how to solve blue screen error in windows 11

How to fix Blue Screen of Death errors on Windows 11

Does a blue screen error keep popping up on Windows 11? Here are some troubleshooting steps to fix this problem.

• Fix blue screen errors during an upgrade
• Fix blue screen error during startup
• Fix blue screen errors desktop

On Windows 11 , the "Blue Screen of Death" (BSoD) refers to the error on the screen when the system cannot handle a specific operation that causes the device to crash without warning. 

Usually, you will see a "blue screen" (also referred to as "stop error," "system crash," or "bug check") during an upgrade, starting up the system, or "out of the blue" when you're actively working with applications. Furthermore, you will only see a blue background with a sad kaomoji and insufficient information to determine the reason for the problem.

However, the issue can usually be narrowed to a buggy update, device driver, compatibility issues with a specific app, or a piece of hardware that needs replacing.

This how-to guide will walk you through different steps to troubleshoot and resolve most problems causing blue screen errors on Windows 11.

How to resolve blue screen errors during an upgrade on Windows 11

A Blue Screen of Death is not uncommon while upgrading to Windows 11. Usually, the error may occur because of a compatibility problem with an application or security software. However, it can also happen because of corruption in the current setup or damaged files in the installation media.

If the installation wizard rolled back to the previous setup, uninstalling non-essential apps, disconnecting non-essential devices, re-downloading the setup files, or performing a clean installation can fix the problem.

Uninstall problematic apps

To uninstall an application causing a blue screen on Windows 11, use these steps:

Get the Windows Central Newsletter

All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.

• Open  Settings .
• Click on  Apps .
• Click the "Installed apps" page on the right side.

• Under the "App list" section, click the menu (three-dotted) button and choose the  Uninstall  option for the incompatible app.
• Click the Uninstall button again.

• Continue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).

Once you complete the steps, you may need to repeat the instructions to uninstall other non-essential apps. After removing all the conflicting applications, you may try to continue with the installation process.

Disconnect non-essential devices

When a hardware problem is detected, you will likely see a blue screen of death. As a result of this potential issue, it's a good idea to disconnect the non-essential peripherals from your computer. 

For example, you may want to disconnect external hard drives, printers, secondary monitors, phones, and other USB or Bluetooth devices.

After the installation, you can reconnect the peripherals. 

It might be a compatibility issue if you continue to see the problem. 

Updating the device driver to the latest version can resolve the issue. However, if the computer already has the most recent driver, the problem may be with the new version of Windows 11, or the hardware coincidently got damaged and needs to be replaced.

Microsoft lists all the known issues for the different versions of Windows on the  health dashboard page .

Redownload setup files

If you try to use the upgrade option from the Windows Update settings and you see a blue screen, it may be that one or more files are damaged. In this case, you can clear out the files and try to re-download the setup files one more time.

To clear and download the Windows 11 installation files again, use these steps:

• Click on  System .
• Click the  Storage  page on the right side.

• Click the  Temporary files  setting.

• Clear the default options.
• Check the "Temporary Windows installation files" option.
• Click the  Remove files  button.

After completing the steps, click the "Check for updates" button to re-download the installation files in the Windows Update settings.

If the problem remains, you may have to use the Installation Assistant to perform an in-place upgrade.

Check upgrade logs 

Microsoft's SetupDiag is a tool for administrators that can help troubleshoot and determine why an installation failed. This information could be critical to resolving the problem.

To determine why the upgrade failed to apply to the SetupDiag tool, use these steps:

• Open the  SetupDiag  page .
• Click the  Download SetupDiag  button to save the installer on your computer.

• Right-click the "SetupDiag.exe" and select the  Run as administrator  option.
• Right-click the  SetupDiagResults.log  file and select the  Open  option.

Once you complete the steps, the app will open the log file for review with the default text editor.

If an error was recorded and it's a known issue, the log should include details on resolving it. If the file has no details, you may find a link with the error code that you can use to research and fix the problem. 

Reinstall from Windows Update

Before going through the clean installation process, Windows 11 has an feature that allows you to reinstall the operating system without losing your files, apps, and settings. 

The feature uses the "Windows Update" settings to download and reinstall the current version of the operating system with ease to resolve issues, which may also be causing the Blue Screen of Death.

To reinstall Windows 11, use these steps: 

• Open Settings .
• Click on System .
• Click the Recovery page on the right side.

• Click the Reinstall now button.

• Check the "Automatically restart my PC 15 minutes after installation" option.
• Click the OK button.

After you complete the steps, the feature will reinstall the operating system, fixing the problem causing the BoSD. (This option is available after installing the Windows 11 Moment 5 update .)

Clean installation 

If you want to prevent problems, such as blue screens, the best way to upgrade to a new version of Windows 11 is to perform a clean installation since this process will erase everything and set up a fresh copy of the system, which can also help to resolve other issues and improve performance.

A clean installation requires the device to start from a USB flash drive. If your computer can't start from a USB, you will have to change the boot order in the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) firmware.

Usually, to access your device firmware, you must use one of the function keys (F1, F2, F3, F10, or F12), the "Esc" key, or the "Delete" key during startup. However, since the settings are different per manufacturer and device model, you should check your computer manufacturer for more specific details.

While in the firmware, you must navigate to the "Boot" page and change the boot order to start from a USB flash drive. After completing these steps, you must create an installation media and use that media to continue with the clean installation.

To delete everything on the hard drive and do a clean install of Windows 11 to prevent the blue screen of death errors, use these steps:

• Start PC with installation media.
• Click the  Next  button on the "Windows Setup" page.
• Click the  Install Now  button. 

• Click the  "I don't have a product key"  option to continue (assuming your computer was already properly activated).

• Select the edition of Windows 11 that the product key activates (if applicable).

• Click the  Next  button.
• Check the  "I accept the license terms"  option to continue.
• Click on the  "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)"  option.

• Select the partition with the current installation of Windows (usually "Drive 0"), and click the  Delete  button to remove it. 
• Quick tip:  If you have multiple partitions on the primary hard drive (Drive 0), select and delete each one. The setup will recreate the required partitions automatically. You don't need to delete partitions from secondary drives.
• Select the empty drive labeled  Drive 0 Unallocated Space .

Once you complete the steps, the setup will begin installing Windows 11, avoiding many blue screen errors. After the installation, you'll need to continue with the  out-of-box experience (OOBE)  to finish setting up the device. 

How to resolve blue screen errors during startup on Windows 11

If the device has problems starting up, you can use the Windows Recovery (WinRE) environment to troubleshoot and resolve the blue screen error with System Restore, Safe Mode, or Advanced Startup settings.

Fix errors with System Restore

Windows 11 still includes the legacy System Restore tool, which enables you to undo changes to resolve problems after installing a bad driver, system update, or application. (This feature will only work if you have  previously enabled it manually .)

You can access the tool through the Advanced Startup settings to use System Restore.

Access Advanced Startup from boot

To launch the Advanced startup settings to access System Restore, use these steps:

• As soon as the Windows logo appears, press and hold the  power  button to interrupt the boot sequence.
• Repeat  steps 1  and  2  two more times.

After the third interruption, Windows 11 should open the recovery environment and continue with the steps below to access System Restore.

Access Advanced Startup from USB

Alternatively, you can use installation media to open the advanced settings with these steps:

• Start PC with USB media. 
• Quick tip:  If the computer isn't starting from USB, you must change your system's UEFI settings to ensure it can. You can usually access the UEFI by powering up your device and pressing one of the functions, "Delete" or "Esc" keys, but be sure to check your manufacturer's support website for more specific details.
• Click the " Repair your computer"  option from the bottom-left corner.

Once you complete the steps, continue with the "Restore Point" instructions below.

Fix blue screen of death with Restore Point

To fix blue screen problems with a restore point on Windows 11, use these steps:

• Click the  Advanced Startup  option. 
• Quick note: The "Advanced Startup" option is only available when using the Windows automatic repair feature, not when using USB media.
• Click the  Troubleshoot  option.
• Click on  Advanced options.
• Click the  System Restore  option.

• Click the Windows 11 option.
• Confirm your account credentials (if applicable).
• Click the  Continue  button.
• Select the restore point to apply to the blue screen error.

• (Optional) Click the  "Scan for affected programs"  button to determine the apps that may be affected using a restore point.
• Click the  Close  button.
• Click the  Finish  button.

After completing the steps, Restore Point will apply the selected checkpoint, which will undo updates, drivers, apps, and system changes to the problem.

Fix errors with Safe Mode

On Windows 11, Safe Mode is an environment that loads only the essential services, drivers, and apps to access the desktop to troubleshoot problems.

If you don't have access to the desktop, you can boot your computer through the Windows Recovery environment.

To launch the Advanced Startup settings to access System Restore, use these steps:

After the third interruption, the system should enter the recovery environment and continue with the steps below to access the Safe Boot option.

Alternatively, you can use installation media to open the Windows Recovery environment with these steps:

• Click the  Next  button.
• Click the  "Repair your computer"  option from the bottom-left corner.

Once you complete the steps, continue with the instructions below to access the Safe Mode environment.

Fix bug check on Safe Mode 

To access Safe Mode to diagnose Blue Screen of Death errors, use these steps:

• Click the  Advanced Startup  option
• Click the  Troubleshoot  option.
• Click on  Advanced options .
• Click the  Startup Settings  option.

• Click the  Restart  button.
• After your computer reboots, press the  F4  (or  4 ) key to select the Enable Safe Mode option.

After completing the steps, you can use the next set of instructions to uninstall updates and drivers that may prevent your computer from operating correctly.

Fix errors with WinRE

Since the Safe Mode environment loads the essential elements, you can still use Device Manager to remove drivers and Event Viewer to troubleshoot errors. However, the Settings app won't work to uninstall updates, but you can still use Command Prompt to complete the task.

Uninstall conflicting update

To uninstall a system update with Command Prompt, use these steps:

• Use the "Windows key + R" keyboard shortcut to open the Run command. 
• Type cmd and click the OK button to launch Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Type the following command to view the most recent installed updates and press  Enter :  wmic qfe list brief /format:table
• Confirm the  HotFixID  and  InstalledOn  information to determine the update to remove.
• Type the following command to uninstall the update from your computer and press  Enter :  wusa /uninstall /kb:KB-NUMBER  

In the command, replace  KB-NUMBER  for the KB number of the update to uninstall. This example removes the update KB5013889 from Windows 11:  wusa /uninstall /kb:5034457

• Click the  Yes  button.

Once you complete the steps, you may need to restart the computer to apply the changes.

Uninstall conflicting driver

To uninstall an incompatible driver with Safe Mode, use these steps:

• Use the "Windows key + R" keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
• Type the devmgmt.msc command and click the OK button to open the Device Manager app.
• Expand the branch with the device causing the problem.
• Right-click the device and choose the  Uninstall device  option.
• Click the  OK  button.

After you complete the steps, repeat them to remove other drivers as necessary, and then restart the device to see if the problem has been resolved.

Check Event Viewer 

The Event Viewer is another tool that you can use to find out more information about the Blue Screen of Death error to diagnose the issue.

To troubleshoot blue screens with the Event Viewer on Windows 11, use these steps:

• Type the eventvwr.   msc command and click the OK button to open the Event Viewer app.
• Expand the  Windows Logs  group.
• Right-click the "System" category and choose the  "Filter Current Log"  option.

• Click the  Filter  tab.
• Use the  Logged  drop-down menu and select the time range when the error occurred — for example,  Last 12 hours .
• Under the "Event level" section, check the  Critical and Error  options.

• Click the  OK  button.
• Double-click to open each log to learn more details about the problem. 
• Quick note:  The blue screen errors may appear as "BugCheck" in the "Source" column.
• Check event log details for clues about the error.

Once you complete the steps, the "General" tab will give you some technical details you can use to diagnose and resolve the blue screen problem.

If the error doesn't provide enough information, copy the description, source, and event ID and use it to search online for a possible solution.

Fix blue screen error from Windows Recovery

If a recently installed update is causing the computer to have a blue screen, use the Advanced Startup settings in Windows Recovery to uninstall it.

To launch the Advanced Startup settings, use these steps:

After the third interruption, the system should enter the Windows Recovery Environment and continue with the steps below.

Alternatively, you can use installation media to open the Windows Recovery Environment with these steps:

• Click the  "Repair your computer"  option from the bottom-left corner.

Once you complete the steps, continue with the instructions below.

Uninstall quality or feature updates

To uninstall the most recent update causing the bug check error, use these steps:

• Click the  Advanced Startup  option.
• Click the  Uninstall Updates  option.

• Click the "Uninstall latest quality update" option to remove a recent update or the  "Uninstall latest feature update"  option to roll back to a previous version.

• Click the  Uninstall quality update button.

• Click the  Done  button.
• Click the  Continue  option.

After you complete the steps, the system will remove the update, resolving the Blue Screen of Death error.

How to resolve blue screen errors during normal use on Windows 11

When the blue screen occurs after signing into your account, the problem is typically a driver, missing update, or application.

Install latest updates

If you still have access to the desktop, you may be able to fix the bug check by installing the latest system updates, drivers, and apps.

System updates

To check for updates on Windows 11, use these steps:

• Click on  Windows Update .
• Click the  "Check for updates"  button.

• (Optional) Turn on the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" toggle switch to install upcoming updates that may include fixes for the current problem

Once you complete the steps, if the computer is missing an update, the system will download and install them automatically. 

Driver update

To check for driver updates on Windows 11, use these steps:

• Click the  Advanced options  page on the right side.

• Click the  Optional updates  setting under the "Additional options" section.

• Select the driver update to install.
• Click the  "Download & install"  button.

Once you complete the steps, the most up-to-date driver should download and install automatically. 

If the system cannot detect new updates, check the manufacturer's support website and follow their instructions to download a more recent driver. (If the problem is the driver, you may want to consider trying out a beta version since it may include a fix for the problem.)

If a compatibility issue causes the blue screen with an app, installing the latest version may resolve the problem.

To update apps on Windows 11, use these steps:

• Open  Microsoft Store .
• Click on  Library .
• Click the  Get updates  button.

Once you complete the steps, any available updates will download and install automatically.

If you are dealing with an app you acquired outside the Microsoft Store, check for updates in the app's settings or the software vendor support website to download the latest available version.

Uninstall problematic apps, drivers, and updates

Software and hardware companies sometimes release updates with bugs that can cause the Blue Screen of Death, among other issues.

If you have access to the desktop, you can remove these system updates, drivers, or apps to mitigate the problem until a newer version rolls out with a permanent fix.

Remove updates

To uninstall updates on Windows 11, use these steps:

• Click on  Update history .

• Click the  Uninstall updates  option under the "Related settings" section.

• Click the  Uninstall  button for the update to remove.

After completing the steps, the update will be removed from the computer, hopefully fixing the bug check problem.

Remove drivers

To uninstall a device driver on Windows 11, use these steps:

• Open  Start .
• Search for  Device Manager  and click the top result to open the app.
• Right-click the device and select the  Uninstall device  option.

Once you complete the steps, the driver will be removed from the computer.

If the graphics card driver causes the problem, you can use the Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) tool to fully remove the driver since using the manufacturer tool may not get rid of all the components.

Rollback driver version

Alternatively, you can try rolling back to the previous version of the driver if a newer version is causing BSoD on Windows 11.

To rollback to a previous version of a driver, use these steps:

• Search for  Device Manager  and click the top result to open the console.
• Expand the category of the device with the problem.
• Right-click the device and select the  Properties  option.

• Click the  Driver  tab.
• Click the  "Roll Back Driver"  button (if available). 

• Quick tip:  If the option isn't available, the system doesn't have a backup of the previous driver.
• Select one of the available options to answer the question.

After completing the steps, the driver will roll back to the previous version to resolve the blue screen problem.

Disable drivers

If you don't want to uninstall or roll back the driver, you can disable it to confirm whether the device is causing the issue.

To disable a device driver on Windows 11, use these steps:

• Right-click the device and select the  Disable device  option.
• Click the  Yes  button.

Once you complete the steps, the device will no longer be available on Windows 11 but will remain installed.

Remove apps

If you are dealing with a compatibility problem, you will probably experience a Blue Screen of Death randomly or upon launching the app. In this case, you can try updating the app to a newer version or uninstall the app in question to overcome the problem.

To uninstall an app on Windows 11, use these steps:

• Click on Apps .
• Click the  "Installed apps"  page on the right side.

• Select the app, click the menu (three-dotted), and choose the  Uninstall  option.
• Click the  Uninstall  option again.

After completing the steps, the app will no longer be available on the computer, mitigating the blue screen problem. Once an update becomes available to resolve the bug check permanently, you can then reinstall the app.

On Windows 11, a Blue Screen of Death error message may appear after connecting a new piece of hardware (for example, a USB drive, graphics adapter, etc.). If this happens, you are probably facing a compatibility issue, the hardware is broken, or the system is installing the wrong driver.

If you encounter a compatibility issue, you can contact support for assistance, or you may need to replace the hardware with a compatible alternative.

If the system tries installing the wrong driver, uninstall the current one and install the correct version using the manufacturer's support instructions.

Run DISM and SFC commands

If you see a blue screen due to an installation problem, you may be able to resolve the issue using the Deployment Servicing and Management (DISM) and System File Checker (SFC) tools.

To resolve installation problems with DISM and SFC commands on Windows 11, use these steps:

• Search for  Command Prompt , right-click the top result, and select the  Run as administrator  option.
• Type the following command to repair the Windows 10 image and press  Enter : DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• Type the following command to repair the Windows 11 setup and press  Enter : SFC /scannow 

• Quick tip:  If errors exist, run the command multiple times to ensure that everything has been repaired correctly.

Once you complete the steps, the DISM command will repair problems with the local system image, and the SFC command will use the files in the system image to repair damaged files in the current setup of Windows 11, hopefully fixing the Blue Screen of Death.

If you still have access to the desktop, the Event Viewer can help find out the reason the device is getting bug-check errors.

To review event longs on Windows 11, use these steps:

• Search for  Event Viewer  and click the top result to open the app.
• Right-click the "System" category and choose the  Filter Current Log  option.

