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How to Fix Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Error windows 10

This is a safeguard mechanism implemented by the Windows operating system to prevent potential damage to the system when critical errors are detected.

The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is a critical system error that usually occurs on Microsoft Windows operating systems when the system encounters a critical error that it cannot recover from, resulting in a system crash. It is also commonly known as a “stop error” or “bug check” screen. When blue screen error occurs, the operating system stops working, and the screen turns blue, displaying diagnostic information about the error. Windows Blue Screen of Death can be triggered by a variety of issues, including hardware failures, incompatible or outdated drivers, software conflicts, memory problems, or issues with the operating system itself. Well if you encounter blue screen of death on Windows 10 or 11, it is essential to take note of the error message and code, as it provides valuable information for resolving the underlying problem. This article explores what causes Blue screen of death errors and how to fix it on Windows 10 or 11.

It serves as an indication to the user that there is a serious issue with the computer that needs attention.

What causes Blue Screen of Death on Windows 10

windows blue screen of death errors usually occurs when the software that makes your computer work (called drivers) or some of the physical parts inside the computer (like the memory or graphics card) aren’t working properly. When a BSOD occurs, the system collects diagnostic information, commonly known as a memory dump, which can be used by technical support personnel or advanced users to analyze the cause of the error.

Windows Blue Screen Errors (BSOD) can be triggered by a variety of underlying issues, ranging from software glitches to hardware failures.

  1. Driver Issues: Outdated, incompatible, or corrupt device drivers, especially graphics and hardware drivers, can lead to system crashes.
  2. Hardware Problems: Faulty hardware components, such as RAM, hard drives, or graphics cards, can result in critical errors leading to the Blue Screen of Death.
  3. Software Conflicts: Incompatible or poorly coded software, particularly third-party applications, may conflict with the operating system, triggering the BSOD.
  4. Corrupted System Files: Corrupted or damaged system files crucial to Windows operation can be a primary behind blue screen of death errors.
  5. Malware or Viruses: Malicious software can compromise system stability, leading to unexpected errors, including the infamous BSOD.
  6. Faulty RAM: Problems with system memory, such as faulty RAM modules, can lead to instability and trigger the BSOD.
  7. Overheating: Excessive heat can cause hardware components to malfunction. Overheating due to inadequate cooling or ventilation may result in system crashes.
  8. Power Supply Issues: Insufficient or unstable power can lead to crashes.

Sometimes, this issue can be temporary, and a simple system restart may suffice. When you restart Windows, it refreshes system processes, potentially clearing out any temporary glitches triggering the error and fixing the problem.

Disconnect External Devices

External devices like printers, scanners, or hard drives can sometimes have their own drivers or hardware issues that may conflict with the system. By disconnecting them, you create a more controlled environment, making it easier to pinpoint the source of the problem.

  • First Turn off your computer.
  • Remove all external devices connected to your computer including secondary monitors, printers, and external hard drives.
  • Turn on your computer and check if the BSOD error persists. If not, reconnect devices one by one to identify the problematic ones.

Start Windows 10 in safe mode

At times, a basic restart can get Windows back on track. However, for some users, encountering frequent Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors during startup is a recurring issue. In such situations, you need to start Windows 10 in safe mode. In Safe Mode, Windows starts with only the essential components, providing a stable environment for performing troubleshooting steps.

If you are in a normal window:

  • Press and hold the Shift key on the keyboard, and click the Start button -> Power -> Restart.
  • After you get into the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot -> Advanced options -> Startup Settings -> Restart.
  • Next, press F4, F5, or F6 to choose a desired Safe Mode option.

Safe Mode Boot to troubleshoot windows blue screen of death error

Alternatively, you can open the System Configuration utility using msconfig, then move to the Boot tab. Under Boot options, click mark safe boot option then select minimal option. Click Apply and ok then restart the device to start Windows in safe mode.

Safe mode boot option

Well if the system restarts frequently or is unable to access normal desktop you need to boot from installation media to access advanced options and then start in safe mode.

Disable the Fast Startup Feature

Several Windows users report on the Microsoft forum / Reddit Disable Fast Startup Feature Fix Most of the blue Screen errors for them. Fast Startup ( hybrid Shutdown Feature ) Which Reduces the startup time and makes Windows start faster. However Fast Startup can sometimes cause conflicts with hardware drivers and system configurations, and turning it off can mitigate these issues.

  • Go to “Control Panel” > “Power Options.”
  • Click on “Choose what the power buttons do” on the left sidebar.
  • Click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable.”
  • Scroll down and uncheck “Turn on fast startup (recommended)” to disable Fast Startup Feature.
  • Click “Save changes.”

Fast Startup

Update Display driver

Outdated or incompatible device drivers, especially the display graphics driver, are common reasons behind Windows Blue Screen of Death errors. Updating device drivers addresses compatibility issues and bugs that lead to BSOD errors. You can update drivers from the Device Manager or use third-party utilities, ensuring optimal system stability.

