How to fix the blue screen of death error in Windows 10

A guide to the various ways to fix a blue screen of death – Windows 10’s most infamous system error

Windows 10 blue screen of death

What is the blue screen of death?

Fixing the blue screen of death with desktop access, fix the blue screen of death without desktop access.

The blue screen of death is an error in Windows 10 that appears when the system hits an unexpected fault. In order to prevent damage to the operating system, all critical processes are halted and a blue error screen is displayed. Knowing how to fix the blue screen of death error is a useful skill to any Windows 10 user, as it will usually keep appearing unless the underlying problem is addressed.

Known for its blue splash screen, the infamous "blue screen of death" error halts all critical processes, including networks, platforms, and applications. Unfortunately, this can result in the loss of unsaved data.

When a fatal error has been detected by your Windows system, your display will turn blue and show a picture of a sad face emoji and a short message that reads: 

"Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We're just collecting some error info, and then we'll restart for you."

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The message will also display a generic error code. Sadly, this will not be information on the cause of the problem, or what you can do to fix it, though the code itself will offer a surface-level understanding of the issue.

There are hundreds of stop error codes acknowledged by Microsoft. These range from harmless ' VIDEO_TDR_TIMEOUT_DETECTED ' to more pressing issues like ' CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED '.

What are the most common blue screen error messages?

These are the most common error codes you will see when encountering a blue screen of death on Windows 10

  • SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
  • IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
  • PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
  • SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION
  • BAD_SYSTEM_CONFIG_INFO

In addition to the generic code, users may also encounter a hexadecimal format of the stop error. Those with a trained eye can use the code parameters to reveal extra details about the problem, which they can use to research a fix.

For example, in the highlighted image above the Blue Screen of Death error is showing an error code: HAL_INITIALIZATION_FAILED . This error appears when there is an issue with the boot up process, usually indicating a driver conflict or hardware fault.

For non-IT professionals and basic users, though, the hexadecimal code can be hard to understand and will give little indication as to what has gone wrong or how to fix it.

What causes the blue screen of death?

Blue screen errors generally happen during an upgrade or after installing an app or updating a driver. However, it’s not uncommon to run into this error during general usage.

  • Insufficient space in system disk
  • Faulty device drivers
  • BIOS misconfiguration
  • Hard disk corruption
  • Unidentified bug of Windows 10
  • Outdated Windows operating system
  • Incorrect entries in the system's registry

In order to fix the Blue Screen of Death error on Windows 10, you need to determine whether you can access the desktop or if you’re locked out.

If you see a blue screen error and still have access to the desktop, the problem likely stems from a recently installed app, outdated driver, or Windows 10 update.

To fix the Blue Screen of Death error, you will want to do the following:

  • Check what Windows updates and drivers are installed
  • Update to new drivers if required
  • Remove any recently installed updates and drivers
  • Remove any problematic peripherals

How to check for the latest updates and drivers

  • Open the Start menu and click “Settings.”
  • Click “Update & Security.”
  • Click “Windows Update.”
  • Click “Check for updates.”
  • Follow all prompts to install the latest Window update if needed.

How to update the drivers on Windows 10

  • Type “Device Manager” into the Windows 10 search bar.
  • Click “Device Manager.”
  • Click the device category you suspect is causing the problem to expand it.
  • Right-click the suspected faulty device.
  • Click “Update driver.”
  • Click “Search automatically for updated driver software.”

If this doesn't fix the blue screen error, download and install a newer version of the driver from your device manufacturer's website.

Uninstall incompatible updates, drivers, and third-party apps

For the following, we'll be using Windows 10's older Control Panel view to uninstall software, as we find it's easier to use when looking for installed updates:

  • Open the Control Panel.
  • Click “Uninstall a program” under the “Programs” headline.
  • Click “Installed updates” in the left pane.
  • Click the most recent update and click “Uninstall” above to delete the update.

Buggy drivers and Windows 10 updates can also cause the blue screen of death can. Uninstalling these bad updates will end the stop errors while also repairing potential malware vulnerabilities.