• Under the "Event level" section, check the  Critical  and  Error  options.

Once you complete the steps, the "General" tab will give you some technical details that you can use to diagnose and resolve the blue screen problem on Windows 11.

If the error doesn't provide enough information, you can copy the description, source, and event ID and use it to search online for a possible solution.

Troubleshooting and fixing Blue Screen of Death errors can be difficult and time-consuming. However, typically, it's an issue with a driver or application conflicting with Windows 11 (or vice versa).

Finally, in addition to blue screens, you may also come across a black screen, which is usually related to display connection issues, graphics driver problems, or something else happening in the system.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.

• 2 OpenAI won't launch a Google Search competitor or GPT-5 in the next few days, but we should expect new projects that "feel like magic" to CEO Sam Altman
• 3 Reports indicate that Microsoft may lift the freeze on specific employee salaries while emphasizing 'more' accountability for top executives
• 4 Every Dark Souls game gets rare sale for huge discounts ahead of Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
• 5 Days after Sony's Helldivers 2 PSN debacle, Ghosts of Tsushima's PC release gets delisted from Steam in over 170 countries

• Dragon’s Dogma 2
• Genshin Impact
• Honkai Star Rail
• Lego Fortnite
• Stardew Valley
• NYT Strands
• NYT Connections
• Apple Watch
• Crunchyroll
• Prime Video
• Jujutsu Kaisen
• Demon Slayer
• Chainsaw Man
• Solo Leveling
• Beebom Gadgets

How to Fix Windows 11 Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Error

Fix Windows 11 Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Error in 2022

1. restart your pc, 2. startup repair.

Windows 11 comes with a built-in recovery environment (WinRE) that allows you to access system tools to fix the issue. Here, we are going to use that to fix the Blue Screen of Death error on Windows 11.

5. The BSOD screen should now be gone. In case the “Advanced options” screen appears again, move to the next section for a potential solution.

3. Run SFC Scan

4. Uninstall Recent Update

If you are facing the Blue Screen on your Windows 11 PC after a recent update, then it’s likely that the update may have messed up with the OS. In such a case, the best solution is to simply uninstall the update. Just recently, a Windows 11 KB5013943 security update crashed PCs, resulting in the infamous Blue Screen of Death error for many users. With that said, here is the fix to follow.

5. Boot into Safe Mode

1. Open the recovery screen by following method #2 (Startup Repair) and click on Troubleshoot .

6. Here, select the most recent update and uninstall it right away.

6. Rollback Driver Update

2. If you are certain about a recent driver update, expand the appropriate category and right-click on the device. Then, open “ Properties ” from the context menu.

7. Unplug Unnecessary Devices

8. system restore.

1. Open the recovery menu by following method #2 (Startup Repair) and move to Troubleshoot .

9. Reset the PC

1. Boot to the recovery screen by following instructions in method #2 (Startup Repair). After that, open Troubleshoot and click on “ Reset this PC “.

10. Clean Install Windows 11

Recover Your Windows 11 PC From BSOD Error

Passionate about Windows, ChromeOS, Android, security and privacy issues. Have a penchant to solve everyday computing problems.

Hey, i got this resolved in 3rd step, Thanks a lot Arjun! i am on Windows 11, 3+ yr old Lenovo ideapad 10th gen i5, would be great if you can give any input. Should i be concerned or get my system checked?

Mine worked for a month and then it goes blue screen again

I had a blue screen error I tried to reinstall windows but still the blue screen appears I also changed the hard disc of the laptop but still the issue was not resolved

Mine doesn’t do that any longer. It is running Fedora 37.

I did all these and I still get the BSOD screen.

I had to go to the very last way to fix this, but it worked. Thanks sis sozososoososososoos much.

Very useful post.

This is my first visit here and I found a lot of interesting things in your Blog. A very useful post.

Add new comment

How to fix the blue screen of death error in Windows 11

The blue screen of death in Windows 11 can be frustrating but it's relatively easy to fix

It’s all too likely that you have experienced a blue screen of death (BSOD) on Windows 11 at some point. This is a common sight to any Windows user who has seen their PC crash and is not something to cause immediate panic or concern.

How to boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode How to move Microsoft's Windows 11 from a hard drive to an SSD Most common Windows 11 problems and how to fix them

There are any number of causes for a BSOD to happen, so this is not necessarily cause for concern. Sometimes it can be enough to simply restart your system, but there are more thorough ways to fix the problem.

The blue screen of death on Windows 11 helpfully provides an error code to give users an idea of what caused the crash. These codes also provide users with an idea of when they can expect to get back to working on their devices uninterrupted

What is the blue screen of death?

The BSOD is also called a ‘STOP error,’ and it is an indicator of a fatal system error. IT professionals have come to refer to it by its foreboding name over many years due to its irritating nature and iconic bright blue background.

Prior to Windows 8 , the BSOD was a little less user-friendly than it is today and Microsoft's latest operating system Windows 11 brought in a few new changes too. One significant difference was to replace the iconic blue background to match the operating system’s color palette, meaning the BSOD on Windows 11 was originally black rather than blue.

The classic blue background was reinstated in a later build of Windows 11, which means that if you’re facing a black screen of death you are running an older build of Windows 11. If this is the case, you should install the latest Windows 11 update to benefit from up-to-date security protections and all the latest features.

Steps to fix the blue screen of death in Windows 11

The BSOD in Windows 11 is much easier to understand than its predecessors. But as it often occurs without warning and requires immediate attention to be resolved, it can still be intimidating for the uninitiated user.

Get the ITPro. daily newsletter

Receive our latest news, industry updates, featured resources and more. Sign up today to receive our FREE report on AI cyber crime & security - newly updated for 2024.

To ensure that you don’t lose any unsaved work, it’s best to wait for the system to back itself up before doing anything; the error screen should give you a percentage and display the progress of the backup.

Some of the best steps to take are:

• Check error and QR codes
• Query BSOD error codes

Check the Windows 11 Memory Dump

Boot windows in safe mode, use system restore, reset your pc, check the error and qr codes.

When the BSOD appears, users will be shown error code. This will be a mixture of numbers and letters, usually starting with "0x".

This number corresponds with the exact error that your machine is having, so it’s important to keep a record of it.

It’s normal for the error code to be shown alongside its Stop Code, which is the part that tells the user the cause of the problem. The stop code is always a series of words in block capitals, shown in square brackets.

For example, the error code 0x00000001 may show as ' APC_INDEX_MISMATCH ' which tells the user that there is a mismatch in the APC state index.

In contrast, [CRITCAL_PROCESS_DIED] informs the user that something is wrong with an aspect of the operating system that your device runs. Don't worry if it is just the Error Code that comes up, because that will still be useful to any technicians you might have to call in for help.

Windows 8 included the useful introduction of QR codes to the BSOD. Scan this code with your smartphone’s camera and you will be taken to the support page in your web browser .

Query BSOD Error Codes

Identifying the error codes is just the first part of the process. Next, you must figure out what they mean. In most cases, the code will relate to an issue, or simply point you in the right direction, rather than give you the precise cause.

• Some errors are harder to diagnose, however. The error code IRQL_not_less_or_equal , for example, usually relates to a hardware fault, such as a corrupted RAM module
• It can also be triggered by faulty drivers, or even faulty antivirus software
• Aside from using the QR code, the quickest way to check the error is to type the code into a search engine. It’s best to find the Microsoft Support page for that code first and foremost, before looking at third-party sites that will either try and sell you a quick fix, or get you to try every fix possible
• The Microsoft support page will be able to explain the error, the circumstances that triggered it, and if there is a fix or workaround to resolve it. The support page should give you step-by-step instructions to follow and guide you on your way to resolving the issue
• If there are no fixes, or if the page only offers vague information like 'driver issue', it’s time to think back to any recent installations or changes you made to your machine, and if need be, uninstall them.

If the Support Page doesn’t answer your question, you can find a lot more information by looking through the Memory Dump, an error log that’s automatically created whenever Windows encounters an error from which it’s unable to recover.

You’ll find it on the same drive that holds your Windows 11 installation, in a folder called %SystemRoot%\MEMORY. DMP or %SystemRoot%\Minidump .

To open the file, you’ll need an app called WinDbg from the Microsoft Store. We won’t go into detail on how to decipher a memory dump in this article, but if you need to, call in a technical support person or system administrator.

Unfortunately, Windows can only diagnose so far and if it’s still not clear at this stage what the issue is, you might need to ask for outside help. Microsoft has forums for this sort of issue, staffed by the community and Microsoft engineers.

To get the best support, you should try to be as detailed as possible when describing what you were doing when the error occurred and don’t forget to include both the Error Code and Stop Code.

We have a guide on how to access help in Windows , which will give you plenty of pointers.

While it is recommended you follow support options outlined by Microsoft or technicians, options may help you resolve the situation.

If the blue screen error appears before login, and is therefore preventing you from accessing your desktop, you will need to boot into Safe Mode and try again.

You can follow our handy guide on how to boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode .

There are a number of different ways to boot your device into Safe Mode. If you're a Windows 11 user, the process is fairly straightforward and similar to booting Windows 10 in safe mode .

Alternatively, you could use System Restore, but this option does come with some significant drawbacks.

By using System Restore, your device will roll back to a prior point before you encountered the error, meaning you will also lose any recent changes made to files and folders on your PC.

To use system restore:

• Open the Settings app and click on the System tab
• Select Recovery and click Go back (if this option is greyed out, it means you do not have a previous point saved)
• Then, click Next in the Restore system files and settings box
• From here, you will be able to select the restore point that you want to use

If you’ve tried all the above steps and are still unable to fix the error, you may want to consider factory resetting your Windows 11 PC. 

To do this, go to:

• Once you’ve reached this menu, you can select the ‘Reset PC’ option

Choosing to reset your PC will delete the C: drive, as well as all files and folders saved to Desktop, Documents, and Downloads.

What is the green screen of death in Windows 11?

If you’re a Windows Insider, the BSOD becomes the green screen of death (GSOD). Not only is the error screen green, but it also features additional information for identifying bugs in the operating system.

When shown the GSOD, it could be that there isn’t an available fix for the specific issue you have due to the build still undergoing beta testing. In this situation, we would suggest heading to the Windows Insider Program hub to find support.

Chris Merriman has been writing about technology since the 1990s for a variety of titles including Computer Shopper, MSN, TechRadar, Tom’s Guide and The Inquirer, where he broke a number of major tech news stories that were picked up globally.  He has appeared on BBC, Sky News and Al Jazeera and was the resident tech expert at TalkRadio for a number of years. In between times, he has also been a consultant for several major tech firms.

Chris is fascinated by automation and the internet of things, as well as the evolution of the ways we communicate in the digital era. He's also a frequent contributor to ITPro's software guides, including Windows operating systems. Other specialisms include storage, peripherals, and web apps, and any gadget he’s allowed to take apart and fiddle with, preferably after throwing away the box, manual and receipt.

New Windows 10 prices show Microsoft is getting desperate in pushing users to the latest operating system

Microsoft is pulling out all the stops to drive users to Windows 11

Dell says data breach affecting 49 million customers poses no 'significant risk’

Most Popular

Managing data for AI and analytics at scale with an Open Data Lakehouse approach

Healthcare’s next chapter

Mine the gaps

Reimagining leadership development for today’s workforce

• 2 Path traversal vulnerabilities have been ‘unforgivable’ for decades — developers still haven’t got the message
• 3 Plans for a tech hub at Glasgow's iconic Met Tower scrapped
• 4 What is hackbot as a service and are malicious LLMs a risk?
• 5 Nearly 70 software vendors sign up to CISA’s cyber resilience program

How to fix a Windows 11 BSOD: A complete guide

Is your Windows 11 PC crashing with Blue Screens of Death (BSOD)? Here are some reasons why and how you can fix your problems.

Quick Links

Common windows 11 bsod errors, unplug new and non-essential devices, fix windows 11 bsods by installing updates, uninstall updates, how to uninstall updates if your computer won't boot, uninstall updates using safe mode, uninstall or roll back drivers, uninstall apps, run dism and sfc scans, fix bsods during a system upgrade, reinstall windows.

As much as we'd like them to, computers don't always work as they should, and while it's uncommon, they can sometimes stop working altogether and crash. This is what's often called a Blue Screen of Death (formerly a Black Screen of Death), or BSOD, which is actually a mechanism in Windows 11 to help you diagnose problems with your system. A BSOD can also be referred to as a stop error or a bug check, which is when a critical process to the normal operation of Windows runs into a problem and forces the computer to restart.

There's a wide range of possibilities for what can cause a BSOD, but most of the fixes are along the same lines. Depending on what is causing the issue, fixes can be more or less complicated. You may have to update or uninstall some software, or you may need to replace something in your hardware. Either way, we'll dive into possible fixes here.

Windows 11: Everything you need to know

Narrow down the cause of the problem.

When you see a Blue Screen of Death on Windows 11, it's a good idea to act quickly to see the information displayed on it. On this screen, you'll see an error code that can help you narrow down the problem. If you missed it, you can also use the Windows Event Viewer to see the error code after the fact and find out what went awry.

Here are some examples of BSOD error codes you might see and what they mean:

• CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED : This error means a critical Windows process was terminated for one reason or another. It can be self-inflicted, such as terminating an essential Windows process in Task Manager, but it can also indicate bigger problems with the system.
• SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED : This problem means there was an error that Windows' error handler wasn't able to catch, and it's often related to device drivers. If you think that's the issue, you may need to uninstall a recent driver update or install a newer update instead.
• IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL : This is a memory-related error that can occur when a driver or process requests access to a memory address it doesn't have the rights to access. Updating drivers or Windows itself is usually the fix for this issue.
• VIDEO_TDR_TIMEOUT_DETECTED or VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE : These errors can appear when the graphics driver on your PC fails to respond when it should, preventing the display of graphics. Updating the graphics driver can usually fix this issue.
• PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA : This error means a system process or driver has referred to a memory address that doesn't exist. It may be fixed with a driver or system update, or it may point to an error with your computer's memory. Some antivirus software can also cause this issue.
• SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION : This somewhat generic error may not say much, but it often comes with a driver that can be blamed for the problem. These can be system-level drivers, which can't be updated in quite the same way as typical device drivers.
• DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION : This error often appears due to incompatible hardware drivers. It was very prevalent during the early days of Windows 10, though most of these problems have been addressed. You may need to update your drivers to fix this issue.
• NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM : This means there's an error with the file system on your computer. A System File Check (SFC) can usually fix this issue.
• DATA_BUS_ERROR : This error generally refers to all kinds of hardware issues, though a common cause can be broken RAM. If you're seeing this error, you may need to replace a hardware component. If you installed a new piece of hardware on your PC, it's also a good idea to try to install the appropriate drivers for it.

As you can probably glean from the list above, many of these issues have similar steps for fixing them, so you shouldn't have to try to fix them individually. We'll review some of the most common fixes for these issues. This is also not an extensive list of all error codes, but again, many of the same fixes are likely to apply.

Find error codes with Event Viewer

If you missed the error codes on the Blue Screen of Death, you can try to find them later by using the Windows Event Viewer. This program logs all the errors on your system, and it can help you find more information about them. To find out more about what caused your PC to crash, you can follow these steps:

• Press Windows + X (or right-click the Start menu icon) and choose Event Viewer .
• Look for the error that happened when you saw the BSOD and click it.

How to use Event Viewer to check for errors on Windows 11

Maybe they're causing the issue.

One thing that may be causing your computer to run into a BSOD, especially if you recently changed your setup, is using a new device that isn't compatible or doesn't have proper drivers installed. Remove any non-essential devices and peripherals from your PC and try restarting it to see if it's fixed.

After this, maybe look for the appropriate drivers for those devices or install any Windows updates before plugging them back in.

Update Windows 11

A good start for fixing all kinds of Windows 11 BSODs is to update the operating system, especially if you haven't done so in a while. To update Windows 11:

• Open the Settings app.
• You may be prompted to reboot your computer to finish installing updates.

After this, try doing what you were doing before and see if you still get the same error.

Update your drivers

If you narrowed down the issue to a specific device on your computer, try updating the drivers for that device on your computer. The best way to do this is to look for drivers on the manufacturer's website to make sure you're getting the latest and greatest. Alternatively, you can use Device Manager to look for updates:

• Press Windows + X (or right-click the Start menu icon) and choose Device Manager .
• Find the device category for what's causing the issue and expand it. Devices with errors can also be highlighted in Device Manager, so you can start there.
• It's possible Windows won't find any new drivers. You can click Search for updated drivers on Windows Update to see if there's anything there.
• Click Check for updates .
• You may be prompted to reboot your computer to finish installing drivers.

Update apps

If the BSOD you're facing is happening when running a specific app, it's possible that said app is the one to blame for the issue. In this case, check for updates for the app from the manufacturer's website or within the app itself. Some apps may also be updated through the Microsoft Store. To do this:

• Open the Microsoft Store .
• Click Get updates to install updates for all your apps.

Sometimes buggy updates can be the problem

If the BSOD you're seeing happened after a recent update, it's possible that the solution you're looking for is the opposite. Instead of installing a new update, you may need to revert to an older one that didn't have the problem. Here's what you need to do if that's the case:

• Click Uninstall next to it.

For more serious problems

If the BSOD problem is so bad you can't get to any part of Windows to fix it, you can use the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to do it. If your computer fails to boot three times in a row, you should see WinRE automatically, but if it isn't showing up, you can force it by using these steps:

• Turn on your computer.
• Turn on the computer again and repeat step 2.

If a recent update was causing the issue, this should be able to get you back to your PC. A good idea is to temporarily pause updates using the Settings app until a fix becomes available.

How to stop receiving updates on Windows 11

If you can't get to the Settings app or don't think the update causing the issue is the latest one, you can also use Safe Mode to uninstall specific updates. To access Safe Mode:

• Open the Start menu.
• This will take you to the Windows Recovery Environment.
• If you can't use the Windows desktop, follow steps 1 through 4 in the section above to get to the Windows Recovery Environment.
• Choose Troubleshoot and then Advanced options .