To Update device driver

  • Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
  • Locate the device with a potential driver issue (often marked with a yellow triangle).
  • Right-click on the device and select “Update driver.”
  • Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” to let Windows find and install the latest driver.

Update network driver

Roll Back driver

If you notice after a recent driver upgrade the BSOD problem started, Performing a “Roll Back Driver” allows you to revert to the previous version of a driver if an updated version is causing issues.

  1. Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
  2. Locate the device with the driver you want to roll back (often marked with a yellow triangle).
  3. Right-click on the device and select “Properties.”
  4. Go to the “Driver” tab and click on “Roll Back Driver” if the option is available.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to roll back the driver to the previous version.
  6. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Roll back network Adapter driver

Reinstall device Driver

Also Reinstalling Driver” can resolve issues caused by corrupted or outdated drivers by installing a fresh copy.

  1. Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
  2. Locate the device with the driver you want to reinstall (often marked with a yellow triangle).
  3. Right-click on the device and select “Uninstall device.”
  4. In the confirmation dialog box, check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device” if available, and then click “Uninstall.”
  5. After uninstalling, restart your computer.
  6. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically upon reboot, or you can download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website and install it manually.

Uninstall Graphic Driver

Also Using a third-party driver update utility can simplify the process of keeping your system’s drivers up to date and help ensure optimal performance and compatibility with hardware devices

Repair Windows System Files

Corrupted or missing system files can sometimes trigger various problems, including the Blue Screen of Death error, on Windows 10. Running the SFC (System File Checker) command helps scan and repair Windows files, restoring the integrity of these essential files. In addition to SFC, utilizing DISM (Deployment Image Service and Management Tool) for system image repair is crucial. By restoring the system image to a healthy state, DISM resolves issues that contribute to BSOD errors.

  • First Open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges. To do this press the Windows key and type cmd, right-click on the command prompt select run as administrator,
  • Type the command sfc /scannow and press Enter, this will scan and attempt to repair corrupted system files. Be patient, as this process may take some time.
  •  Next Type the command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
  • This will attempt to repair the Windows image with online sources. Allow the process to complete, which may take a while, depending on your internet connection.

Once the scanning is complete, restart your computer and check if this helps fix the blue screen error on your computer.

Run SFC and DISM to fix blue screen of death error

Check for Disk Errors using chkdsk (Check Disk)

Disk errors, such as bad sectors or file system inconsistencies, can cause Windows to freeze or crash with blue screen error. These errors can lead to data corruption, system instability, and ultimately, BSOD errors. Running the chkdsk (Check Disk) command helps scan for and fix errors on the disk.

  • Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
  • Type the command chkdsk C: /f /r and press Enter.
  • You may be prompted to schedule a disk check on the next restart. Type ‘Y’ and press Enter.
  • Restart your computer to allow chkdsk to scan and fix disk errors during the boot process.

Check disk utility

By identifying and repairing these errors, chkdsk improves the overall health and performance of the disk, reducing the likelihood of BSOD occurrences.

Run Memory Diagnostic Tool

The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool helps identify memory-related issues that can lead to BSOD errors. Running this diagnostic provides insights into potential hardware problems, allowing for appropriate troubleshooting to address memory-related concerns.

  • Press Windows key + R, type mdsched.exe, and press Enter.
  • Choose “Restart now and check for problems” to run the Windows Memory Diagnostic.
  • Allow the tool to scan for memory issues and follow any on-screen instructions.

Memory diagnostic tool

Check for Windows Updates

Installing the latest Windows updates patches security vulnerabilities, fixes bugs, and addresses compatibility issues contributing to BSOD errors. Regular updates enhance system integrity and stability.

Keeping the operating system up to date ensures system integrity and stability.

  • Click on the Start menu and select “Settings.”
  • Go to “Update & Security” and click on “Windows Update.”
  • Click “Check for updates” and install any available updates.

Windows 10 update help fix blue screen of death error

Scan for Malware

Malicious programs can compromise system files, drivers, and critical components, leading to system instability and crashes. Removing malware resolves this issue and enhances overall system security.

  • You can use Windows security (Defender) Use a reputable antivirus or antimalware program and Perform a full system scan to detect and remove any malware.
  • Follow the software’s instructions to quarantine or remove identified threats.

Windows security Scan

Check for Overheating

Overheating can damage hardware components and lead to system instability. Monitoring system temperatures and ensuring proper cooling mechanisms prevent overheating-related BSOD errors.

  • Download temperature monitoring software (e.g., HWMonitor, Core Temp).
  • Monitor CPU and GPU temperatures during normal and heavy usage.
  • Ensure proper airflow and consider cleaning internal components or improving cooling if temperatures are consistently high.

Did the above solutions help fix the Windows blue screen of death error on your computer? Let us know on the comments below.

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