If the error appears after installing a specific driver, remove it using the following steps:

  • Type “Device Manager” in the Windows 10 search bar and click on “Device Manager.”
  • Click the malfunctioning device’s category to expand it.
  • Right-click the malfunctioning device and click “Uninstall device.” Alternatively, you can roll back to the previous driver by selecting the “Properties” after right-clicking on the device. In the Properties window, open the “Driver” tab, click on the “Roll Back Driver” button, and click “OK” to confirm.

If the blue screen of death appeared after installing an app, this is the likely culprit. Uninstall the offending app using the following steps:

  • Click the Start menu.
  • Click “Settings”.
  • Click “Apps”.
  • Find the conflicting app in the list and click it.
  • Click “Uninstall”.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation.

Unplug incompatible peripherals

The blue screen of death can also occur if connected hardware isn't compatible with Windows 10. 

Visit your hardware manufacturer's support website to determine if it's compatible with Windows 10 . If it’s incompatible, disconnect it and opt for a suitable replacement.

If you can't access the desktop, you can use features like System Restore and Safe Mode as workarounds. We will be going over the following:

  • Using System Restore to revert recent changes
  • Using Safe Mode to uninstall drivers and updates

Undo recent changes using System Restore

  • Launch the advanced startup settings by powering on your PC and pressing and holding the power button to interrupt the boot sequence.
  • Repeat Step 1 two more times. After the third off-on power cycle, Windows 10 will automatically open in the advanced startup environment and display troubleshooting options.
  • Click “Advanced options”.
  • Click “System Restore”.
  • Select the restore point created right before the blue screen appeared. Windows 10 usually creates a system restore point each time it installs an update, driver, or app.
  • Click “Close”.
  • Click “Next”.
  • Click “Finish”.

System Restore rolls the system software back to its previous state. However, to access System Restore, you must launch Advanced Startup settings. From there. System Restore will remove all updates, drivers, apps, and changes you made after the restore point to fix the blue screen error.

Uninstall device drivers or Windows 10 updates in Safe Mode

  • Select the “Startup Settings” option and click “Restart.”
  • Press “F4” or the “4” once the reboot begins to select the “Enable Safe Mode” option.
  • Uninstall Windows 10 updates or device drivers while in Safe mode.

Opening Windows in Safe Mode is another way to tackle the blue screen of death. Like System Restore, you can access Safe Mode through the advanced startup settings.

Blue screen of death errors are challenging but not impossible to fix

While stop errors can sometimes be overwhelming, Microsoft provides fixes for almost all types of errors that lead to a blue screen of death. 

Scanning for malware and backing up your data are other crucial steps you can take to minimize the impact of a sudden, unplanned downtime the blue screen error may cause.

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How to Fix the Blue Screen of Death on Windows

Last Updated: September 23, 2022 Tested

Using General Fixes

Fixing the "critical process died" error, fixing a registry error, restarting in safe mode, cleaning setup files, updating windows, deleting recently added apps, updating drivers, restoring a previous version of windows, resetting windows.

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jack Lloyd . Jack Lloyd is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. He has over two years of experience writing and editing technology-related articles. He is technology enthusiast and an English teacher. The wikiHow Tech Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. This article has been viewed 1,853,411 times. Learn more...

This wikiHow teaches you how to fix the Blue Screen of Death (BSoD, Black screen in Windows 11) on a Windows computer. The BSoD is typically a result of improperly installed software, hardware, or settings, meaning that it is usually fixable. In some cases, though, the BSoD appears due to a corrupt operating system or hardware inside of the computer, meaning that you'll either need to reinstall your operating system or take your computer into a tech department to have it fixed.

Step 1 Consider your recent actions on the computer.

  • Click Update & Security .
  • Click the Troubleshoot tab.
  • Click Blue Screen .
  • Click Run the troubleshooter .
  • Review the resulting solutions and follow any on-screen instructions.

Step 4 Remove any unnecessary hardware.