If your device or drive encryption is enabled, you'll need your BitLocker recovery key to enter Safe Mode. You can find keys linked to your Microsoft account here .

Once you're in Safe Mode, you'll need to use Command Prompt to see your list of installed updates and remove the problematic one:

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
• Enter the following command and press Enter to see your list of installed updates: wmic qfe list brief /format:table
• Click Yes and follow the on-screen instructions if necessary.
• Restart the computer to apply the changes; things should be back in working order.

New versions can be problematic

Sometimes, the problems you're having can be caused by a faulty driver update. If installing the latest version didn't fix the issue, or you already have the latest version, maybe you need to go back to a previous one. Here's how to do that:

• From your desktop, press Windows + X (or right-click the Start menu icon) and choose Device Manager .
• Find the device that seems to be causing the issue or the one that was most recently updated.
• Switch to the Driver tab.

Alternatively, you can try to uninstall the driver altogether, but this may cause some devices to stop functioning, so you'll want to download a driver beforehand so you can get things working again. To do this, you'll need to use the Uninstall device option and then check the box that says Attempt to remove the driver for this device before clicking Uninstall .

If you can't reach this option, you can check out the section above on using Safe Mode and try uninstalling problematic drivers that way. Safe Mode loads Windows with only the essential drivers, so if any of your drivers are the issue, you should be able to boot into it normally and diagnose from there.

Uninstall graphics drivers with Display Driver Uninstaller

If the issue you're having is with your GPU, you might want to uninstall the driver, too. However, graphics drivers are very complex, and just uninstalling it normally may not be enough. If you want to fully clean up any files that might be causing issues, using a program called Display Driver Uninstaller, or DDU, is a good idea. This third-party program is designed to fully remove graphics drivers and any leftover files, allowing you to then install a new version without anything that might cause conflicts. Here's how to use it:

• Start by downloading the new version of the driver you want to install so you have it ready for later.
• Download DDU from the official website and install/extract the files.
• Before using DDU, enter Safe Mode using the steps in the section above.
• Run DDU and accept the default settings.
• Under Type , choose GPU , then choose the graphics card brand you have. If you've switched GPUs, it's also a good idea to first remove the driver for your old GPU, then repeat the process for the new GPU.
• Install the new driver you downloaded in step 1.

If you were having any issues with your graphics driver before, this should help fix them.

These can cause issues, too

If you're having problems because of a specific app, then sometimes the best thing to do may be to just uninstall that app. To uninstall an app in Windows 11, follow these steps:

• Follow the steps to uninstall the app.
• Repeat for any other troublesome apps.

Uninstalling apps can also be a solution if you're facing issues when installing a Windows 11 feature update, particularly when upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Some apps may cause conflicts with new versions of Windows, so it's worth a shot.

Fix system and disk errors

Another probable cause for a Blue Screen of Death on Windows 11 is that the system files themselves may be corrupted, or there may be an issue with the disk. If so, you can fix these issues with the SFC (System File Check) and DISM (Deployment Image Service and Management) tools, which are accessible through Windows Terminal or Command Prompt. It's recommended that you use DISM first and then SFC. Here's what you need to do:

Some versions may say Windows Terminal (Admin) or even Windows PowerShell (Admin) for Windows 10.

• This process may take a while, so wait for it to finish.

This will also take some time, but once you're done, it will have fixed any issues with the system image, which should address your problems.

If the BSOD you're running into occurs when you're trying to update to a new feature update for Windows 11, it may be some kind of compatibility issue or a problem with the setup files. As mentioned above, you can try a few things, like uninstalling potentially troublesome apps and updating your drivers. However, there are a couple more specific steps that may also help.

Clean the Windows Update files

If the setup files are corrupted and causing issues during the upgrade, you may need to redownload them, which means deleting your existing ones first. Here's how to do it:

• Click Remove files at the top.

This will delete temporary Windows Update files, and it should fix issues with installing a new update. If not, you can go deeper by resetting the Windows Update components.

How to troubleshoot Windows updates stuck downloading

Use the windows 11 installation assistant.

Another potential solution that may actually be easier is using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant to download the latest version of Windows 11 and upgrade to it without using Windows Update. This is a very simple tool, so all you need to do is go to the Windows 11 download page and click Download now under the Windows 11 Installation Assistant option. Just follow the steps to download and install the latest version.

Find more information with SetupDiag

If these steps haven't worked, you can try using a tool called SetupDiag to diagnose any issues with the setup process. This tool can tell you what's going wrong and provide guidance on how to fix it.

• Head to Microsoft's SetupDiag page and download the latest version.
• In File Explorer, right-click the file you downloaded and choose Run as administrator .
• It will generate a SetupDiagResults.log file so you can open it. If there's an error, the log file will tell you what it is and provide guidance on how to fix it. You can follow the steps mentioned or look up the error message to find help online.

Push comes to shove, you may have to start fresh

If none of these solutions work for you, your last-resort option is to reinstall Windows. You can do these in a couple of ways or simply reset Windows, but we won't dive into each solution since some of these are a bit convoluted. The easiest way to do this is to use the recovery options in the latest version of Windows 11. If you have an earlier version, we'll have alternate methods linked below.

How to reset Windows 11 to its factory settings

To reinstall a clean version of Windows 11, follow these steps:

• Click System in the menu on the left.

This option is only available in Windows 11 version 23H2 and newer. If you don't have it, check the other options below.

• Click OK, and your PC will download and install a new copy of Windows from Windows Update. If you don't choose to do it automatically, you'll have to restart your PC afterward.

After this, you'll have a brand-new copy of Windows 11 that should fix any issues you've been having. Since this keeps your apps and files, it may not resolve driver-related issues, so you may need a true clean install.

How to download and install Windows 11

Bsods aren't super frequent.

These days, Microsoft has made plenty of improvements to Windows 11 that make BSODs less common than they used to be, and only very specific issues usually cause them. These steps should address those issues, so you should be good to go. If the solutions here aren't enough, you may need to look up the specific error causing the BSOD to find a possible solution. On custom PCs, a change in hardware may be causing problems, so you may need to fiddle with your components to make sure they are all installed correctly.

How to Fix a Windows Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

Find out why you got a BSOD and how to stop it.

It makes you want to tear your hair out. You’re in the middle of working on a project, reaching a major milestone in a game or maybe just booting up your Windows 101 or Windows 10 PC and, just like that, the entire OS crashes and presents you with a Blue Screen of Death, usually for no immediately apparent reason. 

In Windows-speak, the term “Blue Screen of Death” is usually abbreviated as BSOD. It describes an error of some kind that hits the operating system hard enough that it’s forced to quit. Microsoft itself labels such errors with  “stopcodes.” Thus these errors may also be generically named “stop errors.”  Here’s an example that shows what a BSOD sometimes looks like:

Understanding the BSOD Screen

The screen starts with an old-fashioned unhappy face emoticon “ :( “ (a colon, followed by an open parenthesis). Next, you see a brief explanation that “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart.” Windows writes one or more log files when a stop error occurs, so you see language about “collecting some error info” and a counter that keeps track while it’s writing that data (shows as “25% complete) above. 

Microsoft provides a scannable QR code in modern BSODs (lower left) that you can scan with a smartphone and look up that way. The message also provides a lookup URL for stopcodes , where you can enter a numeric stopcode (and where you’ll see most common stopcodes, including the one shown above). The most common stop codes include: 

• CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED
• SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
• IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
• VIDEO_TDR_TIMEOUT_DETECTED
• PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
• SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION
• DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION

You can also download the Microsoft Error Lookup Tool (current version: Err_6.4.5.exe) to look up numeric error codes at a command prompt or in PowerShell, if you prefer. 

BSODs Aren’t Always Blue in Windows

Before Windows 8 came along in October 2012, BSODs always appeared on dark blue screens. These were chock-full of text and instructions (see below). With Windows 8, Microsoft switched to a kinder, gentler format shown in the preceding screencap. 

The company also whittled down the information that appears on screen. In fact, the background color in Windows 11 or 10 is sometimes black, green or even red. Here’s an example of an old-fashioned, pre-Windows-8 BSOD to put this information into historical context: 

Stay On the Cutting Edge: Get the Tom's Hardware Newsletter

Join the experts who read Tom's Hardware for the inside track on enthusiast PC tech news — and have for over 25 years. We'll send breaking news and in-depth reviews of CPUs, GPUs, AI, maker hardware and more straight to your inbox.

Making Sense of BSOD Data

Though nobody wants to see a BSOD on a Windows PC, they do occur from time to time. In the vast majority of cases, the PC will restart itself automatically after an error log, called a crash dump or  a dump file (extension .dmp) is created. By default, Windows 10 stores dump files in one of two locations. 

You can manage crash dumps through Advanced System Settings in Windows 11 or 10 (type “Advanced System Settings” into the search box, then click “Settings” in the Startup and Recovery pane). You can also choose to toggle “Automatic restart” to off here, if you would prefer that any future BSODs stay on the screen until you get a chance to see them and write down (or take pic of) any relevant data.

If you select “Small memory dump” as the option for saving crash dumps, such files show up as Minidump.dmp files. For all other selections, the crash dump is named Memory.dmp. Crash dumps get written to the %SystemRoot% folder, which usually expands to C:\Windows. By design, small memory dump files are limited to 256KB in size. Other memory dumps will vary in size up to the size of memory on the PC where the dump is collected. Thus, on a PC with 16GB of RAM, a Complete memory dump file will always be 16GB in size (and other dump files, except for the small memory dumps, can be as large as 16GB, but will often be smaller). 

Examining a crash dump file can be helpful when troubleshooting related causes. For more details, see our story on how to use a minidump file to fix your Windows BSOD . That said, many users simply search on the stopcode and/or the numeric error code when seeking remediation advice. (Note that Microsoft calls that numeric code a “bug check code” or “bug check string.”

What To Do When Troubleshooting a BSOD

The immediate tendency following a BSOD is to get right into fix-it mode, start looking things up, and attempting repairs. Not so fast! Microsoft explains the entire troubleshooting process in its “ Troubleshoot blue screen errors ” tutorial. While you can – and probably should – read the Microsoft advice in its entirety, here’s a summary of key recommendations: 

• Shut down the Windows PC that experienced the BSOD
• Disconnect all USB-attached devices except for mouse and keyboard (or wireless dongles).
• Reboot your system into safe mode from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
• If you recently installed new software, uninstall that software .
• If you recently installed a new device driver (or your BSOD info points to a driver or device), uninstall or roll back that driver (if you don’t really need the device you can disable it temporarily instead)
• Restart the PC , and see if the BSOD recurs. If not, you’ve probably isolated the cause and can start researching some kind of fix.

If the BSOD recurs despite the items taken out of the picture by removing, disabling or uninstalling them, whatever’s still left in the picture remains problematic. At this point you want to reboot into safe mode once again, and open an administrative command prompt or PowerShell session. From the command line, enter these commands, one at a time: 

• DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
• SFC /scannow

The first of these two commands finds and replaces any damaged operating system components in the side-by-side filestore (aka WinSxS). The second of these commands runs the System File Checker (SFC) and will repair any damaged files it finds. 

Note that if SFC finds and fixes anything, you should run the command until it comes back with a clean bill of health (in some cases, I’ve had to run it two or three times before it came back clean). Note further that running either or both of these commands can take some time to complete, especially if one or both find items in need of fixing. Here’s what you want to see after your final SFC run:

Try NirSoft’s BlueScreenView Tool

There’s a complete BSOD handling infrastructure available from Microsoft, built around a tool called the Windows Debugger (aka WinDBG). You can download it as part of Microsoft’s free Windows Developer Kit if you really want to dig into the gory details. There are a lot of details to learn about, and minutiae to address, if you want to put this tool to work on crash dumps. For non-IT professionals or non-developers, I recommend Nir Sofer’s excellent BlueScreenView utility instead. It’s set up to automatically load the symbol tables it needs to resolve error codes, and it knows where to find crash dumps in need of analysis. It also presents crash dump data in a highly-readable form.

As an illustration, I forced one of my test laptops (a Lenovo ThinkPad X390 Yoga) to blue screen at an administrative command line. There, I entered the string taskkill /im svchost.exe /f. Warning: typing this string into an administrative command prompt or PowerShell session will crash the PC immediately. That’s because it kills a key program named svchost.exe (Service Host) that supports DLLs in the Windows runtime environment. Because most (if not all) Windows programs use one or more DLLs this basically makes Windows inoperable. Thus, it causes an immediate BSOD with the CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED stopcode (shown in the lead-in graphic for this very story).

When I fired up BlueScreenView on that PC, it found the Memory.dmp file that this BSOD created during its post-crash cleanup phase. Here’s what the application looks like:

The top pane of the window shows all the crash dumps it finds on the target PC. Because there’s only one in this case, I shrunk it down to show as many details from the bottom pane as possible. Even so, the data in the top pane is important, with information in certain columns of special interest. Column 1 shows the name of the dump file. Column 3 shows the stopcode, which it labels “Bug Check String.” Column 3 shows the associated hexadecimal error code, 0x000000ef, which it labels “Bug Check Code.”

For most genuine BSODs (remember, I forced this one to happen) the stopcode and the error code will often help affected users zero in on causes and potential cures for their woes. In my experience, at least 90% of BSODs become fixable simply based on this information. That’s because it will often be solved by disconnecting, disabling, or uninstalling related devices, drivers , applications, or updates – just as Microsoft recommends, and I summarized in the previous section.

What About that Other Problematic 10% of BSODs? 

Some BSODs won’t be amenable to quick and easy fixes. When they come up, as they sometimes will, it’s time to ask for help in getting things figured out. I can recommend two terrific sources of troubleshooting assistance available online, each with its own dedicated user forum specifically focused on solving BSOD issues. Likewise, each one stipulates certain requirements on users seeking BSOD help.

Source number one comes from TenForums.com (key disclosures: I am a VIP member of this community; I contribute input and suggestions to its members daily). The TenForums venue is in its BSOD Crashes and Debugging forum. Posting instructions are explicitly provided, along with a collection of BSOD tutorials, including those on WinDBG Basics ,and  how to Install and Configure WinDBG for BSOD Analysis , Run BSOD Error Troubleshooter in Windows 10 , and Enable or Disable BSOD Automatic Restart in Windows 10 .

Source number two comes from British PC security and troubleshooting site BleepingComputer.com. They operate a user forum named Windows Crashes and Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Help and Support. There, you’ll find pinned threads for the following topics (all of which are worth reading through):

• Sysnative Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Academy : A series of detailed questions readers should answer to ask the experts at Sysnative for help with BSOD issues. 
• BSOD Posting instructions : what information users should gather (based on downloading and running a Sysnative app) to obtain necessary dump files and content.
• BSODs but no Dump Files : instructions on how to configure a Windows PC to produce dump files whenever a BSOD occurs. Essential to know because diagnosis without dumps is nearly impossible.

Thus, you’ll have to read up a bit, download some tools, run some scripts and/or collect some logs that you’ll submit to make a semi-formal request for BSOD help. This will take one or more hours and force you to do some homework before such help becomes available. It may also involve numerous back-and-forth communications, where you’re asked to run additional diagnostic tools and collect additional logs and data to shed more light on your situation. Trust me: these guys know what they’re doing. I’ve seen only a handful of issues where users did everything asked of them where the BSOD experts couldn’t help them get things fixed.

Ultimately, where there’s enough will to get a Windows BSOD fixed, there’s a way to make that happen. Keep at it, and you’ll learn this for yourself.

Ed Tittel is a long-time IT writer, researcher and consultant, and occasional contributor to Tom’s Hardware. A Windows Insider MVP since 2018, he likes to cover OS-related driver, troubleshooting, and security topics.

Microsoft is switching RAM speed units in Task Manager — finally moving to the more technically correct MT/s

Windows 11 24H2 will enable BitLocker encryption for everyone — happens on both clean installs and reinstalls

Portable AI supercomputer comes as a carry-on suitcase with wheels — four GPUs, 246TB of storage, and a 2,500W integrated power supply

• Metal Messiah. Nice informative article ! Reply
• ginthegit I keep getting a BSOD saying the IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL None of the material I searched could explain its frequenct occurance. It never happened in Win8, so I gathered it was a Kernel based problem with allocating the IRQ to system. It was more of a trial and error thing, but figured out it was a Switchable Graphics problem. I though it was the Discrete problem, but turns out it was the Intel one. So once setting the Graphics to AMD for most my apps, I no longer get it. I was blaming the AMD for a long time, but Intel was the Offender with its graphics. But no thanks to Intel and Microsoft for both being useless in telling me where abouts the problem lied. I had to figure it out after 3 months of Tweaking and testing. My Linux partition never had a problem. Reply
• Jake Hall Never in my entire career have I seen an SFC scan fix a thing Reply
• nitrium All problems can be trivially fixed by purchasing a new PSU. Everyone at Tom's Hardware Forums knows this. Reply
• InvalidError I think the only times I have ever had blue screens on my nearly nine years old 3470 are from running the system without rebooting after updating display drivers: update drivers, continue running the system for a few days, crash, then runs fine for months on end until I reboot for Windows updates or update drivers and get the next one-time driver-related crash. That said, I haven't even seen the driver update crash in about two years, Nvidia must have fixed whatever code nugget was causing it. Reply
• BillyBuerger One of our users had a laptop that was getting BSODs recently. Rand a memory test and it reported a LOT of errors. This is on an "ultrabook" with soldered memory. Goodbye laptop just over one month past it's warranty. Reply

BillyBuerger said: One of our users had a laptop that was getting BSODs recently. Rand a memory test and it reported a LOT of errors. This is on an "ultrabook" with soldered memory. Goodbye laptop just over one month past it's warranty.

nitrium said: All problems can be trivially fixed by purchasing a new PSU. Everyone at Tom's Hardware Forums knows this.

