Wednesday, August 27, 2025

How to Fix “Windows 10 Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)” Errors








 

The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows 10 appears with error messages like “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart” along with a STOP CODE (e.g., CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED, IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL, MEMORY_MANAGEMENT).

These errors are usually caused by:

  • Faulty drivers

  • Corrupted system files

  • Failing RAM or hard drive

  • Overheating

  • Incompatible updates

✅ Solution 1: Note the Stop Code

Each BSOD shows a STOP CODE at the bottom (like CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED).

  • Write it down.

  • Search Microsoft’s official site or use the code to identify the cause.

✅ Solution 2: Boot Into Safe Mode

If Windows won’t start normally:

  1. Restart your PC and press F8 (or hold Shift + F8) repeatedly.

  2. Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.

  3. Press 4 (Enable Safe Mode).

This allows troubleshooting without loading unnecessary drivers.

✅ Solution 3: Uninstall Recently Installed Updates or Drivers

Steps:

  1. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → View update history → Uninstall updates.

  2. For drivers:

    • Press Windows + X → Device Manager.

    • Right-click the problematic device (like Display Adapter).

    • Choose Uninstall device.

  3. Restart your PC.

✅ Solution 4: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic (Check RAM)

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type mdsched.exe, press Enter.

  2. Choose Restart now and check for problems.

  3. The tool scans your RAM for errors.

    • If errors are found → Replace the faulty RAM.

✅ Solution 5: Check Hard Drive for Errors

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

  2. Run:

    chkdsk C: /f /r

  3. Restart your PC so the scan can run.

✅ Solution 6: Update or Roll Back Drivers

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager.

  2. Expand categories (like Display adapters, Network adapters).

  3. Right-click device → Update driver OR Roll back driver if issue started after update.

✅ Solution 7: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Corrupted files often cause BSODs.

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).

  2. Run:

    sfc /scannow

  3. Then run:

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

  4. Restart after completion.

✅ Solution 8: Check for Overheating

  • Clean dust from fans.

  • Ensure proper airflow in PC/laptop.

  • Use a cooling pad for laptops.

  • Check CPU temps using free tools like HWMonitor.

✅ Solution 9: Disable Fast Startup

Sometimes Fast Startup causes crashes.

Steps:

  1. Go to Control Panel → Power Options.

  2. Click Choose what the power buttons do.

  3. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.

  4. Uncheck Turn on fast startup → Save.

✅ Solution 10: Perform a System Restore

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui.exe, press Enter.

  2. Choose a restore point before the BSOD issue started.

  3. Follow prompts to restore Windows.

✅ Solution 11: Reset or Reinstall Windows 10 (Last Resort)

If nothing works:

  1. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Recovery.

  2. Choose Reset this PC → Keep files or Remove everything.

  3. Follow on-screen instructions.