  • You can typically keep your mouse and keyboard plugged into your computer, especially if they came with the computer itself when it was brand-new.

Step 5 Wait for your computer to restart.

  • If the BSOD appears again while your computer is attempting to restart, check its error code. If the error code is 0x000000EF, you should immediately skip ahead to the next part . If not, try rebooting in Safe Mode .

Step 6 Run a virus...

  • If the virus scan comes up with any malicious software, remove it immediately.
  • If the virus scan sends software settings suggestions (e.g., battery life) to you during the scan, try implementing them. A flawed setting may cause the BSoD to appear.

Step 1 Understand what this error means.

  • This error can be trivial, but if you see it happen multiple times in a row or you're unable to start your computer without running into the BSoD, it indicates a more serious issue.

Step 2 Make sure you've encountered the correct error.

  • If you're unable to use your computer without receiving this error, you need to take your computer into a reputable repair service or shop—it may be that your hard drive or processor is failing, in which case there's nothing you can do from your end.

Step 4 Open Start icon.

  • Re-open Command Prompt in administrator mode.
  • Type in Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth and press ↵ Enter .
  • Type in Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth and press ↵ Enter .
  • Type in Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press ↵ Enter .
  • Wait for any processes to finish running, then restart your computer.

Step 11 Take your computer into a reputable repair shop.

  • If you would rather just restore a previous version of Windows, skip to the "Restoring a Previous Version of Windows" section .

Step 2 Click Troubleshoot.

  • The deletion process may take a few minutes, especially if you've never deleted your computer's temporary files.

Step 1 Open Start icon.

  • Windows may restart several times, and you may have to activate Safe Mode again before proceeding.

Step 1 Open Start icon.

  • You'll repeat this process for each recently installed app here.

Step 1 Open Start icon.

  • For example, if you recently installed a wireless keyboard for a laptop, you would select the wireless keyboard's name after double-clicking the Keyboards hardware category.

Step 6 Click the

  • If you're already at this screen because your computer attempted and failed to restart several times, skip this step.

Step 2 Click Troubleshoot.

  • You may need to log into your computer before proceeding.

Step 6 Click Next.

  • System restore points are usually created when you update or install a significant piece of software or hardware.
  • If you've never backed up your computer and you don't see a restore point here, try resetting Windows instead.

Step 8 Click Next.

  • If the Blue Screen of Death reappears, you may need to restore an earlier backup.

Step 1 Open Start icon.

  • Keep my files - Keeps your files and folders when resetting your PC.
  • Remove everything - Completely clears your hard drive. Make sure that you have a backup of your documents and files stored elsewhere (e.g., an external hard drive) if you choose this option.

Step 7 Click Next.

  • If you chose Remove everything in the last window, you'll first click either Just remove my files or Remove files and clean the drive before this step.

Step 8 Click Reset.

  • If you're still running into the BSOD at this point, it's time to take your computer into a professional repair service to have it checked.

Community Q&A

Community Answer

  • The Blue Screen of Death isn't as much of a death sentence as it used to be; more often than not, it's simply because your computer was on for too long or can't support a software update. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

  • Some computers are too old to be upgraded (i.e. upgrading a 2008 computer to Windows 10). Updating such a computer can cause it to crash into the BSoD. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

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Update Windows

  • ↑ https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/debugger/bug-check-0x51--registry-error
  • ↑ https://www.windowscentral.com/how-troubleshoot-blue-screen-errors-windows-10#troubleshoot_blue_screen_safemode

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Advanced troubleshooting for stop or blue screen errors

  • 5 contributors

If you're not a support agent or IT professional, you'll find more helpful information about stop error ("blue screen") messages in Troubleshoot blue screen errors .

Applies to:   Supported versions of Windows Server and Windows Client

What causes stop errors?

When Windows encounters a condition that compromises safe system operation, the system stops. Examples include something failing that could compromise security or lead to corruption of the operating system (OS) and/or user data. When the machine stops in order to prevent the operating system from moving forward in these conditions, it is called a bug check (or bugcheck). It is also commonly referred to as a system crash, a kernel error, a blue screen, a blue screen of death (BSOD), or a stop error. On preview releases of Windows, the screen color can be green, leading to the green screen of death (GSOD).