Some BSODs won’t be amenable to quick and easy fixes. When they come up, as they sometimes will, it’s time to ask for help in getting things figured out. I can recommend two terrific sources of troubleshooting assistance available online, each with its own dedicated user forum specifically focused on solving BSOD issues. Likewise, each one stipulates certain requirements on users seeking BSOD help. Source number one comes from TenForums.com (key disclosures: I am a VIP member of this community; I contribute input and suggestions to its members daily). The TenForums venue is in its BSOD Crashes and Debugging forum. Posting instructions are explicitly provided, along with a collection of BSOD tutorials, including those on WinDBG Basics,and how to Install and Configure WinDBG for BSOD Analysis, Run BSOD Error Troubleshooter in Windows 10, and Enable or Disable BSOD Automatic Restart in Windows 10. Source number two comes from British PC security and troubleshooting site BleepingComputer.com. They operate a user forum named Windows Crashes and Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Help and Support. There, you’ll find pinned threads for the following topics (all of which are worth reading through)

• View All 23 Comments

Most Popular

How-To Geek

How to find windows 11's blue screen of death logs.

See what caused the issue!

Quick Links

Why look at bsod logs, use event viewer to view bsod logs, use reliability monitor to access bsod logs, make windows 11 display error details on the bsod, key takeaways.

To view Windows 11's BSOD logs:

• Open Event Viewer.
• Click Action > Create Custom View.
• Change the "Logged" timeframe to one that includes when you saw the error.
• Check the "Error" box.
• Change Event Logs to "Windows Logs" and click OK.
• Enter a name for your view and select OK.
• Click each logged error to view its details.

Got a  BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) ? Checking Windows 11's error logs could reveal what caused it. You can use either Event Viewer or Reliability Monitor, and you can also force the BSOD screen itself to display the error information in the future. Here's how to do that.

The main reason to find BSOD logs is to get to the root of the problem. You may have encountered a BSOD error, like the infamous Kmode exception not handled error , but you don't know exactly what caused it and how it happened.

With BSOD logs, you get to see the program that caused the problem as well as other useful and related information to help you deal with the issue.

Once you've found your error log, you can analyze it, find the cause of the problem, and fix the underlying issue to prevent further BSOD errors.

A quick and easy way to access your BSOD logs is to use your PC's built-in Event Viewer tool . This tool lets you create a custom report that contains the errors and logs from your specified timeframe. The process for this method involves more steps (at least the first time you do it) than using Reliability Monitor, but the data it gives you is more comprehensive.

To do that, first, open Event Viewer by right-clicking your "Start" menu icon and choosing "Event Viewer."

In Event Viewer, from the menu bar, select Action > Create Custom View.

You'll land on a "Create Custom View" page. Here, at the top, select the "Filter" tab. Then, click the "Logged" menu and choose the timeframe for which you want to see the logs. Make sure to select the timeframe when your BSOD error occurred.

Next, in the "Event Level" section, choose "Error." Turn on the "By Logs" option, click the "Event Logs" drop-down menu, and choose "Windows Logs."

Then, confirm your selection by choosing "OK."

You'll now save the custom view so that it's easier to find these logs in the future. To do that, click the "Name" field and enter a name for your view. Enter a descriptive name (like BSOD Logs) so you can quickly find it again. Then, click "OK."

Your custom view is now ready to use. On your current screen, you'll see all the errors that occurred in your specified timeframe on your PC. To get more details about an error, select it on the list. Then, beneath the error, you'll see more information about it.

In the future, to access this custom log view, open Event Viewer, choose "Custom Views" on the left, and select the name of your custom view.

With the information available in these logs, you can take the appropriate steps and rectify your PC problems. Good luck!

Related: What Is the Windows Event Viewer, and How Can I Use It?

Another way to access error message logs in Windows 11 is to use Reliability Monitor . This tool monitors your PC's usage over a period of time, allowing you to quickly get to any errors that have occurred on your machine. It may not give you quite as much data as Event Viewer does, but accessing Reliability Monitor is faster and it gives you a visual chart representing your PC's overall stability.

To access the tool, open the "Start" menu, search for "Reliability Monitor", and click "View Reliability History" in the search results.

On the screen that opens, you'll see a graph showing your system's status. Here, an error message is indicated with a red "X." Click this icon for your error, and then in the pane at the bottom, double-click the error.

The screen that opens displays more information about your selected error. Here, the "Description" section will give you details about your issue.

You now have some information about your BSOD error, and you can apply the possible fixes to resolve your problem.

Related: How to Look Up Windows Error Codes on the Command Line

By default, Windows 11's blue screen of death doesn't display any information that can help you deal with the issue. It only shows a sad smiley and nothing much of value.

Luckily, you can change that and make the BSOD display more useful information. This information can help you find out the cause of the problem so you can fix it and get rid of BSOD.

To get Windows 11 to show more details on the BSOD, add an entry to your PC's registry . Start this process by opening the Run dialog box using Windows+R, typing the following in the box, and pressing Enter (or selecting "OK.")

In the "User Account Control" prompt, select "Yes."

You'll see a Registry Editor window. Here, navigate to the following path. Then, on the right pane, right-click anywhere blank and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\CrashControl

Enter DisplayParameters as the entry name and press the Enter key. Then, double-click this entry.

A small box will open. Here, click the "Value Data" field and enter 1 . Then, select "OK."

You've successfully added the required entry to your registry. Now, reboot your PC to bring your changes into effect. From now on, when a BSOD error occurs, you'll see the error details right on the BSOD itself.

And that's how you access more details about your BSOD error on Windows 11. We hope these logs help you fix your PC problems.

Related: How to Find Out Why Your Windows PC Crashed or Froze

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Computers and Electronics
• Operating Systems

How to Fix the Blue Screen of Death on Windows

Last Updated: September 23, 2022 Tested

Using General Fixes

Fixing the "critical process died" error, fixing a registry error, restarting in safe mode, cleaning setup files, updating windows, deleting recently added apps, updating drivers, restoring a previous version of windows, resetting windows.

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jack Lloyd . Jack Lloyd is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. He has over two years of experience writing and editing technology-related articles. He is technology enthusiast and an English teacher. The wikiHow Tech Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. This article has been viewed 1,859,421 times. Learn more...

This wikiHow teaches you how to fix the Blue Screen of Death (BSoD, Black screen in Windows 11) on a Windows computer. The BSoD is typically a result of improperly installed software, hardware, or settings, meaning that it is usually fixable. In some cases, though, the BSoD appears due to a corrupt operating system or hardware inside of the computer, meaning that you'll either need to reinstall your operating system or take your computer into a tech department to have it fixed.

• Click Update & Security .
• Click the Troubleshoot tab.
• Click Blue Screen .
• Click Run the troubleshooter .
• Review the resulting solutions and follow any on-screen instructions.

• You can typically keep your mouse and keyboard plugged into your computer, especially if they came with the computer itself when it was brand-new.

• If the BSOD appears again while your computer is attempting to restart, check its error code. If the error code is 0x000000EF, you should immediately skip ahead to the next part . If not, try rebooting in Safe Mode .

• If the virus scan comes up with any malicious software, remove it immediately.
• If the virus scan sends software settings suggestions (e.g., battery life) to you during the scan, try implementing them. A flawed setting may cause the BSoD to appear.

• This error can be trivial, but if you see it happen multiple times in a row or you're unable to start your computer without running into the BSoD, it indicates a more serious issue.

• If you're unable to use your computer without receiving this error, you need to take your computer into a reputable repair service or shop—it may be that your hard drive or processor is failing, in which case there's nothing you can do from your end.

• Re-open Command Prompt in administrator mode.
• Type in Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth and press ↵ Enter .
• Type in Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth and press ↵ Enter .
• Type in Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press ↵ Enter .
• Wait for any processes to finish running, then restart your computer.

• If you would rather just restore a previous version of Windows, skip to the "Restoring a Previous Version of Windows" section .

• The deletion process may take a few minutes, especially if you've never deleted your computer's temporary files.

• Windows may restart several times, and you may have to activate Safe Mode again before proceeding.

• You'll repeat this process for each recently installed app here.

• For example, if you recently installed a wireless keyboard for a laptop, you would select the wireless keyboard's name after double-clicking the Keyboards hardware category.

• If you're already at this screen because your computer attempted and failed to restart several times, skip this step.

• You may need to log into your computer before proceeding.

• System restore points are usually created when you update or install a significant piece of software or hardware.
• If you've never backed up your computer and you don't see a restore point here, try resetting Windows instead.

• If the Blue Screen of Death reappears, you may need to restore an earlier backup.

• Keep my files - Keeps your files and folders when resetting your PC.
• Remove everything - Completely clears your hard drive. Make sure that you have a backup of your documents and files stored elsewhere (e.g., an external hard drive) if you choose this option.

• If you chose Remove everything in the last window, you'll first click either Just remove my files or Remove files and clean the drive before this step.

• If you're still running into the BSOD at this point, it's time to take your computer into a professional repair service to have it checked.

Community Q&A

• The Blue Screen of Death isn't as much of a death sentence as it used to be; more often than not, it's simply because your computer was on for too long or can't support a software update. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Some computers are too old to be upgraded (i.e. upgrading a 2008 computer to Windows 10). Updating such a computer can cause it to crash into the BSoD. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/debugger/bug-check-0x51--registry-error
• ↑ https://www.windowscentral.com/how-troubleshoot-blue-screen-errors-windows-10#troubleshoot_blue_screen_safemode

About This Article

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Jul 11, 2017

Is this article up to date?

Nov 10, 2016

Sep 2, 2016

Dec 9, 2016

Bala Krishn

Oct 13, 2016

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

[Windows 11/10] Troubleshooting - Blue Screen Errors in Windows (BSOD)

Send the page link to your email

Please enter your email

Scan QR code to open this page with your smart phone.

Related Topics

• [Windows 11/10] Troubleshooting - Automatic Shutdown/Restart Issues
• [Windows 11/10] Troubleshooting - Resolving System Error Messages or Unresponsiveness (Freeze/Black Screen/White Screen during usage)
• [Notebook/Desktop/AIO] Troubleshooting - How to fix it shows BitLocker recovery screen after power on/Find BitLocker recovery key
• [Notebook] Laptop Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
• [Windows 11/10] Troubleshooting - Automatic Repair (Startup Repair) on Boot

Applicable Products: Notebook, Desktop, All-in-One PC, Gaming Handheld, MiniPC

A Blue Screen Error will occur if a problem causes your system abnormal or restart unexpectedly due to software or hardware problems. It’s also called BSOD (Blue Screen of Death, as following picture).

There are some reasons that may cause Blue Screen Errors:

• From Windows packages, such as caused by Windows Update.
• The compatibility problem between new extended hardware and the device, or the hardware devices have error. 
• The compatibility problem between installed software and system.
• System virus.               Please try the following video and troubleshooting steps to solve your problems.

Please go to the corresponding instruction based on the current Windows operating system on your device:

Windows 11 operating system

Table of Contents :

If during the startup process, you encounter a blue screen error with the stop code 'INACCESSIBLE BOOT DEVICE' , try changing the current Intel VMD Controller settings to another option. (For example, if VMD is currently enabled in the BIOS, try changing it to disabled to see if it resolves the issue.)

Note : If you encounter a different stop code than 'INACCESSIBLE BOOT DEVICE', please proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

Note : The BIOS configuration screen may vary depending on the model.

Back to Table of Contents

Regularly updating BIOS, Windows, and drivers can enhance system stability and performance. Ensure that your device is using the latest versions. Learn more about updating BIOS:

How to update the BIOS version in Windows system

How to use EZ Flash to update the BIOS version

(For desktop products, please refer to  ASUS Motherboard EZ Flash 3 Introduction .)

Learn more about updating Windows and drivers:

How to execute Windows Update

How to update drivers via System Update in MyASUS

If the problem persists after you have updated BIOS/Windows packages/drivers to the date, please continue to the next chapter for troubleshooting.

User can inspect whether the hardware device is good by the Hardware Diagnostic via MyASUS, and run further checking on Blue Screen Error. If any error occurs after diagnosing, we recommend that you visit ASUS repair center to replace the hardware device.

• If any error occurs, please visit ASUS repair center to replace the hardware device. Here you can learn more about  How to use Customer Support to contact ASUS  for the further repair request.              If no issue found after 'Blue screen error' check, it means your hardware devices are good. Please continue the next troubleshooting step.

Sometimes, the external devices connected to your device can be the cause of Blue Screen Errors, so please try to remove them, such as external hard drives, printers, memory cards, external ODD (if your device is with internal ODD, please remove CD/DVDs), dongles, etc.  After that, restart your device. If you don’t experience the issue after restarting your device, the external device may be the cause of the problem. We recommend that you do not use this device and contact your device manufacturer for support.

If you do not use any external devices or the problem still persists after removing them, please confirm  whether you had ever installed / replaced any hardware devices , such as disk drives (HDD or SSD) or Memory modules. The compatibility problem could be the cause and exist between new hardware devices and ASUS products / system, so please try to remove the hardware device. If you don’t experience the issue after removing the hardware device, we recommend that you do not use this device and contact your device manufacturer for support.

If the problem persists after above steps, please continue the next troubleshooting step.

Some problems may occur after Windows Update or a specific application installed in your device, including the compatibility issue between applications and system, or Windows core programs may be crashed.

You can  view update history  to check recently installed updated items.

• You can confirm the installed date and whether you experience Blue Screen Errors after that, and then refer to the following steps to know how to uninstall or go back to the previous version.

If you experience Blue Screen Errors after installing feature updates in Windows, we recommend that you go back to the previous version and wait for the modification from Microsoft in order to prevent any initial unstable problem. Here you can learn more about  How to go back to the previous version of Windows .

If you cannot go back to the previous version of Windows, we recommend that you restore the system from restore point, here you can learn more about  How to use restore point to restore the system .

If you experience Blue Screen Errors after installing quality updates in Windows, we recommend that you uninstall the update and wait for the modification from Microsoft, please refer to the following steps to know how to uninstall it.

If you experience Blue Screen Errors after updating drivers in Windows, we recommend that you go back to the previous version and wait for the fixed one. Please refer to the following steps to know how to go back to the previous driver version.

Blue Screen Errors may occur if there is a compatibility issue between an initial installed application and Windows system, so we recommend that you uninstall this application first. Here you can learn more about  How to search or uninstall recently installed applications .

If the problem is gone after uninstalling this application, we recommend that you check the supported Operating System or specification in this application’s official website, or contact the application manufacturer for support.

If the problem happens recently, and if you have ever created a restore point or there is an automatic system restore existed, try to restore the device to a point before the problem began to resolve the problem. Here you can learn more about  How to use restore point to restore the system .

If the problem persists, please continue to the next chapter for troubleshooting.

If the problem persists after all troubleshooting steps are completed. Please backup your personal files, then reset the device to back to its original configuration. Here you can learn more about How to reset the system .

Windows 10 operating system

Sometimes, the external devices connected to your device can be the cause of Blue Screen Errors, so please try to remove them, such as external hard drives, printers, memory cards, external ODD (if your device is with internal ODD, please remove CD/DVDs), dongles, etc.  After that, restart your device . If you don’t experience the issue after restarting your device, the external device may be the cause of the problem. We recommend that you do not use this device and contact your device manufacturer for support.

If you do not use any external devices or the problem still persists after removing them, please confirm whether you had ever installed / replaced any hardware devices , such as disk drives (HDD or SSD) or Memory modules. The compatibility problem could be the cause and exist between new hardware devices and ASUS products / system, so please try to remove the hardware device. If you don’t experience the issue after removing the hardware device, we recommend that you do not use this device and contact your device manufacturer for support.

You can view update history to check recently installed updated items.

If you experience Blue Screen Errors after installing feature updates in Windows, we recommend that you go back to the previous version and wait for the modification from Microsoft in order to prevent any initial unstable problem. Here you can learn more about How to go back to the previous version of Windows .           

If you cannot go back to the previous version of Windows, we recommend that you restore the system from restore point, here you can learn more about How to use restore point to restore the system .

Blue Screen Errors may occur if there is a compatibility issue between an initial installed application and Windows system, so we recommend that you uninstall this application first. Here you can learn more about How to search or uninstall recently installed applications .

If you still cannot resolve your problem, download MyASUS and try the System Diagnosis for troubleshooting. Click below! 

Was this information helpful?

What we can do to improve the article?

• Above information might be partly or entirely quoted from exterior websites or sources. please refer to the information based on the source that we noted. Please directly contact or inquire the sources if there is any further question and note that ASUS is neither relevant nor responsible for its content/service
• This information may not suitable for all the products from the same category/series. Some of the screen shots and operations could be different from the software versions.
• ASUS provides the above information for reference only. If you have any questions about the content, please contact the above product vendor directly. Please note that ASUS is not responsible for the content or service provided by the above product vendor.
• Brand and product names mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies.

[Solved] Windows 11 Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Error

One of the best things about Windows is being able to try out new features or updates early. However, the best thing can turn into the worst thing after you see a BSOD.

A conflict between hardware and software can give rise to a blue screen error on Windows 11. But once you configure the hardware correctly or remove the incompatible software, the PC can function normally.

In this article, I will walk you through every possible method to fix the Windows 11 blue screen error once and for all.

So, let’s start.

What is Blue Screen of Death on Windows 11

1. restart the computer, 2. boot into safe mode & uninstall third-party software, 3. perform a clean boot, 4. use windows memory diagnostic tool, 5. rollback after an update or update drivers, 6. uninstall windows update, 7. perform an sfc scan, 8. scan for virus or malware, 9. perform a system restore, 10. clean installation of windows, 11. check for hardware failures.

The blue screen of death error on Windows 11 is a fatal system error that occurs whenever something prevents your operating system from running flawlessly. This can be due to many reasons. Some common examples are incorrect drivers, removal of critical Windows files, unstable overclocking , etc.

Now, you might have also seen some weird text and codes on the BSOD screen, right? So, what are these, and why is it important?

See, these texts and error codes are short directives to navigate you to the exact problem with your computer. It can be related to software or hardware.

For your convenience, I’ve listed the most common BSOD error codes with their underlying meaning. So the next time you experience such a system crash, you’ll know whether it is a software or hardware-related issue.

But before that, it’s worth noting that, with the release of the new version of Windows 11 Build 22000.346, the screen turns Black instead of Blue color. Ironic how the notorious name BSOD (Black Screen of Death) from when it was introduced in Windows 8 is still relevant, isn’t it?

