failure, overheating, malware, or corrupted system files.
Can a blue screen error fix itself?
✔ Sometimes, a simple restart may fix temporary software glitches, but persistent BSODs need troubleshooting.
How do I fix a blue screen error that won’t let me boot into Windows?
✔ Boot into Safe Mode and perform system restore, driver rollback, or repair Windows.
Will reinstalling Windows fix BSOD?
✔ Yes, a clean Windows installation resolves most BSOD issues, but backup your files first.
Conclusion
Blue screen errors are frustrating but fixable. By following this guide, you can diagnose and fix BSOD issues quickly.
Quick Fix Recap:
✅ Restart your PC and check for updates.
✅ Boot into Safe Mode to troubleshoot drivers.
✅ Update or roll back drivers to fix compatibility issues.
✅ Run memory & disk checks to find faulty RAM or HDD problems.
✅ Use System Restore to undo recent system changes.
Did this guide help? Let us know in the comments! 🚀
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