Published 2023-04-18 by TechNet New England
A Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) means Windows encountered a critical error it could not recover from. The screen shows a sad face emoji, an error message, and sometimes a stop code. While BSODs look scary, most are caused by driver issues, hardware problems, or corrupt system files. Here is how to diagnose and fix them. ## Note the Stop Code When the blue screen appears, look for the stop code at the bottom. Common ones include: **IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL**: Usually a driver conflict or faulty RAM. **KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE**: Corrupt system files or driver issues. **CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED**: A critical Windows process crashed. **SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION**: A driver or system service caused an error. **PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA**: Memory or driver issue. **DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL**: A specific driver is causing the crash. **WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR**: Hardware problem (often CPU, RAM, or motherboard). **DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION**: Storage driver or SSD firmware issue. Write down or photograph the stop code. It is the key to finding the fix. ## Fix 1: Restart and Check If It Recurs A one-time BSOD is often caused by a temporary glitch. Restart your computer and use it normally. If the BSOD does not happen again, it was likely a one-time event. If it happens repeatedly, continue with the fixes below. ## Fix 2: Undo Recent Changes Think about what changed recently: Did you install new software? Uninstall it. Did you install a new driver? Roll it back (Device Manager > right-click the device > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver). Did you install a Windows update? Check Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates. Did you connect new hardware? Disconnect it. ## Fix 3: Update Drivers Outdated or incompatible drivers are the most common BSOD cause. 1. Open **Device Manager** (right-click Start > Device Manager). 2. Look for any devices with a yellow warning triangle. 3. Right-click the device > **Update driver > Search automatically**. 4. If the BSOD message mentions a specific driver file (like nvlddmkm.sys for NVIDIA or atikmdag.sys for AMD), go to the manufacturer's website and download the latest driver. ## Fix 4: Run System File Checker Corrupt system files can cause BSODs. 1. Open **Command Prompt as Administrator**. 2. Run: ```cmd sfc /scannow ``` 3. Wait for the scan to complete (can take 10 to 15 minutes). 4. If it finds and fixes errors, restart your computer. 5. If SFC cannot fix the errors, run: ```cmd DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth ``` 6. Then run `sfc /scannow` again. ## Fix 5: Check for Memory Problems Faulty RAM causes many BSODs. 1. Search for **Windows Memory Diagnostic** in the Start menu. 2. Click **Restart now and check for problems**. 3. Your computer will restart and test the memory. 4. After the test, Windows will boot and show results in a notification. If memory errors are found, one or more RAM sticks may need to be replaced. ## Fix 6: Check Disk Health A failing hard drive or SSD can cause BSODs. 1. Open **Command Prompt as Administrator**. 2. Run: ```cmd chkdsk C: /f /r ``` 3. If prompted, type **Y** to schedule the check at next restart. 4. Restart your computer and let the check complete. ## Fix 7: Boot into Safe Mode If Windows keeps crashing before you can troubleshoot: 1. During boot, when you see the Windows logo, hold the power button to force shutdown. Repeat this 3 times. 2. Windows will enter **Automatic Repair** mode. 3. Click **Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart**. 4. Press **4** or **F4** to boot into Safe Mode. 5. In Safe Mode, you can uninstall recent software, roll back drivers, or run SFC. ## When to Contact IT Contact your IT provider if: BSODs happen multiple times per day. The stop code mentions WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR (likely hardware failure). You cannot boot into Windows or Safe Mode. The issue started after a major Windows update. The computer is under warranty and may need hardware replacement.