There's no simple explanation for the cause of stop errors. Many different factors can be involved. Our analysis of the root causes of crashes indicates that:

  • 70% are caused by third-party driver code.
  • 10% are caused by hardware issues.
  • 5% are caused by Microsoft code.
  • 15% have unknown causes, because the memory is too corrupted to analyze.

The root cause of stop errors is rarely a user-mode process. While a user-mode process (such as Notepad or Slack) may trigger a stop error, it's usually exposing the underlying issue in a driver, hardware, or operating system.

General troubleshooting steps

To troubleshoot stop error messages, follow these general steps:

Review the stop error code that you find in the event logs. Search online for the specific stop error codes to see whether there are any known issues, resolutions, or workarounds for the problem.

Make sure that you install the latest Windows updates, cumulative updates, and rollup updates. To verify the update status, refer to the appropriate update history for your system. For example:

  • Windows 10, version 21H2
  • Windows 10, version 21H1
  • Windows 10, version 20H2

Make sure that the BIOS and firmware are up-to-date.

Run any relevant hardware and memory tests.

Run Microsoft Safety Scanner or any other virus detection program that includes checks of the MBR for infections.

Make sure that there's sufficient free space on the hard disk. The exact requirement varies, but we recommend 10-15 percent free disk space.

Contact the respective hardware or software vendor to update the drivers and applications in the following scenarios:

  • The error message indicates that a specific driver is causing the problem.
  • You're seeing an indication of a service that is starting or stopping before the crash occurred. In this situation, determine whether the service behavior is consistent across all instances of the crash.
  • You have made any software or hardware changes.

If there are no updates available from a specific manufacturer, we recommend that you disable the related service.

For more information, see How to perform a clean boot in Windows .

You can disable a driver by following the steps in How to temporarily deactivate the kernel mode filter driver in Windows .

You may also want to consider the option of rolling back changes or reverting to the last-known working state. For more information, see Roll back a device driver to a previous version .

Memory dump collection

To configure the system for memory dump files, follow these steps:

  • Select the Taskbar search box, type Advanced system settings , and then press Enter .
  • On the Advanced tab on the System Properties box, select the Settings button that appears in the section Startup and Recovery .
  • In the new window, select the drop-down below the option Write debugging information .
  • Choose Automatic memory dump .
  • Select OK .
  • Restart the computer for the setting to take effect.
  • If the server is virtualized, disable auto reboot after the memory dump file is created. This disablement lets you take a snapshot of the server in-state and also if the problem recurs.

The memory dump file is saved at the following locations:

You can use the Microsoft Crash Dump File Checker (DumpChk) tool to verify that the memory dump files aren't corrupted or invalid. For more information, see the following video:

For more information on how to use Dumpchk.exe to check your dump files, see the following articles:

  • Using DumpChk
  • Download DumpChk

Pagefile settings

For more information on pagefile settings, see the following articles:

  • Introduction to page files
  • How to determine the appropriate page file size for 64-bit versions of Windows
  • Generate a kernel or complete crash dump

Memory dump analysis

Finding the root cause of the crash may not be easy. Hardware problems are especially difficult to diagnose because they may cause erratic and unpredictable behavior that can manifest itself in various symptoms.

When a stop error occurs, you should first isolate the problematic components, and then try to cause them to trigger the stop error again. If you can replicate the problem, you can usually determine the cause.

You can use the tools such as Windows Software Development Kit (SDK) and symbols to diagnose dump logs. The next section discusses how to use this tool.

Advanced troubleshooting steps

Advanced troubleshooting of crash dumps can be very challenging if you aren't experienced with programming and internal Windows mechanisms. We have attempted to provide a brief insight here into some of the techniques used, including some examples. However, to really be effective at troubleshooting a crash dump, you should spend time becoming familiar with advanced debugging techniques. For a video overview, Debugging kernel mode crashes and hangs . Also see the advanced references listed below.