How to Fix Blue Screen on Windows 11

There are multiple ways to fix the blue screen error, and you can learn how to fix it below. Remember that all of them will not necessarily work for you, as a blue screen can occur for many reasons, such as hardware or software-related issues.

So try them one by one and see which fixes it for you.

Follow these methods to fix the Windows 11 blue screen of death (BSOD) error:

Before going into the nerve-racking fixes, let’s start with the obvious— system restart. If you are lucky, this will fix the blue screen error in Windows 11. The good news is almost 60% of the time, restarting will fix the problem and resolve any temporary bugs and glitches generated within the OS.

But before restarting, ensure that you have unplugged any additional devices from your PC. These can include external HDDs, flash drives, etc.

It is best to enter safe mode to fix the blue screen on Windows 11 PC. It enables the user to enter Windows with only the essential functionalities enabled, which is great for avoiding any unknown programs that might have been causing issues.

Even if you are experiencing Windows 11 blue screen on startup, this method is effective.

Here are the steps to reboot into safe mode on Windows 11:

• Turn your computer on and keep the power button pressed until it turns back off.

• Uninstall any software you have recently installed. Also, remove the ones which you think can cause this issue.
• Restart the system.

Once you are in, check if the problem is fixed. If you find a stable system, start installing the applications and restart the system to check when you face a system crash.

Any software conflict and compatibility issue can lead to a BSOD on Windows 11. To triangulate that piece of application, you need to boot your system with only the bare minimum services enabled. This is known as a clean boot.

Here is the process to perform a clean boot on your computer:

• Press Win+R to open the Run program.

• Right-click on the services and disable them one by one from the Startup tab within the Task Manager.
• Discard Task Manager and Click Ok on the System Configuration Window.
• Restart your computer.

Now, check whether you see a blue screen again. If everything seems fine, start enabling each service one by one. In this way, you’ll find which program is causing the issue. Once the BSOD is gone, the next step will be to remove the conflicting program.

The Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool is a default software used to diagnose any problems on your RAM, which can also throw a BSOD error. This tool will help identify if your memory has gone bad and needs replacing.

Here’s how you can run the Windows memory diagnostic tool:

Restart your Windows System and check whether this resolves the issue.

If any error is found, the tool will give you the results. Google it, and it will show you what has gone wrong. Most of the time, the error codes are self-explanatory, so it is pretty easy to understand.

Memtest is another tool that you can use to troubleshoot your memory. Check the detailed instructions on how to do this in our Memory Diagnostic Vs. Memtest article.

Not only me but also users worldwide have reported getting the blue screen of death in Windows after updating their graphics cards or any other hardware. This is a common issue that is still going on.

To fix this, you need to roll back the driver, with is quite easy to do so.

Here are the steps to roll back a driver to its old version:

Here are the steps to rollback an update or update a new version:

• Press the Window + X keys at the same time on your keyboard. You will see a menu pop up.

• Expand Display Adapters and select your Graphics Card.
• Right-click on a driver.

• Restart your pc.

If this did not help you, then kindly go through the other methods given below.

If you run into BSOD after a recent Update, you should uninstall it right away so that you will remove the files from the failed Windows Update . As mentioned before, you need to boot to Windows Recovery to do this.

Here is the process to uninstall recent Windows Updates:

• Get into the repair mode by powering on and shutting down your PC at the Windows loading screen.

• Choose Advanced Options .

• Finally, choose the operating system where the updates will be removed.

This will take some moments. After the completion, your PC will restart. Any BSOD errors related to updates should be resolved now.

You can use the SFC command in the prompt to fix the blue screen on Windows 11. It will check any integrity problems within the file system and fix them automatically. If your storage device, like SSD, causes a blue screen , this method is highly effective.

To run SFC, you need to open it from Command Prompt . You have two options to do this. Either boot to the Safe Menu or the Recovery Menu on Windows 11. Go up a few methods where I have shown you how to boot here.

Here are the steps to run the SFC scan to fix the blue screen on Windows 11:

• Search for cmd in the Windows search bar.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator .

• Wait for the process to end.
• Close the Command Prompt after the process is finished and restart your pc.

Do not panic if this method does not work for you. Trying different methods is expected when fixing issues like these.

Just like maggots eating nasty things, viruses and malware eat away your system resources. It is not uncommon for viruses to cause high CPU usage even a PC is idle. So, a great practice is to scan your pc for viruses and malware from time to time so that you can get rid of them.

Having a clean pc is always nice, as there is a minimum chance of crashes and slowdowns. If you need to know how to scan your pc for viruses or malware, follow the given steps:

• Press Win + I to open Windows Settings .

• Click on Quick Scan to check for viruses.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to remove the malware or viruses.

Restart your pc and check whether the blue screen still pops up or not. I recommend you reinstall Windows 11 if there is a copious amount of malware or viruses present on your pc.

The next method is the last option you have, other than a fresh installation of Windows 11 is your last bet.

System Restore is the process of taking your pc back to a point where it was working properly. For example, if the date is the 11th of October, you can perform a restore to take your pc back to the date of the 1st of October when there were no issues. This is a great method if you do not wish to reinstall Windows again.

Note: You can only restore the system if you have already created a restore point before. Otherwise, this method will not work.

Here are the steps to perform a System Restore on Windows 11:

• Select the Restore point you want to go back to and click on Scan for affected programs . This will show you which programs will be removed in this process.

• Click on Finish .

If this does not work, then there is no other option but to reinstall Windows 11. Just go to the official page, then download and install Windows 11 again. Make sure to perform a clean installation and do not keep any files. Remember to back up the important files!

If none of the methods I’ve explained above don’t fix your problem, you should consider a clean install of Windows 11. With this, you’ll be able to start from scratch. It may be a little inconvenient, but it will be hugely beneficial to you.

In summary, to install Windows Make a bootable USB flash drive > Access the drive from the BIOS boot menu > Follow the on-screen instructions . Within a few moments, you’ll be rocking your new operating system.

Even after trying every fix, if BSOD is persistent on your computer, then the error may occur because one of the components is problematic. In that case, you need to read the BSOD code and swap that component out with a mint one.

For instance, if you find out the code indicates that your RAM is behind a black screen , replace it with a spare memory that you have. Now, check whether the problem arises again.

To make a confident assumption, check your RAM on another system and look for any issues. If it causes problems on that device too, then you need to buy a new memory stick. But, if it works perfectly fine, then another component may be defective. So you need to repeat the process until the culprit is detected.

This is a tedious process, but once you go through it, you’ll have a perfectly working system.

If you followed the instructions in this post, you should have fixed the blue screen by now. Unless you have a major hardware failure, the BSOD will not pop up anymore.

For a hardware issue, you should go to a PC service center near you and get a replacement for the parts if they are covered under warranty.

Got more questions? Leave a comment down below, and we will get back to you.

Mushfiq Rahman

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

• Data Recovery

What Is Windows 11 Blue Screen? How To Fix BSOD Error On Your PC

As you can see from the words, a blue screen means your screen turns into blue color. Users are likely to suffer from Windows 11 blue screen (blue screen of death) when a problem occurs on their computers. This page shows you how to fix the problem to get rid of the blue screen.

Windows 11 BSOD is a way to diagnose the fault of hardware and memory. It is Windows’s own error and bug check with a quantity of data that can help the administrator to analyze what system fault leads to the blue screen. So, when your computer turns into a blue screen, don’t be frightened. This guide on MiniTool will walk you through steps to resolve this problem.

Part 1: What Is Windows 11 Blue Screen

The full name of the blue screen is Blue Screen of Death , abbreviated as BSOD. Generally, it is a blue, full-screen error that appeared when your computer occurs a serious problem, possibly caused by low-level software (or drivers) crashing and faulty hardware. In most cases, you can find the exact error code and the error description on the screen, where you can get corresponding support directly by scanning the code or searching for information.

When your computer encounters a fatal issue, it will restart suddenly to prevent damage to your computer. Some of you may find a Windows 11 black screen instead of a blue one. But actually, they are the same issue, just because you may run the older version of Windows 11.

Part 2: How to Troubleshoot Windows 11 Blue Screen of Death

Microsoft has confirmed the blue screen of death and other problems in Windows 11 (the new operating system) at the end of 2021.

• The BSOD is caused by compatibility issues with the Intel driver.
• The Microsoft Installer (MSI) failure will affect users’ app updates or repairs.

Quick Fix: Restart Your Computer

The first thing users will think of when running into the Windows 11 blue screen of death is to restart the computer (to try to fix the problem). The automatic troubleshooting and repair process will be initialized while restarting Windows 11. That’s why the Windows 11 computer will go back to normal after a simple restart when encountering problems like a blue screen.

Tips: Stop Automatic Reboot after Blue Screen Errors

You can stop your Windows 11 computer from rebooting automatically if you need. Here’s what to do:

• Press Win + I to open the Settings window.
• Navigate System > Advanced system settings .
• Click on the  Settings  button in the Startup and Recovery section.
• Locate the System failure section and uncheck  Automatically restart .
• Click  OK  to save changes.

Whenever a BSOD shows up on the Windows 11 computer, please write down the error code and reboot the computer to let Windows fix the problem automatically.

However, restarting doesn’t always work; many users said the problem persists after rebooting Windows 11. Under such circumstances, you can try the following fixes.

Fix 1. Disconnect Unnecessary Devices

Check whether your computer connects with some external devices. If yes, disconnect them all and restart your computer. Some external devices will interfere with the computer boot process, which may lead to a blue screen issue.

Fix 2. Reboot Windows 11 in Safe Mode

If the BSOD prevents you from normal computer use, you should enter Safe Mode of the computer. The Safe Mode allows your computer to work with basic configurations. Without running the third-party software, it can check whether it is a system problem.

If your computer can’t boot normally because of the blue screen, you can follow the next steps to enter Safe Mode.

Step 1: Press the  Power  button and hold it for at least 10 seconds to turn off your computer.

Step 2: Press the  Power  button again to turn it back on. Repeat this process several times until you see the Windows logo, Please wait or Diagnosing your PC message.

Step 3: Click on Advanced options

Step 4: Please select  Troubleshoot > Advanced options  >  Startup Settings  >  Restart .

Step 5: Press  F4  to Enable Safe Mode or press  F5  to Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

How to exit Safe Mode : press  Windows + R  > type  msconfig  > click  OK  > select  Boot  > uncheck  Safe boot  under the Boot options > click OK.

Fix 3. Uninstall Third-party Software

If you have downloaded third-party software before your computer turns into a blue screen, the software may be the problem. You can uninstall them after restarting or in Safe Mode.

Step 1: Click  Start  and select  Settings .

Step 2: Go to  Apps >  Apps & features .

Step 3: Browse the software installed on your computer.

Step 4: Select the recently added third-party software or the software you suspect might be causing the issue.

Step 5: Click  Uninstall  and wait.

Step 6: Restart your computer.

Fix 4. Uninstall Recent Update

This method is very useful if the Windows 11 BSOD occurs after a Windows 11 update was installed. You are supposed to use this method in Safe Mode.

Step 1: Open  Settings > Windows Update > Update history .

Step 2: Click Uninstall updates under Related settings.

Step 3: Browse the list and select the most recent updates and right-click to choose Uninstall .

If uninstalling recent system updates didn’t work, you can also try to perform a System Restore , get the latest system updates , or even perform a clean installation of Windows 11 (but your data will be lost).

Recover Data from a Non-bootable Windows 11

When you decide to reinstall the operating system, rescuing your data from the unbootable computer should be the first action. We recommend MiniTool Power Data Recovery with a snap-in WinPE Bootable Media Builder. This is professional software for recovering data with no damage.

You can create a bootable disk with the MiniTool WinPE bootable media builder and boot the problematic computer from the bootable disk to rescue your data. There are different editions, and you can choose one with a snap-in WinPE bootable media builder from this page . For personal users, we suggest the Personal Ultimate edition heartily.

1. Download and install MiniTool Power Data Recovery properly on a well-worked computer.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery Free Click to Download 100% Clean & Safe

2. Switch to the Utilities tab on the left panel and click the Download button under the Power Data Recovery Bootable section.

With the following instructions, please get the full edition that has a snap-in WinPE Bootable Builder.

3. Click the key icon on the top right of the main interface to register the software with the key sent to you by email.

4. Click on the  optical disc icon   at the top right to open MiniTool Media Builder.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a bootable disk (USB/CD/DVD).

6. When the file preparation ends, click Finish and remove the disk.

7. Connect the disk to the unbootable Windows 11 PC and restart it.

8. Press the functional key to enter BIOS and change the boot order of the PC to boot from this disk.

9. Wait patiently until the computer enters MiniTool Power Data Recovery automatically.

10. Choose a partition to scan.

11. Browse the scan result page, and select the data you want to recover.

You can use Filter or Type function to set filter criteria and preview the files before saving them.

12. Click the Save button and select a proper path to save the files.

Fix 5. Rebuild MBR

MBR , named Mater Boot Record, is the basic information that determined the position and approach of an operating system. If the MBR is corrupted, your computer might stick to the blue screen dead from starting. Here are two ways to fix the MBR to help you boot the device.

Use Command Prompt tool:

Step 1: Open the Windows Repair Environment by restarting the computer and pressing and holding the Shift key.

Step 2: Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt in the Choose an option window.

Step 3: Then, type  bootrec /Fixmbr  and press  Enter .

Step 4: Type  bootrec /FixBoot  and press  Enter .

Step 5: Type  bootrec /ScanOs  and press  Enter .

Step 6: Type  bootrec /RebuildBcd  and press  Enter .

Step 7: Type exit to close the Command Prompt window and then restart your computer.

Use MiniTool Partition Wizard:

In addition to the Command Prompt tool, third-party software can rebuild MBR as well, such as MiniTool Partition Wizard . This is professional for managing disks, which allows you to merge, split, resize, extend, and format partitions. Besides, MiniTool Partition Wizard also helps rebuild MBR. Although your computer boots into blue screen error, MiniTool Partition Wizard can create a bootable disk thus the problematic computer could start from the bootable disc. Then you can use it to rebuild MBR.

Step 1: Get MiniTool Partition Wizard on a working computer.

MiniTool Partition Wizard Free Click to Download 100% Clean & Safe

Step 2: Click on the Bootable Media button on the top right bar to get one edition that suits you best in the pop-up window.

Step 3: Register with the license key.

Step 4: Connect a USB drive to the computer and use Bootable Media Builder to  create a bootable disk .

Step 5: Remove the disk and connect it to the unbootable Windows 11 computer.

Step 6: Press a function key to enter BIOS and change the boot order to start your PC from the bootable disk.

Step 7: Wait for a while, MiniTool Partition Wizard will launch automatically.

Step 8: Select your system disk needed to rebuild MBR in the right pane.

Step 9: Select Rebuild MBR and click Apply  at the bottom left and choose  Yes .

To know more detailed operations about this, you can read this passage: How to Rebuild MBR.

Part 3: How to Address Window Stuck in BSOD Loop

 Sometimes your computer is stuck in an infinite BSOD loop. How can you fix this blue screen error? You may try the above methods in the Safe Mode as well. Additionally, here are another two methods for you. Try them if needed.

Method 1. Perform a System Restore

System restore can return your computer to a status before the blue screen error occurs using system restore points . Having system restore points is the preliminary of completing this operation. You need to create system restore points manually. Therefore, if you have any system restore points, keep reading, otherwise, you can skip to the next method.

Since your computer fails to boot normally, you can enter the Windows Recovery Environment during the bootup process. Then, follow the next steps to perform a system restore.

Step 1: Head to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore .

Step 2: Choose an account in the following window and input the password to continue.

Step 3: When the System Restore window appears, click Next .

Step 4: Choose one system restore point and click Next .

Step 5: Verify all the information in the following window, then click Finish to start the system restore process.

After this process, you can check whether this method helps to resolve the computer stuck in BSOD loop error.

Method 2. Repair the Computer with a Created Installation Media

You can repair the computer by using a created installation USB drive to boot up the computer. In this method, you should prepare a USB drive with at least 8GB of space. Please ensure that there are no important files on the USB drive, as the process of creating an installation media will erase all data on the USB drive.

You need to connect the USB drive to a well-performing computer and go to the Microsoft download page . Click the Download Now button under the Create Windows 10 installation media section.

Then, please follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset steps of creating an installation USB drive. When the process is complete, connect the USB drive to the problematic computer.

You need to boot this computer into the BIOS menu to change the boot order , making this computer boot from the USB drive. After entering the Windows Setup interface, you can choose the language and click Next to continue. Then, click Repair your computer to enter the Choose an option interface.

Head to Troubleshoot > Startup Repair > Windows 10 .

Then, your computer will start the repair process automatically.

Do you know how to fix boot issue by Startup Repair Windows 10? No, in this post we will show you three cases and three ways to do that job.

Part 4: What to Do When Computer Works Normally Again

If your computer works well after automatically restarting, you can try the following sets to avoid a blue screen issue appearing again.

Method 1. Update/Rollback/Disable/Uninstall Drivers

Step 1: Press  Windows + X .

Step 2: Select  Device Manager .

Step 3: Expand a device category that you suspect has problematic drivers.

Step 4: Right-click on the target driver and select  Properties .

Step 5: Shift to the  Driver  tab.

Step 6: Click  Update Driver ,  Roll Back Driver ,  Disable Device , or  Uninstall Device .

Step 7: Follow the instructions to continue.

Method 2. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

If your computer turns into Memory Management blue screen, it is usually caused by RAM (Random Access Memory). The best solution is to change a new one, but you should diagnose whether it is corrupted by running the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool before replacing it with another one.

Step 1: Press  Windows + S  to open the Search.

Step 2: Type  Windows Memory Diagnostic and press  Enter  to open it.

Step 3: Select  Restart now and check for problems (recommended) .

Step 4: Wait for the test to complete. If it tells you your memory is the problem, you need to change RAM.

You can then open  Event Viewer  > select  Windows Logs  > click  System  to view the most recent Memory Diagnostic file.

