Blue screen of death (BSOD) - restart steps

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: Blue screen of death (BSOD) - restart steps. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

What is a BSOD?

A blue screen of death (BSOD), also known as a stop error, indicates that Windows has encountered a critical problem and must restart. The screen displays a stop code (usually a hexadecimal value) and a bug‑check string that can help identify the cause, which is often related to hardware or driver issues.

Applies to: Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Immediate Steps

Step 1: Note the error message

• Write down the stop code and bug‑check string (e.g., CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED, DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL).
• Record what you were doing when the BSOD occurred.
• Consider taking a screenshot of the BSOD – see How to take a screenshot for guidance.

Step 1A: Search the stop code and check Event Viewer

• Use another device to search the stop code and bug‑check string online for known causes and fixes.
• If Windows starts successfully after the crash, open Event Viewer to look for additional error details:
• Press Win + R, type eventvwr.msc, and press Enter.
• Expand Windows Logs, select System, and look for critical errors that occurred around the time of the BSOD.

Step 2: Disconnect non-essential peripherals

• Unplug all non-essential USB devices and peripherals, including external drives, printers, webcams, docking stations, and USB hubs.
• Leave only the keyboard, mouse, and display connected.
• Restart the computer to see if the BSOD recurs without the additional hardware.

Step 3: Disable automatic restart

Step 4: Restart your computer

1. Hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a shutdown.
   Forcing a shutdown can cause data loss and may result in file system corruption beyond the loss of unsaved work.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Press the power button to turn the PC back on.
4. Observe whether Windows starts normally.

Step 5: Boot into Safe Mode (if the issue recurs)

1. Use the modern Windows method to enter Safe Mode. From the sign-in screen, hold down Shift while clicking the power icon and selecting Restart. Alternatively, open Settings > System > Recovery, then under Advanced startup click Restart now.
2. After the PC restarts, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, then press the appropriate number key to enable Safe Mode.
3. Note that pressing F8 during boot is largely obsolete on Windows 8, 10, and 11 unless it was previously enabled in the boot configuration.
4. If the system boots without a BSOD, the problem is likely caused by a driver or startup service.

Step 6: Run system file checks

1. Open an elevated command-line tool. On Windows 11, right-click Start and select Windows Terminal (Admin). On Windows 10, right-click Start and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Run sfc /scannow to repair corrupted system files.
3. After SFC completes, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to fix component store issues.

Step 7: Check disk health

1. In an elevated command-line tool, execute chkdsk /f /r.
2. This scan can take several hours to complete, and the computer will be unavailable during the scan.
3. When prompted to schedule the scan on the next restart, type Y and reboot.
4. The scan will locate and repair bad sectors that can trigger stop errors.

Step 8: Review recent hardware or BIOS changes

If It Keeps Happening

Check for Windows updates

Ensure the operating system is fully patched. Follow the How to update Windows guide to check for and install the latest updates.

Update your drivers

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand each device category.
3. Right‑click a device and choose Update driver → Search automatically for updated driver software.
4. For critical components (graphics, network, chipset), visit the manufacturer’s website for the newest drivers.

Run Windows Memory Diagnostic

1. Press Win + S, type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” and open the tool.
2. Select “Restart now and check for problems”.
3. The PC will reboot and run a memory test; any errors will be reported after Windows starts.

Check for overheating

• Ensure vents are not blocked and that dust is cleared from fans and heat sinks.
• Verify that the CPU and GPU temperatures are within normal ranges using a monitoring tool.
• Consider using a laptop cooling pad or improving case airflow.

System Restore

1. Press Win + R, type rstrui and press Enter.
2. Select a restore point dated before the BSODs began.
3. Follow the prompts to restore the system.

When to Get Professional Help

• The BSOD occurs every time Windows starts.
• You see stop codes such as MEMORY_MANAGEMENT or CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED.
• The computer makes unusual noises (e.g., clicking or grinding).
• The issue persists after completing all troubleshooting steps.

If any of the above apply, Open a Ticket or contact your IT support provider for further assistance.

Prevent Future BSODs

• Keep Windows and all drivers up to date.
• Avoid installing untrusted software.
• Run regular antivirus scans.
• Maintain good ventilation and keep the PC free of dust.
• Back up important data regularly.

Still Having Issues?