How to Fix the Windows Blue Screen of Death

Image Source: Microsoft Support

BSOD or Blue Screen of Death (Doom) is the colloquial name for Blue Screen Errors, sometimes called STOP code or black screen errors on the Windows operating system. If you’ve used Windows long enough, you’ve probably experienced this. But why do these errors occur?

Blue screen errors can occur if a severe hardware and software (and firmware) problem causes Windows to shut down or restart unexpectedly. More specifically, a faulty hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), memory (RAM), processor, motherboard, or power supply unit (PSU) can cause a BSOD.

Blue Screen errors are specific to their causes. So, troubleshooting them requires you to identify the exact fault. However, according to Microsoft, if you added new hardware to your PC before the BSOD occurred, a simple fix is to shut down your PC, remove the hardware, and try restarting. Unfortunately, some cases and solutions aren’t this straightforward. Let’s look at these cases in more detail.

What Causes BSODs?

As stated earlier, BSODs can occur from severe hardware and software (and firmware) issues. Here are some common causes:

Hardware

A faulty hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), memory (RAM), processor, motherboard, or power supply unit (PSU) can cause blue screen errors. Additionally, dust accumulation, defective fans, or overburdened hardware can cause overheating, which may lead to blue screen errors.

Software (Firmware)

According to Microsoft, 70% of stop errors are caused by third-party driver code. Newly updated drivers, old or incompatible applications, corrupt file systems (especially the BIOS), updates or patches on old applications, and malicious software (malware) are common causes of BSODs.

How Do You Fix Blue Screen Errors?

There are different blue screen errors and, therefore, different best practices for troubleshooting. Figuring out the error is the first step to fixing your computer. Here’s a complete list of BSOD error codes that could guide you. Nevertheless, there are general best practices for resolving hardware and software BSODs.

Hardware

• If you’ve plugged in a new device before the BSOD, shut down the system, unplug the device and restart your computer. Check the hardware for damaged parts that may require repair or replacement.
• If you didn’t plug in a new device, check existing hardware, especially parts generally known to cause these errors: RAM, SSD, and HDD.
• Try restarting the computer with minimal hardware. If the system starts up, then the disconnected hardware may need replacement.
• Ensure that you only buy and use compatible and recommended hardware.

Hint: If you’re experiencing trouble restarting, you can start in safe mode.

Software (Firmware)

• If you’ve recently installed an application, you may want to recheck for compatibility and ensure the software version is compatible with your version of Windows.
• Consider deleting the application entirely if the error persists.
• Scan for malware (viruses) and get rid of them. Also, check that your antivirus is active to prevent future occurence.
• Update your drivers. Outdated drivers are a known cause of BSOD.
• Update your Windows OS. Microsoft releases regular updates and patches for different applications and program files; staying up-to-date may save you from potential errors in outdated software.
• Consider updating your BIOS. While the BIOS typically runs fine for years without any need for updates, there may be a unique case where you must update it.

Alternatively, you can troubleshoot the BSOD in the Windows Get Help app.

1. In Windows, open ‘Get Help.’
2. Then type ‘Troubleshoot BSOD error.’
3. Follow the guided walkthrough.

If errors persist, contact Online Support.