Method 3. Scan Hard Drive for Errors

As stated above, BSOD is caused by hardware and software issues. Mostly we find hardware problems. In addition to the memory error, the hard drive can cause it as well. There are two ways to check what’s the problem of and how to fix it on a hard drive.

Use Error checking:

Step 1: Press  Windows + E .

Step 2: Navigate This PC > Local Disk (C:) > Properties > Tool .

Step 3: Click on the  Check  button under the Error checking section.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions.

Method 4. Perform SFC Scan

If you encounter a “CRITICAL_PROCESS-DIED” blue screen error, you can choose System File Checker to repair missing or corrupted system files to see whether it works.

Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run window and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run the command prompt as administrator.

Step 2: Type  sfc /scannow  and press  Enter .

Step 3: Wait for the command to end.

Method 5. Scan Your Computer for Viruses or Malware

Virus or malware attacks may lead to your computer’s blue screen issue. To diagnose whether the virus or malware attacks your computer, you can use Virus & threat protection in Windows Security to scan and fix it.

Step 1: Press  Windows + S .

Step 2: Type  Windows Security  and press  Enter .

Step 3: Select  Virus & threat protection > Scan options .

Step 4: Choose a scan type you needed to start scanning your Windows 11 PC.

Step 5: Follow the instructions to remove the virus or malware found by the tool.

Part 5: Recover Lost Data from Computer

A blue screen may cause your data lost even if the computer works normally after restarting. How to recover data from this blue-screen computer? We recommend MiniTool Power Data Recovery to help you restore data in different situations.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery is a powerful free data recovery software . You can use it to check whether a scanned partition has the file you wanted and to recover your desired files up to 1 GB for free. With its functional design, you can locate your files efficiently. Please follow the steps to check whether your data is lost and recover your wanted files.

Step 1: Download and install MiniTool Power Data Recovery.

Step 2: Run it and select the drive that contains your lost data.

Step 3: Click on the  Scan  button and wait for the scan.

Step 4: Browse the scan results and check the files you need.

You can click the Preview button to review them.

Step 5: Click on the  Save  button and choose a storage path for them.

Step 6: Click  OK  and wait until all the items are recovered completely.

Part 6: Verdict

This page introduces the Blue Screen of Death and provides several useful methods to fix this problem. If you find data loss after restarting the computer, you can retrieve them with MiniTool Power Data Recovery mentioned in this passage as well.

We welcome your feedback and please feel free to contact [email protected] when you encounter problems.

About The Author

Position: Columnist

How to Fix Windows 11 Blue Screen Error (BSOD)

Having your PC suddenly freeze and display a blue screen with incomprehensible text can be alarming. As frustrating as these blue screen of death (BSOD) errors are, don’t panic. In most cases, blue screen errors can be fixed by identifying and addressing the underlying problem. This article will walk you through some of the most common causes of BSODs and solutions to get your PC working normally again.

The blue screen error happens because Windows detects a fatal system error and is forced to shut down to prevent further damage. The technical information on the BSOD screen points to the root cause, but can be difficult to decipher. The good news is, there are some common culprits to check that may be causing your blue screens of death.

Problem Description

While working on my Windows 11 PC, I encountered a BSOD with the following error message: “SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION.” This error halted my activities and forced my computer to restart automatically. Here are some key details about my experience: Frequency: The BSOD occurred intermittently, roughly once every two to three days. Activities: The BSOD happened while performing various tasks, including browsing the web, running applications, and even during idle times. Hardware Specifications: My computer meets the system requirements for Windows 11, and I have not made any recent hardware changes. Windows Updates: I ensure that my operating system and drivers are up-to-date by regularly installing Windows updates and manufacturer-supplied driver updates. I have been getting the blue screen error for the past few days. It happens randomly, and I cannot seem to figure out what is causing it. I have tried restarting my computer, but that does not fix the problem. I have also tried running the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool, but that did not find any errors. I am not sure what else to do to fix the problem. I am hoping that you can help me. – random Windows 11 user

Common Causes of BSOD on Windows

• Faulty hardware driver – Hardware that is not compatible or a driver that is buggy can trigger a BSOD. This includes issues with graphics card drivers, network drivers and more.
• RAM issues – Faulty RAM sticks or RAM that becomes unstable can lead to blue screen errors. This may happen if you overclock your RAM or one of the sticks is defective.
• Hard drive errors – If the hard drive has bad sectors or corrupt system files, it can cause BSODs. Hard drive errors tend to get worse over time.
• Overheating – Components like the CPU and GPU overheating and then crashing can lead to blue screens. Make sure your PC ventilation is not obstructed and components are properly cooled.
• Windows system file corruption – Key Windows system files becoming corrupt or going missing can result in blue screen crashes. This may happen after a bad shutdown sequence or incomplete Windows update.
• Malware infection – Viruses and spyware can sometimes infect system files and damage Windows enough to cause BSODs. Running antivirus scans can identify and remove infections.

Troubleshooting Procedures

Performing the following procedures can help you determine the underlying cause of the BSOD or Blue screen error on your Windows computer and fix it. Try these before considering hardware solutions.

Step 1: Update Hardware Drivers

Outdated and incompatible hardware drivers are one of the most common reasons behind the dreaded blue screen of death. It is important to keep your hardware drivers fully up to date, especially GPU, motherboard and other critical components. In this case, updating hardware drivers will likely solve the problem.

There are a few ways to update hardware drivers on Windows 11.

• Open Settings.
• Click on  Update & Security .
• Click on  Windows Update .
• Click on  Check for updates .
• If there are any driver updates available, they will be listed under  Optional updates .
• To install the driver updates, select the check boxes next to the updates and then click on  Download and install .
• Open Device Manager.
• Expand the category for the device that you want to update.
• Right-click on the device and select  Update driver .
• In the  Update Drivers  window, select  Search automatically for updated driver software .
• Windows will search for the latest driver for your device and install it.
• Download the drivers from the manufacturer’s website: If Windows Update or Device Manager does not find any driver updates, you can download the drivers from the manufacturer’s website. To do this, go to the manufacturer’s website and search for the drivers for your computer model. Once you have found the drivers, download them and install them on your computer.

It is important to update your hardware drivers regularly to ensure that your computer is running smoothly and that you are getting the most out of your hardware.

• Open Device Manager
• Expand categories to show installed devices
• Right click each device and select Update Driver
• Search automatically online for driver updates

Updating to the latest stable drivers from the manufacturer can prevent many BSOD issues caused by buggy or incompatible drivers.

Step 2: Test and Replace Faulty RAM

Given how vital RAM is to system stability, faulty or failing memory modules can frequently cause blue screen crashes. If you suspect an issue with your RAM, you can test each module individually.

To isolate faulty RAM, refer to these steps:

• Turn off your computer and unplug the power cable from the power source
• Remove all but one RAM stick from the motherboard
• Plug PC back in and turn it on to see if BSOD persists
• Repeat process until faulty stick is identified

Replace any RAM sticks that cause BSODs during testing. You can also run memory diagnostics or memtest86 to identify errors.

Here are the steps on how to run memory diagnostics on Windows 11:

• Open the Start menu and search for “Windows Memory Diagnostic”.
• Click on the  Windows Memory Diagnostic  app.
• In the  Windows Memory Diagnostic  window, click on  Restart now and check for problems (recommended) .
• Your computer will restart and the memory diagnostic will run automatically.
• The memory diagnostic will take a few minutes to run. Once it is finished, your computer will restart again.
• If the memory diagnostic finds any errors, you will see a message after your computer restarts.

If the memory diagnostic finds any errors, you will need to replace the faulty memory module. You can do this by contacting the manufacturer of your computer or memory module for a replacement.

Identifying Errors with memtest86

Memtest86 is a free, open-source memory testing tool that can be used to test the memory of your computer. It is a more comprehensive memory tester than the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool and can be used to find errors that the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool may miss.

To run Memtest86 on Windows 11, you will need to create a bootable USB drive with Memtest86 on it. You can do this by following these steps:

• Download the Memtest86 ISO file from the Memtest86 website.
• Download and install Rufus. Rufus is a free tool that can be used to create bootable USB drives.
• Open Rufus and select your USB drive.
• In the  Boot selection  section, select the  ISO image  option and click on the  Select image file  button.
• Browse to the Memtest86 ISO file that you downloaded and click on the  Open  button.
• Click on the  Start  button to create the bootable USB drive.

Once you have created the bootable USB drive, you can use it to run Memtest86 on your computer. To do this, follow these steps:

• Boot your computer from the USB drive.
• Memtest86 will start automatically.
• Memtest86 will run a series of tests on your memory. This may take several hours.
• If Memtest86 finds any errors, it will display a message.
• If Memtest86 does not find any errors, your memory is probably fine.

If Memtest86 finds any errors, you will need to replace the faulty memory module. You can do this by contacting the manufacturer of your computer or memory module for a replacement.

Step 3: Check Hard Drives for Errors

Since the hard drive stores critical Windows system files, errors or bad sectors can lead to blue screen crashes. It is a good idea to periodically scan your drives for problems.

Here’s how it’s done:

• Open command prompt as admin
• Type “chkdsk /r” to scan HD for bad sectors
• Type “sfc /scannow” to verify system file integrity

Chkdsk will scan and repair drive errors, while sfc checks for corrupt system files. If necessary, replace aging hard drives that develop frequent errors.

Step 4: Monitor CPU/GPU Temperatures

Components like the CPU and GPU overheating can definitely cause BSODs during demanding tasks like gaming or video editing. Use a system monitor to check component temps.

Here’s how:

• Download an app like Speccy or HWInfo to monitor temps
• Ensure your PC case has adequate airflow
• Reapply thermal paste if CPU/GPU overheating

Keeping temperatures in a safe range will prevent heat-related crashes. Also check that your CPU or GPU fans are still functioning properly.

Step 5: Roll Back Recent Changes

If your PC was working fine before a recent change like a driver update, software install or Windows update, rolling back that change could fix the blue screens.

There are two ways to uninstall a recent Windows update on Windows 11:

• Open  Settings .
• Click on  View update history .
• Under  Installed updates , find the update that you want to uninstall and click on it.
• Click on  Uninstall .
• Open the Command Prompt as administrator.
• Type the following command and press Enter: wuauclt.exe /uninstall /kb:<update_kb_number> Replace <update_kb_number> with the KB number of the update that you want to uninstall.

If the issues started after a change, reverting it is worth a shot before troubleshooting other potential causes.

Here are some things to keep in mind when uninstalling Windows updates:

• You can only uninstall updates that have been installed within the past 10 days.
• If you uninstall an update, you may also need to uninstall other updates that depend on it.
• Uninstalling updates can sometimes cause problems with your computer. If you have any problems after uninstalling an update, you can reinstall it using the same method.

Step 6: Perform Clean Boot

Performing a clean boot in Windows 11 starts your computer with only essential services and software loaded to rule out conflicts from third-party apps.

A clean boot is a troubleshooting method that starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This helps to isolate any software conflicts that might be causing problems with your computer.

To perform a clean boot on Windows 11, follow these steps:

• Open the Start menu and search for “msconfig”.
• Click on the “System Configuration” app.
• Click on the “Services” tab.
• Check the “Hide all Microsoft services” checkbox.
• Click on the “Disable all” button.
• Click on the “Startup” tab.
• Click on the “Open Task Manager” button.
• In the Task Manager, select each startup program that you don’t want to run at startup, and then click on the “Disable” button.
• Close the Task Manager.
• Click on the “OK” button in the System Configuration window.
• Click on the “Restart” button to restart your computer.

After your computer restarts, you will be in a clean boot environment. You can then test your computer to see if the problem you were having has been resolved.

• To restore your computer to normal startup, open the System Configuration app again, and then follow steps 4-11, but in step 5, click on the “Enable all” button instead.

If the BSOD is fixed during a clean boot, systematically enable groups of services until you find the problematic program.

Step 7: Check for Overclocking Issues

Pushing components like the CPU, RAM or GPU past stock speeds through overclocking can sometimes lead to blue screen crashes under heavy load.

To check for overclocking issues on Windows 11, you can use any of the following methods:

• Check the CPU clock speed in Task Manager.  The fastest way to check if your CPU is overclocked is to use the Task Manager. Open Task Manager by pressing  Ctrl + Shift + Esc . Click on the “Performance” tab and look at the “CPU” section. The clock speed should be higher than the stock or turbo speed.
• Run a stress test.  A stress test is a program that puts your CPU under a heavy load. If your CPU is overclocked, it may not be able to handle the stress test and will crash or freeze. You can use a stress test program like Prime95 or FurMark.
• Check the system stability.  If you are experiencing any system instability, such as crashes, freezes, or blue screens, it could be caused by an overclocking issue. You can try to troubleshoot the instability by reducing the CPU overclock or disabling it altogether.
• Check the BIOS settings.  The BIOS is the basic input/output system, and it is where you can configure the settings for your computer’s hardware. If your CPU is overclocked, the BIOS settings will reflect this. You can check the BIOS settings to make sure that the overclock is not too aggressive.

If you are overclocking your CPU, it is important to do it carefully and to test your system thoroughly before using it for everyday tasks.

Overclocking can increase the performance of your computer, but it can also make it unstable and lead to problems.

If you have overclocked components and that has triggered that Blue screen error, try doing these instead:

• Load BIOS and reset all settings to default
• Monitor system stability at stock speeds
• Gradually reapply overclocks at smaller increments

Unstable overclocks are a preventable cause of BSODs. Test each individual component at stock speed to isolate issues.

Step 8: Scan for Malware and Viruses

While less common, malware and viruses can sometimes infect critical system files and cause blue screen crashes. Running scans can identify and remove malware.

Here’s what you should then:

• Download and run antivirus software like Windows Defender
• Run a full system scan to detect infections
• Quarantine or remove any malware found

Viruses and spyware should not be ruled out as a potential cause of blue screen errors. Perform regular scans to keep infections away.

Step 9: Reset Windows

If all else fails and you continue getting BSODs, completely resetting Windows 11 will reinstall a fresh copy of the operating system. Be sure to back up any personal data first.

When you reset Windows 11, your personal files will be deleted. However, your Windows settings and installed programs will be reset to their default values.

There are two ways to reset Windows 11:

• Open the Settings app.
• Go to System > Recovery.
• Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
• Choose whether you want to keep your personal files or remove everything.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.
• Restart your computer.
• When you see the Windows logo, press and hold the Shift key.
• Click Restart.
• On the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
• Continue with the steps from the previous method.

Resetting Windows can resolve even stubborn blue screen issues caused by corrupt system files or settings. Just be warned it will erase all your installed apps and settings.

With a bit of trial and error testing, you should be able to uncover what is causing the blue screen crashes on your Windows 11 PC. Be patient, don’t rush troubleshooting steps, and your system should be back up running bluescreen-free.

FAQs about Windows 11 Blue Screen Error BSOD

What are some common causes of the blue screen of death.

The blue screen of death, or BSOD, has a number of potential causes. Some of the most common include faulty hardware like bad RAM, an incompatible driver, Windows system file corruption, CPU/GPU overheating, hard drive errors, malware infections, and issues with overclocking components. The technical information on the BSOD screen points to the root cause, but can be difficult to decipher. Checking event logs after a crash may help identify the culprit as well.

How can I prevent blue screens from happening?

There are a few best practices you can follow to avoid those frustrating blue screen crashes. Always keep your Windows version and hardware drivers fully updated, perform regular system file checks with SFC and CHKDSK, monitor your PC temperatures, don’t overwrite critical system files, make sure overclocks are stable, and use antivirus to protect against malware. Preventative maintenance steps like these can keep BSODs at bay.

What should I do if I keep getting blue screens?

If you are regularly experiencing BSOD crashes, there are some troubleshooting steps to take: Check Event Viewer for error codes pointing to the cause, update drivers, run SFC and DISM scans, test your RAM with MEMTEST86, monitor hardware temps, uninstall recent changes like software installs or Windows updates, perform a clean boot, and scan for malware. If the blue screens persist, consider resetting Windows to reinstall a fresh copy as a last resort. Identifying the underlying problem is key to stopping those BSODs.

Resolving Blue Screen errors in Windows

Blue Screen errors (also sometimes called black screen errors or STOP code errors) can occur if a serious problem causes Windows to shut down or restart unexpectedly. You might see a message that says, "Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer" or a similar message.

These errors can be caused by both hardware and software issues. If you added new hardware to your PC before the Blue Screen error, shut down your PC, remove the hardware, and try restarting. If you're having trouble restarting, you can start your PC in safe mode. For more info, see  Start your PC in safe mode in Windows .

You can also try getting the latest updates with Windows Update, help from other sources, or restoring Windows to an earlier point in time.

If none of those steps help to resolve your Blue Screen error, please try the Blue Screen Troubleshooter in the Get Help app:

In Windows, open Get Help .

In the Get Help app, type Troubleshoot BSOD error .

Follow the guided walkthrough in the Get Help app.

Note:  If you're not on a Windows device, you can run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter on your browser by going to Contact Microsoft Support  and typing Troubleshoot BSOD error .  Then follow the guided walkthrough under "Recommended Help".

You can find more information about your specific STOP error code at  Bug Check Code Reference.

Need more help?

Want more options.

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Microsoft 365 subscription benefits

Microsoft 365 training

Microsoft security

Accessibility center

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Ask the Microsoft Community

Microsoft Tech Community

Windows Insiders

Microsoft 365 Insiders

Find solutions to common problems or get help from a support agent.

Online support

Was this information helpful?

Thank you for your feedback.

• Trending Now
• Foundational Courses
• Data Science
• Practice Problem
• Machine Learning
• System Design
• DevOps Tutorial

How to Fix Blue Screen of Death Errors On Windows 11?