Advanced debugging references

  • Advanced Windows Debugging, first edition book
  • Debugging Tools for Windows (WinDbg, KD, CDB, NTSD)

Debugging steps

Verify that the computer is set up to generate a complete memory dump file when a crash occurs. For more information, see Method 1: Memory dump .

Locate the memory.dmp file in your Windows directory on the computer that is crashing, and copy that file to another computer.

On the other computer, download the Windows 10 SDK .

Start the install and choose Debugging Tools for Windows . The WinDbg tool is installed.

Go to the File menu and select Symbol File Path to open the WinDbg tool and set the symbol path.

  • If the computer is connected to the internet, enter the Microsoft public symbol server : https://msdl.microsoft.com/download/symbols and select OK . This method is recommended.
  • If the computer isn't connected to the internet, specify a local symbol path .

Select Open Crash Dump , and then open the memory.dmp file that you copied.

Screenshot of an example output in WinDbg when opening a crash dump file.

Under Bugcheck Analysis , select !analyze -v . The command !analyze -v is entered in the prompt at the bottom of the page.

A detailed bug check analysis appears.

Screenshot of a detailed bug check analysis example.

Scroll down to the STACK_TEXT section. There will be rows of numbers with each row followed by a colon and some text. That text should tell you what DLL is causing the crash. If applicable, it also says what service is crashing the DLL.

For more information about how to interpret the STACK_TEXT output, see Using the !analyze Extension .

There are many possible causes of a bug check and each case is unique. In the example provided above, the important lines that can be identified from the STACK_TEXT are 20, 21, and 22:

HEX data is removed here and lines are numbered for clarity.

This issue is because of the mpssvc service, which is a component of the Windows Firewall. The problem was repaired by disabling the firewall temporarily and then resetting firewall policies.

For more examples, see Debugging examples .

Video resources

The following videos illustrate various troubleshooting techniques for analyzing dump files.

  • Analyze dump file
  • Installing debugging tool for Windows (x64 and x86)
  • Debugging kernel mode crash memory dumps
  • Special pool

Advanced troubleshooting using Driver Verifier

We estimate that about 75 percent of all stop errors are caused by faulty drivers. The Driver Verifier tool provides several methods to help you troubleshoot. These include running drivers in an isolated memory pool (without sharing memory with other components), generating extreme memory pressure, and validating parameters. If the tool encounters errors in the execution of driver code, it proactively creates an exception. It can then further examine that part of the code.

Driver Verifier consumes lots of CPU and can slow down the computer significantly. You may also experience additional crashes. Verifier disables faulty drivers after a stop error occurs, and continues to do this until you can successfully restart the system and access the desktop. You can also expect to see several dump files created.

Don't try to verify all the drivers at one time. This action can degrade performance and make the system unusable. It also limits the effectiveness of the tool.

Use the following guidelines when you use Driver Verifier:

  • Test any "suspicious" drivers. For example, drivers that were recently updated or that are known to be problematic.
  • If you continue to experience non-analyzable crashes, try enabling verification on all third-party and unsigned drivers.
  • Enable concurrent verification on groups of 10-20 drivers.
  • Additionally, if the computer can't boot into the desktop because of Driver Verifier, you can disable the tool by starting in Safe mode. This solution is because the tool can't run in Safe mode.

For more information, see Driver Verifier .

Common Windows stop errors

This section doesn't contain a list of all error codes, but since many error codes have the same potential resolutions, your best bet is to follow the steps below to troubleshoot your error. For a complete list of stop error codes, see Bug Check Code Reference .

The following sections list general troubleshooting procedures for common stop error codes.

VIDEO_ENGINE_TIMEOUT_DETECTED or VIDEO_TDR_TIMEOUT_DETECTED

Stop error code 0x00000141, or 0x00000117

Contact the vendor of the listed display driver to get an appropriate update for that driver.

DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

Stop error code 0x0000000D1

Apply the latest updates for the driver by applying the latest cumulative updates for the system through the Microsoft Update Catalog website. Update an outdated network driver. Virtualized VMware systems often run "Intel(R) PRO/1000 MT Network Connection" (e1g6032e.sys). You can download this driver from the Intel Download Drivers & Software website . Contact the hardware vendor to update the network driver for a resolution. For VMware systems, use the VMware integrated network driver instead of Intel's e1g6032e.sys. For example, use VMware types VMXNET, VMXNET2, or VMXNET3.

PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA

Stop error code 0x000000050

If a driver is identified in the stop error message, contact the manufacturer for an update. If no updates are available, disable the driver, and monitor the system for stability. Run chkdsk /f /r to detect and repair disk errors. Restart the system before the disk scan begins on a system partition. Contact the manufacturer for any diagnostic tools that they may provide for the hard disk subsystem. Try to reinstall any application or service that was recently installed or updated. It's possible that the crash was triggered while the system was starting applications and reading the registry for preference settings. Reinstalling the application can fix corrupted registry keys. If the problem persists, and you have run a recent system state backup, try to restore the registry hives from the backup.

SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION

Stop error code c000021a {Fatal System Error} The Windows SubSystem system process terminated unexpectedly with a status of 0xc0000005. The system has been shut down.

Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files. The System File Checker lets users scan for corruptions in Windows system files and restore corrupted files. For more information, see Use the System File Checker tool .

NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM

Stop error code 0x000000024

This stop error is commonly caused by corruption in the NTFS file system or bad blocks (sectors) on the hard disk. Corrupted drivers for hard disks (SATA or IDE) can also adversely affect the system's ability to read and write to disk. Run any hardware diagnostics that are provided by the manufacturer of the storage subsystem. Use the scan disk tool to verify that there are no file system errors. To do this step, right-click the drive that you want to scan, select Properties, select Tools, and then select the Check now button. Update the NTFS file system driver (Ntfs.sys). Apply the latest cumulative updates for the current operating system that's experiencing the problem.

KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED

Stop error code 0x0000001E

If a driver is identified in the stop error message, disable or remove that driver. Disable or remove any drivers or services that were recently added.

If the error occurs during the startup sequence, and the system partition is formatted by using the NTFS file system, you might be able to use safe mode to disable the driver in Device Manager. To disable the driver, follow these steps:

  • Go to Settings > Update & security > Recovery .
  • Under Advanced startup , select Restart now .
  • After your PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart .
  • After the computer restarts, you'll see a list of options. Press 4 or F4 to start the computer in safe mode. If you intend to use the internet while in safe mode, press 5 or F5 for the Safe Mode with Networking option.

DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION

Stop error code 0x00000133

This stop error code is caused by a faulty driver that doesn't complete its work within the allotted time frame in certain conditions. To help mitigate this error, collect the memory dump file from the system, and then use the Windows Debugger to find the faulty driver. If a driver is identified in the stop error message, disable the driver to isolate the problem. Check with the manufacturer for driver updates. Check the system log in Event Viewer for other error messages that might help identify the device or driver that's causing stop error 0x133. Verify that any new hardware that's installed is compatible with the installed version of Windows. For example, you can get information about required hardware at Windows 10 Specifications. If Windows Debugger is installed, and you have access to public symbols, you can load the c:\windows\memory.dmp file into the debugger. Then refer to Determining the source of Bug Check 0x133 (DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION) errors on Windows Server 2012 to find the problematic driver from the memory dump.

USER_MODE_HEALTH_MONITOR

Stop error code 0x0000009E

This stop error indicates that a user-mode health check failed in a way that prevents graceful shutdown. Windows restores critical services by restarting or enabling application failover to other servers. The Clustering Service incorporates a detection mechanism that may detect unresponsiveness in user-mode components.

