How do I Fix a Windows 10 Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)?

Ah, the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) – a dreaded sight for any Windows 10 user. When it happens, it feels like your computer is throwing its hands up in frustration. 

Source credit- windowscentral.com

But don’t worry; you’re not alone, and there are several ways to tackle this problem. Let's walk through some troubleshooting steps to help you get your computer back in action.

What Is the Blue Screen of Death?

First things first – what exactly is this BSOD thing? The Blue Screen of Death is a stop error that Windows 10 displays when it encounters a serious issue that it can't recover from.

This usually means that something has gone terribly wrong with your hardware or software, leading to a system crash. It’s called a “stop error” because it halts everything and displays a blue screen with an error message.

Restart Your Computer

Before diving into the deeper fixes, start with the basics: restart your computer. Sometimes, a simple reboot can clear up temporary glitches that might be causing the BSOD. If the problem was a one-time issue, a restart might solve it.

Check for Recent Changes

Think about any recent changes to your system. Did you install new hardware, software, or updates? Sometimes, a new installation can cause conflicts. If you recently made changes, try uninstalling or rolling them back to see if that resolves the issue.

Update Your Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers are a common cause of BSODs. Drivers are software components that let Windows communicate with your hardware. To update your drivers:

Open Device Manager

Press `Win + X` and select `Device Manager`.

Find the Device

Locate the hardware you suspect might be causing the issue. It could be under categories like `Display adapters` or `Network adapters`.

Update the Driver

Right-click on the device and select `Update driver`. Choose `Search automatically for updated driver software`.

If Windows doesn’t find an update, visit the hardware manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver manually.

Check for Windows Updates

Microsoft regularly releases updates to fix bugs and security issues. To check for updates-

Open Settings

Press `Win + I` to open the Settings app.

Go to Updates & Security

Click on `Update & Security`.

Check for Updates

Click on `Check for updates` and let Windows install any available updates.

Sometimes, these updates include fixes for issues that could be causing your BSOD.

Run a System File Check

Corrupted system files can lead to BSOD errors. To fix these

Open Command Prompt

Search for `cmd` in the Start menu, right-click on `Command Prompt`, and select `Run as administrator`.

Run SFC Scan

Type `sfc /scannow` and press Enter. The System File Checker will scan and repair any corrupted files it finds.

Perform a Memory Check

Faulty RAM can also cause BSODs. To check your memory:

Open Windows Memory Diagnostic

Type `Windows Memory Diagnostic` into the Start menu and select it.

Choose Restart Now

The tool will restart your computer and check your RAM for errors.

If errors are found, you may need to replace your RAM or adjust its configuration.

Check for Disk Errors

Errors on your hard drive can also lead to BSODs. To check and fix disk errors:

Open Command Prompt

As before, search for `cmd`, right-click on it, and select `Run as administrator`.

Run CHKDSK

Type `chkdsk /f` and press Enter. You may need to restart your computer for CHKDSK to fix any issues.

Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup is a feature designed to reduce boot times, but it can sometimes cause problems. To disable it:

Open Control Panel

Search for `Control Panel` in the Start menu and open it.

Go to Power Options

Click on `System and Security`, then `Power Options`.

Change Settings

Click on `Choose what the power buttons do`, then `Change settings that are currently unavailable`.

Uncheck Fast Startup

Uncheck `Turn on fast startup` and save your changes.

Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help identify if background programs are causing the BSOD-

Open System Configuration

Type `msconfig` into the Start menu and press Enter.

Select Selective Startup

Go to the `General` tab and choose `Selective startup`. Uncheck `Load startup items`.

Disable Services

Go to the `Services` tab, check `Hide all Microsoft services`, and click `Disable all`.

Restart Your Computer

Restart and see if the BSOD still occurs. If not, you can start enabling services and startup items one by one to find the culprit.

Restore Your System

If all else fails, you can use System Restore to return your computer to a previous state-

Open System Restore

Search for `System Restore` in the Start menu and select `Create a restore point`.

Choose System Restore

Click on the `System Restore` button and follow the prompts to choose a restore point before the BSOD started.

Check for Hardware Issues

If you’ve tried all the software solutions and still face BSODs, you might be dealing with hardware problems. Inspect your computer’s internal components to ensure everything is properly connected. If you suspect hardware failure, you might need to consult a professional technician.

Final Thoughts

The Blue Screen of Death is indeed a frustrating issue, but by following these steps, you can often diagnose and fix the problem. From restarting your computer to checking for hardware issues, there’s a range of solutions that can get your system back up and running. Remember, patience and methodical troubleshooting are key.

Edited by- Nyari Patel

Disclaimer - This article has been authored exclusively by the writer and is being presented on Eat My News, which serves as a platform for the community to voice their perspectives. As an entity, Eat My News cannot be held liable for the content or its accuracy. The views expressed in this article solely pertain to the author or writer. For further queries about the article or its content you can contact on this email address - nyariworks07@gmail.com

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