• How To Fix Windows 11 Sign-in Error ?
• How To Troubleshoot and Fix Windows 10 Blue Screen Errors?
• How to Fix Boot Error "No Bootable Device" in Windows?
• How to Go Full Screen in Windows 11?
• How to Change Screen Brightness on Windows 11?
• How To Fix 8007007e Error in Windows 10 and 11?
• How to fix Start Button not Working on Windows 11?
• How to Fix the "Cannot Find Gpedit.msc” Error on Windows 11?
• How to Create a Recovery Drive in Windows 11?
• How to Factory Reset a Windows 11 PC?
• How To Change Screen Brightness in Windows 10?
• How to Fix Boot Error 0xc0000225 in Windows?
• 7 Common Windows Errors and How to Fix Them
• How to Boot Into Safe Mode on Windows 11?
• How to Diagnose and Resolve Disk Errors in Windows?
• How to Scan for Hardware Changes on Windows 11?
• How to Record Screen in Windows 11
• How to Change Font Size on Windows 11?
• Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) and Stop Error

Computers & Laptops are our daily needs. In this world of online, Laptops & computers are used for like all purposes. Those users who don’t have a high-speed smartphone, use laptops for nearly all purposes. From booking train tickets to purchasing any item on online shopping, for every purpose Laptops are being used. Also, along with that, there are traditional uses are present for laptops. An IT personnel use their laptop for nearly 24 hours. For other users, laptops are being used for a long amount of time. After the COVID-19 Pandemic, the number of users is increased who are using laptops or computers. They also operated using the operating system. If a device is being used for a long amount of time or in a rough manner, then there is a chance to have some issues with the device.

The Blue Screen Of Death is the same kind of issue. It is sometimes termed BSD. This is a type of error. Like some other errors happen on the device, this is also a similar kind of error. But the severity of this error is much higher. Mainly when the computer or laptop crashes due to long time use or rough use, then this happens. And with every operating system of Windows, this can be witnessed. Windows 11 is not different from that. In Windows 11 also, there might be some issues. Due to a large systematic error. this might happen.

Using BIOS Option:

Note: This option is only for those users who got stuck at the Blue Screen Of Death error screen. This means whenever they try to open the laptop or computers, they are facing the same screen. The laptop doesn’t allow them to enter the device. In that case, users need to follow these steps. This will help to come out of the situation temporarily. This method is going to make the settings & all the changes inside the laptop to the default format.

Step 1: At first, users need to start the computer or laptops usually. Then while starting, they have to press the BIOS-configured key multiple times. There at the bottom of the page, users will find an option called Load Defaults. It is sometimes termed a Factory Default. Users need to click on that.

Note: BIOS-configured key is the key that is responsible for popping out one special window of the computers or laptops. This is known as the BIOS windows. There are some more options are present. Those are related to the configuration of the computer. For different laptop brands, there are different BIOS-configured keys.

Step 2: Now, after that, a new popup window will open in front of the users. Users need to click Ok there. This is going to change the laptop settings to the default format.

Step 3: Now, another new window will open there. There also, users need to click on Yes to proceed.

Disclaimer: This option is going to change all the settings on the laptop. The settings will be converted to the default format. Also, along with that, all the applications that are installed in the device are also going to disappear. So, it is advisable to use this method when the Blue Screen Of Death error screen is stuck.

Step 4: After that, the laptop will be restarted. And users can successfully come to the lock screen of the laptops. Now, they can use their device. But this helps the users for a limited time. As the problem is not yet settled. They need to perform some more tasks also.

Note: The above-mentioned steps need to be executed when the laptop can work. So, there is a need to come out from the Blue Screen Of Death error screen. After coming out from the error, users need to perform the following steps. This will make permanent changes to the device. And will help it not to occur in such cases again in the future. So, it is advisable, after coming out from the Blue Screen Of Death error screen, users should perform these tasks.

Using Device Manager:

Step 1: At first, users need to search for the Device Manager option on the start menu. Then they need to open the function.

Step 2: There, users need to expand the Network Adapter option. Inside the option, they need to right-click on the Intel option. This will help to gain more opportunities for that.

Step 3: Now, there will be an option to Update Driver. Users need to click on that. This is one type of troubleshooting. Sometimes the Blue Screen Of Death error occurs due to problems related to drivers. 

Step 4: A new window will open in front of the users. There will be two options. Users need to click on the first option which will automatically search for correct and existing drivers. After searching the drivers, that will be auto-included there.

Step 5: Now, if there is no issue, then users will find one message that the Best Driver is already installed. So, there is no need to perform any more tasks. Then users can click on the Close button to close the window.

Using Windows Memory Diagnostic:

Step 1: At first, users need to search for Windows Memory Diagnostic in the start menu. From there, they need to open the software.

Step 2: While opening the software, it will ask the user to choose one option. Users need to click on the first option. In this option, Windows will promptly start checking the device. Users need to click on that option.

Step 3: Then the device will be restarted. And another blue screen will be shown there. It is the screen where the device shows gis status. It will take a long time to complete. Nearly one to two hours are needed for it. If the device faces any issue there, they will solve the issue. If no issue is left, it will show No Problems Have Been Detected Yet.

Hence, we have successfully fixed the Blue Screen Of Death errors on Windows 11.

Note: This is the most vital step or method to solve the Blue Screen Of Death error. This is the process where the laptop will check the default of it by itself. Whenever there is any issue with the device, users can run these steps. This is a very important step. It is completely impossible to check everything on the laptops & find out the errors from there. So, for that users can easily use Windows Memory Diagnostic. This will check the memory-related issue & other things also.

Please Login to comment...

Similar reads.

• Technical Scripter 2022
• Windows-Tools
• Technical Scripter

Improve your Coding Skills with Practice

What kind of Experience do you want to share?

This browser is no longer supported.

Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.

Advanced troubleshooting for stop or blue screen errors

• 5 contributors

If you're not a support agent or IT professional, you'll find more helpful information about stop error ("blue screen") messages in Troubleshoot blue screen errors .

Applies to:   Supported versions of Windows Server and Windows Client

What causes stop errors?

When Windows encounters a condition that compromises safe system operation, the system stops. Examples include something failing that could compromise security or lead to corruption of the operating system (OS) and/or user data. When the machine stops in order to prevent the operating system from moving forward in these conditions, it is called a bug check (or bugcheck). It is also commonly referred to as a system crash, a kernel error, a blue screen, a blue screen of death (BSOD), or a stop error. On preview releases of Windows, the screen color can be green, leading to the green screen of death (GSOD).

There's no simple explanation for the cause of stop errors. Many different factors can be involved. Our analysis of the root causes of crashes indicates that:

• 70% are caused by third-party driver code.
• 10% are caused by hardware issues.
• 5% are caused by Microsoft code.
• 15% have unknown causes, because the memory is too corrupted to analyze.

The root cause of stop errors is rarely a user-mode process. While a user-mode process (such as Notepad or Slack) may trigger a stop error, it's usually exposing the underlying issue in a driver, hardware, or operating system.

General troubleshooting steps

To troubleshoot stop error messages, follow these general steps:

Review the stop error code that you find in the event logs. Search online for the specific stop error codes to see whether there are any known issues, resolutions, or workarounds for the problem.

Make sure that you install the latest Windows updates, cumulative updates, and rollup updates. To verify the update status, refer to the appropriate update history for your system. For example:

• Windows 10, version 21H2
• Windows 10, version 21H1
• Windows 10, version 20H2

Make sure that the BIOS and firmware are up-to-date.

Run any relevant hardware and memory tests.

Run Microsoft Safety Scanner or any other virus detection program that includes checks of the MBR for infections.

Make sure that there's sufficient free space on the hard disk. The exact requirement varies, but we recommend 10-15 percent free disk space.

Contact the respective hardware or software vendor to update the drivers and applications in the following scenarios:

• The error message indicates that a specific driver is causing the problem.
• You're seeing an indication of a service that is starting or stopping before the crash occurred. In this situation, determine whether the service behavior is consistent across all instances of the crash.
• You have made any software or hardware changes.

If there are no updates available from a specific manufacturer, we recommend that you disable the related service.

For more information, see How to perform a clean boot in Windows .

You can disable a driver by following the steps in How to temporarily deactivate the kernel mode filter driver in Windows .

You may also want to consider the option of rolling back changes or reverting to the last-known working state. For more information, see Roll back a device driver to a previous version .

Memory dump collection

To configure the system for memory dump files, follow these steps:

• Select the Taskbar search box, type Advanced system settings , and then press Enter .
• On the Advanced tab on the System Properties box, select the Settings button that appears in the section Startup and Recovery .
• In the new window, select the drop-down below the option Write debugging information .
• Choose Automatic memory dump .
• Select OK .
• Restart the computer for the setting to take effect.
• If the server is virtualized, disable auto reboot after the memory dump file is created. This disablement lets you take a snapshot of the server in-state and also if the problem recurs.

The memory dump file is saved at the following locations:

You can use the Microsoft Crash Dump File Checker (DumpChk) tool to verify that the memory dump files aren't corrupted or invalid. For more information, see the following video:

For more information on how to use Dumpchk.exe to check your dump files, see the following articles:

• Using DumpChk
• Download DumpChk

Pagefile settings

For more information on pagefile settings, see the following articles:

• Introduction to page files
• How to determine the appropriate page file size for 64-bit versions of Windows
• Generate a kernel or complete crash dump

Memory dump analysis

Finding the root cause of the crash may not be easy. Hardware problems are especially difficult to diagnose because they may cause erratic and unpredictable behavior that can manifest itself in various symptoms.

When a stop error occurs, you should first isolate the problematic components, and then try to cause them to trigger the stop error again. If you can replicate the problem, you can usually determine the cause.

You can use the tools such as Windows Software Development Kit (SDK) and symbols to diagnose dump logs. The next section discusses how to use this tool.

Advanced troubleshooting steps

Advanced troubleshooting of crash dumps can be very challenging if you aren't experienced with programming and internal Windows mechanisms. We have attempted to provide a brief insight here into some of the techniques used, including some examples. However, to really be effective at troubleshooting a crash dump, you should spend time becoming familiar with advanced debugging techniques. For a video overview, Debugging kernel mode crashes and hangs . Also see the advanced references listed below.

Advanced debugging references

• Advanced Windows Debugging, first edition book
• Debugging Tools for Windows (WinDbg, KD, CDB, NTSD)

Debugging steps

Verify that the computer is set up to generate a complete memory dump file when a crash occurs. For more information, see Method 1: Memory dump .

Locate the memory.dmp file in your Windows directory on the computer that is crashing, and copy that file to another computer.

On the other computer, download the Windows 10 SDK .

Start the install and choose Debugging Tools for Windows . The WinDbg tool is installed.

Go to the File menu and select Symbol File Path to open the WinDbg tool and set the symbol path.

• If the computer is connected to the internet, enter the Microsoft public symbol server : https://msdl.microsoft.com/download/symbols and select OK . This method is recommended.
• If the computer isn't connected to the internet, specify a local symbol path .

Select Open Crash Dump , and then open the memory.dmp file that you copied.

Under Bugcheck Analysis , select !analyze -v . The command !analyze -v is entered in the prompt at the bottom of the page.

A detailed bug check analysis appears.

Scroll down to the STACK_TEXT section. There will be rows of numbers with each row followed by a colon and some text. That text should tell you what DLL is causing the crash. If applicable, it also says what service is crashing the DLL.

For more information about how to interpret the STACK_TEXT output, see Using the !analyze Extension .

There are many possible causes of a bug check and each case is unique. In the example provided above, the important lines that can be identified from the STACK_TEXT are 20, 21, and 22:

HEX data is removed here and lines are numbered for clarity.

This issue is because of the mpssvc service, which is a component of the Windows Firewall. The problem was repaired by disabling the firewall temporarily and then resetting firewall policies.

For more examples, see Debugging examples .

Video resources

The following videos illustrate various troubleshooting techniques for analyzing dump files.

• Analyze dump file
• Installing debugging tool for Windows (x64 and x86)
• Debugging kernel mode crash memory dumps
• Special pool

Advanced troubleshooting using Driver Verifier

We estimate that about 75 percent of all stop errors are caused by faulty drivers. The Driver Verifier tool provides several methods to help you troubleshoot. These include running drivers in an isolated memory pool (without sharing memory with other components), generating extreme memory pressure, and validating parameters. If the tool encounters errors in the execution of driver code, it proactively creates an exception. It can then further examine that part of the code.

Driver Verifier consumes lots of CPU and can slow down the computer significantly. You may also experience additional crashes. Verifier disables faulty drivers after a stop error occurs, and continues to do this until you can successfully restart the system and access the desktop. You can also expect to see several dump files created.

Don't try to verify all the drivers at one time. This action can degrade performance and make the system unusable. It also limits the effectiveness of the tool.

Use the following guidelines when you use Driver Verifier:

• Test any "suspicious" drivers. For example, drivers that were recently updated or that are known to be problematic.
• If you continue to experience non-analyzable crashes, try enabling verification on all third-party and unsigned drivers.
• Enable concurrent verification on groups of 10-20 drivers.
• Additionally, if the computer can't boot into the desktop because of Driver Verifier, you can disable the tool by starting in Safe mode. This solution is because the tool can't run in Safe mode.

For more information, see Driver Verifier .

Common Windows stop errors

This section doesn't contain a list of all error codes, but since many error codes have the same potential resolutions, your best bet is to follow the steps below to troubleshoot your error. For a complete list of stop error codes, see Bug Check Code Reference .

The following sections list general troubleshooting procedures for common stop error codes.

VIDEO_ENGINE_TIMEOUT_DETECTED or VIDEO_TDR_TIMEOUT_DETECTED

Stop error code 0x00000141, or 0x00000117

Contact the vendor of the listed display driver to get an appropriate update for that driver.

DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

Stop error code 0x0000000D1

Apply the latest updates for the driver by applying the latest cumulative updates for the system through the Microsoft Update Catalog website. Update an outdated network driver. Virtualized VMware systems often run "Intel(R) PRO/1000 MT Network Connection" (e1g6032e.sys). You can download this driver from the Intel Download Drivers & Software website . Contact the hardware vendor to update the network driver for a resolution. For VMware systems, use the VMware integrated network driver instead of Intel's e1g6032e.sys. For example, use VMware types VMXNET, VMXNET2, or VMXNET3.

PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA

Stop error code 0x000000050

If a driver is identified in the stop error message, contact the manufacturer for an update. If no updates are available, disable the driver, and monitor the system for stability. Run chkdsk /f /r to detect and repair disk errors. Restart the system before the disk scan begins on a system partition. Contact the manufacturer for any diagnostic tools that they may provide for the hard disk subsystem. Try to reinstall any application or service that was recently installed or updated. It's possible that the crash was triggered while the system was starting applications and reading the registry for preference settings. Reinstalling the application can fix corrupted registry keys. If the problem persists, and you have run a recent system state backup, try to restore the registry hives from the backup.

SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION

Stop error code c000021a {Fatal System Error} The Windows SubSystem system process terminated unexpectedly with a status of 0xc0000005. The system has been shut down.

Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files. The System File Checker lets users scan for corruptions in Windows system files and restore corrupted files. For more information, see Use the System File Checker tool .

NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM

Stop error code 0x000000024

This stop error is commonly caused by corruption in the NTFS file system or bad blocks (sectors) on the hard disk. Corrupted drivers for hard disks (SATA or IDE) can also adversely affect the system's ability to read and write to disk. Run any hardware diagnostics that are provided by the manufacturer of the storage subsystem. Use the scan disk tool to verify that there are no file system errors. To do this step, right-click the drive that you want to scan, select Properties, select Tools, and then select the Check now button. Update the NTFS file system driver (Ntfs.sys). Apply the latest cumulative updates for the current operating system that's experiencing the problem.

KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED

Stop error code 0x0000001E

If a driver is identified in the stop error message, disable or remove that driver. Disable or remove any drivers or services that were recently added.

If the error occurs during the startup sequence, and the system partition is formatted by using the NTFS file system, you might be able to use safe mode to disable the driver in Device Manager. To disable the driver, follow these steps:

• Go to Settings > Update & security > Recovery .
• Under Advanced startup , select Restart now .
• After your PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart .
• After the computer restarts, you'll see a list of options. Press 4 or F4 to start the computer in safe mode. If you intend to use the internet while in safe mode, press 5 or F5 for the Safe Mode with Networking option.

DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION

Stop error code 0x00000133

This stop error code is caused by a faulty driver that doesn't complete its work within the allotted time frame in certain conditions. To help mitigate this error, collect the memory dump file from the system, and then use the Windows Debugger to find the faulty driver. If a driver is identified in the stop error message, disable the driver to isolate the problem. Check with the manufacturer for driver updates. Check the system log in Event Viewer for other error messages that might help identify the device or driver that's causing stop error 0x133. Verify that any new hardware that's installed is compatible with the installed version of Windows. For example, you can get information about required hardware at Windows 10 Specifications. If Windows Debugger is installed, and you have access to public symbols, you can load the c:\windows\memory.dmp file into the debugger. Then refer to Determining the source of Bug Check 0x133 (DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION) errors on Windows Server 2012 to find the problematic driver from the memory dump.

USER_MODE_HEALTH_MONITOR

Stop error code 0x0000009E

This stop error indicates that a user-mode health check failed in a way that prevents graceful shutdown. Windows restores critical services by restarting or enabling application failover to other servers. The Clustering Service incorporates a detection mechanism that may detect unresponsiveness in user-mode components.

This stop error usually occurs in a clustered environment, and the indicated faulty driver is RHS.exe. Check the event logs for any storage failures to identify the failing process. Try to update the component or process that's indicated in the event logs. You should see the following event recorded:

• Event ID: 4870
• Source: Microsoft-Windows-FailoverClustering
• Description: User mode health monitoring has detected that the system isn't being responsive. The Failover cluster virtual adapter has lost contact with the Cluster Server process with a process ID '%1', for '%2' seconds. Recovery action is taken. Review the Cluster logs to identify the process and investigate which items might cause the process to hang.

For more information, see "0x0000009E" Stop error on cluster nodes in a Windows Server-based multi-node failover cluster environment Also, see the following Microsoft video What to do if a 9E occurs .

Debugging examples

This bug check is caused by a driver hang during upgrade, resulting in a bug check D1 in NDIS.sys , which is a Microsoft driver. The IMAGE_NAME tells you the faulting driver, but since this driver is s Microsoft driver, it can't be replaced or removed. The resolution method is to disable the network device in device manager and try the upgrade again.