This stop error usually occurs in a clustered environment, and the indicated faulty driver is RHS.exe. Check the event logs for any storage failures to identify the failing process. Try to update the component or process that's indicated in the event logs. You should see the following event recorded:

  • Event ID: 4870
  • Source: Microsoft-Windows-FailoverClustering
  • Description: User mode health monitoring has detected that the system isn't being responsive. The Failover cluster virtual adapter has lost contact with the Cluster Server process with a process ID '%1', for '%2' seconds. Recovery action is taken. Review the Cluster logs to identify the process and investigate which items might cause the process to hang.

For more information, see "0x0000009E" Stop error on cluster nodes in a Windows Server-based multi-node failover cluster environment Also, see the following Microsoft video What to do if a 9E occurs .

Debugging examples

This bug check is caused by a driver hang during upgrade, resulting in a bug check D1 in NDIS.sys , which is a Microsoft driver. The IMAGE_NAME tells you the faulting driver, but since this driver is s Microsoft driver, it can't be replaced or removed. The resolution method is to disable the network device in device manager and try the upgrade again.

In this example, a non-Microsoft driver caused page fault, so we don't have symbols for this driver. However, looking at IMAGE_NAME and or MODULE_NAME indicates it's WwanUsbMP.sys that caused the issue. Disconnecting the device and retrying the upgrade is a possible solution.

Bug check code reference

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How to Fix a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

A BSOD can be caused by both hardware or software; the good news is that there are ways to recover from it

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  • What Causes a Blue Screen
  • How to Fix It
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A blank, blue screen on a computer is never a welcome sight. It means something has crashed the computer so badly that immediate steps must be taken to recover the system.

What Is The Blue Screen of Death? What Causes It?

A Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), aka a STOP Error , appears when an issue is so serious that Windows must stop loading. It's usually hardware or driver related; most will show a STOP code to help you figure out the root cause.

If the blue screen flashes and your computer reboots automatically you'll need to disable the 'automatic restart on system failure' setting. Below are general Blue Screen of Death troubleshooting steps.

Please see our  List of Blue Screen Error Codes for individual STOP code troubleshooting steps. Come back here if we don't have a troubleshooting guide for your specific STOP code or if you have no idea what your STOP code is.

This troubleshooting guide applies to any version of Windows, including Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

How to Fix a Blue Screen of Death

The most important Blue Screen of Death troubleshooting step you can take is to ask yourself what you did just before the device stopped working.

Did you just install a new program or a piece of hardware, update a driver, install a Windows update, etc.? If so, there's a very good chance that the change you made caused the BSOD.

Undo the change you made and test again for the STOP Error. Depending on what it was that changed, some solutions might include:

  • Starting up using Last Known Good Configuration to undo recent registry and driver changes.
  • Using Windows System Restore to undo recent system changes.
  • Rolling back the device driver to a version prior to your driver update.

Some of these steps may require you to start Windows in Safe Mode . If that's not possible then skip those steps.

Check that there's enough free hard drive space where Windows is being installed. Blue Screens of Death and other serious issues, like data corruption, can occur if there's not enough free space on your primary partition.

Microsoft recommends that you maintain at least 100 MB of free space but you'll regularly see problems with free space that low. It's usually advised that Windows users keep at least 10% of a drive's capacity free at all times.

Scan your computer for malware and viruses . Some viruses can cause a Blue Screen of Death, especially ones that infect the master boot record (MBR) or boot sector.

Make sure your virus scanning software is completely up to date and that it's configured to scan the MBR and boot sector.

If you can't get far enough to run a virus scan from within Windows, there are some great free bootable anti-virus tools out there.

Check for and install all available Windows service packs and updates . Microsoft regularly releases patches and service packs for their operating systems that may contain fixes for the cause of your BSOD.

Update hardware drivers in Windows . Most Blue Screens of Death are hardware or driver-related, so updated drivers could fix the cause of the STOP error.

Check the System and Application logs in Event Viewer for errors or warnings that might provide more clues on the cause of the BSOD.

Event Viewer can be opened through Administrative Tools.

Return hardware settings to default in Device Manager.

Unless you have a specific reason to do so, the system resources that an individual piece of hardware is configured to use in Device Manager should be set to default. Non-default hardware settings have been known to cause a Blue Screen of Death.

