The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on Windows 11 can be frustrating—it interrupts your workflow, restarts your PC, and can even lead to data loss. But don’t panic: BSOD errors are fixable. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most effective troubleshooting steps to diagnose and resolve BSOD issues on Windows 11.
What Is a BSOD?
A BSOD is Windows’ way of protecting your system when it encounters a critical error. It halts everything, displays an error code (e.g., IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL, PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA), and restarts your computer to prevent further damage.
Common Causes of BSOD on Windows 11
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Outdated or incompatible drivers
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Corrupt system files
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Faulty RAM or hardware failure
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Overclocking or BIOS misconfigurations
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Malware infections or disk errors
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Conflicts after Windows updates
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
1. Note the Error Code
When the BSOD appears, note the stop code or message. This can guide your troubleshooting.
2. Boot Into Safe Mode
If your PC keeps restarting:
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Hold Shift while clicking Restart on the login screen.
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Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
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Press 4 or F4 for Safe Mode.
3. Update Windows and Drivers
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Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.
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Open Device Manager → right-click devices → Update driver.
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For graphics cards, use NVIDIA GeForce Experience, AMD Adrenalin, or Intel tools.
4. Uninstall Recently Installed Updates or Drivers
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Settings → Windows Update → Update history → Uninstall updates.
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In Device Manager, right-click the problematic driver → Uninstall device.
5. Run System File Checker and DISM
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Open Command Prompt (Admin).
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Type:
sfc /scannow→ press Enter. -
After it completes, run:
6. Check for Disk Errors
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Open Command Prompt (Admin).
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Type:
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Press Y to schedule on next reboot, then restart.
7. Test Your RAM
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Press Windows + R, type
mdsched.exe, and press Enter. -
Choose Restart now and check for problems.
8. Disable Overclocking and Reset BIOS
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Enter BIOS/UEFI (press DEL or F2 on startup).
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Load Default/Optimized settings.
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Disable CPU or GPU overclocking if enabled.
9. Scan for Malware
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Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection.
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Run a Full scan.
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Optionally, use a reputable third-party scanner like Malwarebytes.
10. Use System Restore or Reset PC
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Go to Settings → System → Recovery.
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Choose Open System Restore to revert to a previous point.
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Or choose Reset this PC (keep files or remove everything) as a last resort.
Preventing Future BSODs
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Keep drivers and Windows updated.
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Avoid unverified overclocking tools.
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Run disk cleanup and health checks regularly.
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Use quality antivirus software.
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Replace failing hardware promptly.
Conclusion
BSOD errors on Windows 11 can be intimidating, but with the right approach, they’re fixable. Start with simple steps like updating drivers and checking for corrupt system files. If the issue persists, test your hardware, disable overclocking, and use System Restore or Reset PC as a last resort.
Following this step-by-step guide will help you fix BSOD on Windows 11 and prevent future crashes, keeping your system stable and reliable.
FAQs
1. What does BSOD mean on Windows 11?
It’s a critical system error where Windows stops to prevent damage, displaying a blue error screen.
2. Can outdated drivers cause BSOD?
Yes. Incompatible or outdated drivers are a leading cause of BSOD errors.
3. How do I find the BSOD error code after a restart?
Go to Event Viewer → Windows Logs → System or check Reliability Monitor for recent critical errors.
4. Will resetting my PC fix BSOD?
Often, yes—if the issue is caused by software corruption. Hardware issues may still persist.
5. How can I prevent BSOD on Windows 11?
Regularly update Windows and drivers, avoid unsafe tweaks, and maintain your hardware’s health.