In this example, a non-Microsoft driver caused page fault, so we don't have symbols for this driver. However, looking at IMAGE_NAME and or MODULE_NAME indicates it's WwanUsbMP.sys that caused the issue. Disconnecting the device and retrying the upgrade is a possible solution.

Bug check code reference

Was this page helpful?

Coming soon: Throughout 2024 we will be phasing out GitHub Issues as the feedback mechanism for content and replacing it with a new feedback system. For more information see: https://aka.ms/ContentUserFeedback .

Submit and view feedback for

Additional resources

• Disk & Data Manager
• Partition Wizard
• Power Data Recovery
• ShadowMaker
• Media Toolkit
• uTube Downloader
• Video Converter
• Download Partition Wizard Free Edition: Download Pro Edition: Try Demo Server Edition: Try Demo

Stuck in the DAM WATCHDOG TIMEOUT BSOD Error? Try These Ways

DAM WATCHDOG TIMEOUT is a blue screen error (BSOD) with a value of 0x000001EB. It’s typically caused by hardware or driver issues. To assist in solving this error, this post summarizes multiple feasible solutions. Simply try them to work out your problem.

Way 1: Reinstall Your Device Drivers

Corrupted or incompatible drivers are the main cause of the DAM WATCHDOG TIMEOUT Windows 11/10 error. Therefore, if you experience this BSOD error after installing or updating a driver, you can try to fix it by uninstalling and reinstalling the specific driver. To do this, follow the steps below.

Step 1 : Right-click the Start icon and select Device Manager .

Step 2 : In Device Manager, locate the recently installed driver. Then right-click it and select Uninstall device .

Step 3 : In the warning box, check the Attempt to remove the driver for this device option and click Uninstall to delete the driver from your system.

Step 4 : After that, restart your computer. Then Windows will automatically install the latest driver for you. Alternatively, you can manually download the driver from its official website.

Way 2: Scan Your System for Virus

Virus infection may result in the DAM_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT Windows 11 error as well. To troubleshoot it, you can run an antivirus scan. Here’s how to do this.

Step 1 : Press Windows + I to open Settings .

Step 2 : Switch to Privacy & security . Then click Windows Security > Virus & threat protection in the right panel.

Step 3 : In the prompted window, click Scan options . Then choose Full scan and click Scan now .

Way 3: Run SFC and DISM Scans

If you suspect that corrupted or missing system files lead to the DAM WATCHDOG TIMEOUT error, you can run SFC and DISM scans to repair it.

Step 1 : Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

Step 2 : Type cmd in the text box and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 3 : In Command Prompt, type sfc /scannow and press Enter .

Step 4 : Once the scan finishes, restart your PC and run Command Prompt as an administrator again.

Step 5 : Type the following commands and press Enter after each.

• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Step 6 : After the DISM scan ends, restart your system to see if the error disappears.

Way 4: Check RAM Speed

When the DAM WATCHDOG TIMEOUT Windows 11 error happens, it’s also important to check your RAM speed . If you use two RAMs with different speeds, this may be the culprit of the blue screen. As for this, you should install a new RAM with the same speed as the original one.

Way 5: Utilize the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

Running the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool may also help solve the DAM_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT Windows 11 error. It’s a Windows built-in utility that is used to check and fix potential memory problems. You can easily use this tool by following the given steps.

Step 1 : Open the Run dialog and type mdsched in the box. Then click OK .

Step 2 : In the Windows Memory Diagnostic window, select Restart now and check for problems .

Recover Data from DAM WATCHDOG TIMEOUT Blue Screen

In some cases, Windows BSOD errors can cause data loss. The DAM WATCHDOG TIMEOUT is no exception. If you lose important files due to this BSOD error, we’d like to recommend you get them back by using MiniTool Partition Wizard. It’s a powerful data recovery tool that helps recover data from various storage devices.

In addition, it’s also a comprehensive partition manager that enables you to create/format/resize/delete partitions, clone a hard drive , convert MBR to GPT and vice versa, etc.

Download, install, and launch MiniTool Partition Wizard on your PC. Then apply its Data Recovery feature to recover your deleted or lost data.

MiniTool Partition Wizard Demo Click to Download 100% Clean & Safe

This post shows how to resolve the DAM WATCHDOG TIMEOUT Windows 11/10 error. When you run into the same issue, you can try to fix it with the above methods.

About The Author

Position: Columnist

User Comments :

• Troubleshooting
• Windows 8.1
• Microsoft Edge

Fix: UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP Error on Windows 11

An Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap (UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP) error occurs when the computer’s CPU encounters an unexpected issue it can’t handle and is unable to work normally, leading to a Black Screen of Death. This error sometimes occurs with the error code 0x00000007F. Several things, including hardware failures, malware, corrupted system files, outdated drives, etc could cause the issue.

If you’re getting the Unexpected Kernel Mode Trap error on your Windows 11 PC, this guide can help.

Page Contents

Fix: UNEXPECTED_KERNEL_MODE_TRAP BSOD on Windows 11

Method 1: check your pc for malware.

An unexpected kernel mode trap error can occur if malware or a virus on your computer corrupts or disrupts system processes. You should run a manual check for malware and viruses regularly to keep your system safe.

1. Open the Start menu, search for “ Windows Security ” and select the app.

2. On the left panel, go to the “ Virus & threat protection ” tab and select “ Scan options ” on the right.

3. Under Scan options, select “ Full scan ” and click the “ Scan now ” button.

Method 2: Scan for Corrupt Files

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.

2. In the Command Prompt window, run the following command:

3. After running the System File Checker, run the DISM scan the below commands:

4. Once you execute all the three commands, restart your PC.

Method 3: Manually Update the Windows

1. Launch the Windows Settings by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting “ Settings ” from the menu.

2. Go to the “ Windows Update ” tab and select “ Check for updates “.

3. If any updates are available, click on “ Download and install “.

4. Once the update is complete, click “ Restart now ” if prompted to finish the installation.

Method 4: Check for Hardware Problems

The Unexpected_Kernel_Mode_Trap BSoD error is often associated with hardware failures. When this error occurs, you should first check if your CPU and GPU fans are functioning properly, as overheating can be a common cause. If the fans are working fine, then check your memory modules or any recent hardware upgrades or changes you might have made to your system.

If your PC’s overheating or your memory malfunctioning, take your computer to an authorized service center and get it fixed.

Method 5: Restore your PC to a Previous State

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run command, “ rstrui.exe” and hit Enter.

2. In the System Restore window, select “ Choose a different restore point “, and click “ Next “.

3. From the list of restore points, choose the oldest one, and click “ Next” .

4. Finally, click “ Finish ” to start the restore process.

Method 6: Run a CHKDSK Scan

1. Launch Command Prompt as administrator.

2. In the Command Prompt window, type the below command, and press Enter:

3. If prompted to dismount the volume and asked to run the scan on the next restart, type “ Y” to both and press Enter.

4. Once the scan is complete, restart your PC.

Method 7: Run a Windows Memory Diagnostic check

1. Search for “ Windows Memory Diagnostics ”  and select the tool.

2. Once the Windows Memory Diagnostics tool opens, click the “ Restart now and check for problems (recommended) ” option.

3. Your PC will automatically restart and run the diagnostics. Be sure to save your work or progress before you start this tool.

Method 8: Update Device Drivers on your PC

1. Right-click the Start menu and select “ Device Manager “.

2. In the Device Manager, look for the devices with yellow exclamation marks.

3. Then, right-click the faulty device and select “ Update driver “.

4. After that, select “ Search automatically for drivers “.

5. Let the Windows download and install the necessary updates.

Method 9: Reset your Windows

If none of the above methods are working, you may need to consider resetting your Windows 11 PC to fix the ‘Unexpected_Kernel_Mode_Trap error’. Resetting Windows will revert your Windows settings and files to factory default. Make sure to back up your files before resetting your PC. You can also use the ‘Keep my files ‘ option to preserve your personal data, but this may not save everything.

READ THESE ARTICLES NEXT

Fix: HYPERVISOR_ERROR Blue screen on Windows 11/10

Fix: Video Memory Management Internal on Windows 11/10

Fix: Dxgkrnl.sys BSOD Error in Windows 11/10

Fix: REGISTRY_ERROR stop code or BSOD in Windows 11

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my Name and Email in this browser, for the next time I comment.

LATEST ARTICLES

How to change System Product Name in Windows 11 7 hours ago

Delete/Uninstall a Printer in Windows 11/10 2 days ago

Fix Microsoft Store Keeps Pending Downloads in Windows 11 2 days ago

Windows 11 Preview Build 26212 Released 4 days ago

Fix: Windows Update Page Blank in Windows 11/10 4 days ago

• 커뮤니티 및 지원 문서 검색
• 커뮤니티 멤버 검색

새 질문 하기

Window 11 Boot Blue Screen Error Code

부팅시 블루 스크린에 대한 문제가 지속적으로 발생하고 있습니다. 이벤트 뷰어로 통해 로그 확인해 본 결과 3가지의 에러 코드가 발견되었습니다.

하지만 재부팅 했을 경우는 일시적인 정상으로 작동하고 있습니다.

There is confusion about blue screen when booting. as a not, three autenication results were found.

But otherwise, the rep is working

CPU : AMD Ryzen 7 6800H

GPU : NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 TI Laptop GPU

MEMORY : 32 GB

1. 0x80000000000000

2. 0x8080000000000000

3. 0x4020000000000000

link : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_6tcVkF3LJt4h4uJYxmIXq9126eCFaKr/view?usp=sharing

***Moved from Windows / Windows 11 / Performance and system failures***

• 구독
• RSS 피드 구독

신고하기

감사합니다..

보고된 콘텐츠가 제출되었습니다.

회신(1) 

• Microsoft 에이전트 |
• 중재자

안녕하세요，건우 최1

마이크로소프트 커뮤니티에 오신 것을 환영합니다

덤프 파일을 공유해 주셔서 대단히 감사합니다. 제공해 주신 dmp 파일의 분석 결과 오류 코드를 받았습니다:

0x20001: HYPERVISOR_ERROR

VM 모니터에 치명적인 오류가 발생했음을 나타냅니다.

버그 검사 0x20001 HYPERVISOR_ERROR - Windows drivers | Microsoft Learn

하이퍼바이저를 사용하고 있는지 여쭤봐도 될까요?

문제가 있는 경우 자체 VM을 확인할 수 있습니다:

Windows 11 게임 성능을 최적화하는 옵션 - Microsoft 지원

또한 더 많은 정보를 제공하면 문제에 대한 더 명확한 그림을 얻을 수 있습니다:

 당신의 블루스크린 문제는 언제부터 시작되었습니까?

예를 들어 시스템 업데이트, 레지스트리 수정, 드라이브 업데이트, 어떤 소프트웨어를 설치했습니까?

혹시 외장 기기 교체는 해보셨나요?아니면 메인보드, 메모리 스틱, 배터리 교체?

제가 귀하의 상황을 오해하고 있다면 언제든지 수정해 주시고 더 많은 정보를 공유해 주시기 바랍니다.

ZedW-MSFT | 마이크로소프트 커뮤니티 지원 전문가

이 회신이 도움이 되었나요? 예 아니요

죄송하지만 도움이 되지 않았습니다.

좋습니다! 피드백을 보내 주셔서 감사합니다.

이 회신에 얼마나 만족하시나요?

사이트 개선에 도움이 되도록 피드백을 보내 주셔서 감사합니다.

피드백을 보내 주셔서 감사합니다.

질문 정보

• 성능 및 시스템 실패
• Norsk Bokmål
• Ελληνικά
• Русский
• עברית
• العربية
• ไทย
• 日本語
• 中文(简体)
• 中文(繁體)

Bluetooth not working on Windows 11? Here's how to fix it

Bluetooth allows your devices to communicate with one another using short-range radio waves. With the magic of Bluetooth, you can listen to podcasts while moving from room to room, transfer files from mobile devices to your PC, and play games on multiple platforms with just one controller. But the technology behind Bluetooth can be fickle and prone to malfunction. Fortunately there are plenty of ways to troubleshoot and fix your Bluetooth if it isn’t working, especially on Windows 11.

Here are some of the more common ways to fix a malfunctioning Bluetooth connection.

How to turn on Bluetooth in Windows 11

Make sure bluetooth is on.

Like other forms of wireless communication, Bluetooth isn’t a one-way street. It doesn’t matter if you are using wireless earbuds or controllers; if your computer’s Bluetooth adapter isn’t on, nothing will connect.

During the troubleshooting process, you should always start by making sure your Bluetooth is on:

1. Press the Start button.

2. Click on Settings .

3. Select Bluetooth & devices .

4. If your Bluetooth is off, click the icon to switch it on.

5. Just to be safe, even if your Bluetooth is on, turn it off, wait a few seconds, then turn it on again.

If your computer’s Bluetooth is up and running, your Bluetooth-enabled devices should connect with no problem. If they don't, the cause might not lie in Windows 11 but the wireless device itself. So, make sure the gadget is on and within range of your PC: Bluetooth has better range than wired connections, but its signal isn’t limitless. If the device is on, turn it off and on again to reset the connection.

Turn off Airplane Mode

Since laptops have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters, they also include a mode that turns off all wireless communications, generally known as “Airplane Mode”, because early laptop wireless signals disrupted the electrical systems of airplanes. While Airplane Mode is superfluous nowadays due to advances in computer Wi-Fi and plane systems, and many airlines even offer in-flight Wi-Fi, laptop users can still activate the mode to stop all wireless communication, including Bluetooth.

Here’s how to check if Airplane Mode is responsible for your Bluetooth blackout:

1. Select the Network , Sound , or Battery icon to bring up Windows 11 ’s Quick Settings tab.

2. Check if the Airplane Mode icon (the one that looks like an airplane) is highlighted, indicating it is on. If it is, click the icon to turn Airplane Mode off.

3. If Airplane Mode is off, click the icon anyway to turn it on. Then click it again, to turn it off.

With Airplane Mode off, your Bluetooth adapter should function normally. Since desktop computers aren’t portable, you don’t need to worry about this step if you are using one of them.

Change your computers Bluetooth discovery settings

Most Bluetooth-enabled devices are simple gadgets; in order to sync them up with anything, Windows 11 PCs included, Bluetooth adapters need to initiate the connection. If a computer isn’t set up to find the correct Bluetooth device, known as “discovering,” you can’t force the link.

You can alter your Windows 11’s Bluetooth discovery settings by doing the following:

1. Press Start .

3. Select Bluetooth & Devices .

4. Select Devices

5. Search for Device settings , followed by Bluetooth devices discovery .

6. Set the Bluetooth discovery to Default to search for the most common Bluetooth devices. If your item isn’t showing up, set the option to Advanced .

With the proper discovery settings, your Bluetooth gadget should show up on your Windows 11 PC, and be ready to connect.

Remove the Bluetooth device from your adapters memory

When a Bluetooth-enabled device first communicates with a Bluetooth adapter, the item and its frequency are committed to memory. Because adapters are always on and searching for Bluetooth radio signals, computers know they should automatically link to devices on their list of connections when they pick up an authorized signal. However, sometimes something goes wrong with the adapter’s code, preventing it from recognizing devices. If this happens, your best option is to refresh the adapter’s memory, figuratively and literally, by reintroducing the affected Bluetooth device.

Here’s how you remove a Bluetooth device and then add it back to your PC:

3. Click on Bluetooth & devices .

4. Select Devices .

5. Highlight the affected Bluetooth device, then click on More options (the ellpsis button).

6. Select Remove device , then confirm your choice.

7. After the item’s data has been deleted, pair it again .

Once your device is reconnected, it should run with no more problems.

Update the Bluetooth adapters driver

Sometimes the root cause of a Bluetooth connection error is the adapter’s driver. Perhaps it got corrupted somehow, or maybe a device isn’t compatible with older drivers. Whatever the reason, an update will often patch the problem right up:

1. Type Device Manager into the Search bar in the taskbar , then select the Device Manager icon when it pops up.

2. Select Bluetooth .

3. Find and highlight your computer’s Bluetooth adapter.

4. Right-click on the adapter, then select Update driver .

5. Select Search automatically for updated driver software .

6. Follow the on-screen steps to update your Bluetooth adapter driver.

7. Close the updater, then restart your computer.

If the available update doesn’t work, try visiting your computer manufacturer’s website. That's because different Windows 11 PCs will have wildly different hardware builds. Not all component drivers cooperate, and manufacturers have their own lists of recommended drivers. Even if it might seem like a downgrade, these drivers are more likely to fix potential problems.

Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter

If your Bluetooth adapter and device are on, but not communicating, you can usually figure out the cause by using Windows 11’s built-in troubleshooter:

2. Select Settings .

3. Select System .

4. Click on Troubleshoot .

5. Select Other troubleshooters .

6. Find the troubleshooter for Bluetooth and click on the Run button.

7. Follow the on-screen instructions and let the troubleshooter complete its task.

With any luck, the troubleshooter will discover the underlying cause of the Bluetooth error and fix it for you.

Reinstall the Bluetooth adapter

If you have exhausted all other solutions and none of them worked, then you will be left with the nuclear option: reinstalling the Bluetooth adapter. This process deletes everything associated with the adapter and installs a fresh copy. It’s one step shy of resetting Windows 11 to its factory settings , but like a factory reset, reinstalling a Bluetooth adapter is almost guaranteed to work:

1. Type Device Manager into the Search bar in the taskbar , then select Device Manager from the results.

2. Select Bluetooth

3. Highlight your Bluetooth adapter, right click, and select Uninstall device .

4. Confirm your choice and wait for the process to finish.

5. Shut down your computer, then turn it back on.

6. Windows 11 will try to automatically reinstall the Bluetooth adapter driver.

7. If your computer doesn’t reinstall the driver or the installation fails, open Device Manager , select Action , and click on Scan for hardware changes .

Once your Bluetooth adapter is reinstalled, it should recognize the items you pair it with.

The above solutions should fix most Bluetooth problems. However, if you tried them all and are still encountering issues, contact your computer manufacturer’s technical support.