Return BIOS settings to their default levels. An overclocked or misconfigured BIOS can cause all sorts of random issues, including BSODs.

If you've made several customizations to your BIOS settings and don't wish to load the default ones, then at least try returning clock speed, voltage settings, and BIOS memory options to their default settings and see if that fixes the STOP error.

Make sure all internal cables, cards, and other components are installed and seated properly. Hardware that's not firmly in place can cause a Blue Screen of Death, so try reseating the following and then test for the STOP message again:

  • Reseat all internal data and power cables
  • Reseat the memory modules
  • Reseat any expansion cards

Perform diagnostic tests on all hardware you're able to test—there are free memory test programs and free hard drive testing tools .

It's highly likely that the root cause of any given Blue Screen of Death is a failing piece of hardware. If a test fails, replace the RAM in your computer or replace the hard drive as soon as possible.

Update your BIOS . In some situations, an outdated BIOS could cause a Blue Screen of Death due to certain incompatibilities.

Start your PC with essential hardware only.

A useful troubleshooting step in many situations, including BSOD issues, is to start your computer with the minimum hardware necessary to run the operating system. If your computer starts successfully it proves that one of the removed hardware devices was the cause of the STOP message.

Typically, the only necessary hardware for starting your PC through to the operating system includes the motherboard, CPU, RAM, primary hard drive, keyboard, video card, and monitor.

If you haven't corrected the cause of the BSOD yet, continue below with either the software or hardware steps, depending on the direction your troubleshooting went above.

Software Is Likely the Cause of the BSOD

If your troubleshooting has led you to believe that a particular software program is probably causing the BSOD, walk through this troubleshooting to get it taken care of:

Check for and install any available program updates. Most software programs let you check for updates via some menu option, so dig around until you find it.

If you can't, or you think it's not working, you can try one of these free dedicated software updater programs instead.

Reinstall the software . If updating doesn't work or isn't an option, simply uninstall the program and then install a clean version of it all over again.

Check with the developer for support information. It's possible that this particular BSOD is an issue the software maker has seen before and has already documented a specific solution for.

Try a competing program. If there's simply no way to make this program work (and uninstalling it proved that this program is the cause of the BSOD) then using a different but similar program might be your only course of action.

Hardware Is Likely the Cause of the BSOD

If you believe at this point that a piece of hardware is causing the Blue Screen of Death, here are your options:

Make sure the hardware is on the Windows Hardware Compatibility List .

While it's probably unlikely, it's possible that the hardware simply isn't compatible with your version of Windows.

Update the hardware's firmware.

Just like you might update software to fix a problem it's having with Windows, updating the hardware's software, called firmware , if there's any available, is a smart idea.

Check with the manufacturer for support information. Their knowledge base could have information on this issue that could be of help.

Replace the hardware. At this point it's pretty likely that the hardware itself simply no longer is working properly and should be replaced. Assuming this piece of hardware really was the only reason for the BSOD, it should go away after you do this.

The quickest way to resolve a BSOD on a Nintendo Switch is to hold down the Power button for 12 seconds to shut it down, and then restart it. Otherwise, switch to recovery mode and select Factory Setting Without Deleting Save Data .

To clear the error first, you'll need to restart your PC. Fortunately, Microsoft released an update KB5001567 to fix this issue occurring in printers from Kyocera, Ricoh, and Zebra, among others.

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HP PCs - Error Messages Display on a Blue Screen (Windows 10)

There are many reasons that a computer displays a blue screen when operating or when it fails to start or boot into the Windows operating system. If your computer displays a blue screen, you might see or hear symptoms to indicate the general area of the problem.

If you are not sure what the problem is, go to HP PCs - Computer does not start (Windows 10) .

Use this document if the computer stops responding and displays a blue screen or continually restarts. In most cases, an error message or code is displayed on the blue screen, the computer does not respond to commands typed on the keyboard, and it is necessary to press and hold the power button for 15 seconds or more to turn off the computer.

Example of a blue screen error in Windows

Depending on your version of Windows, some graphics and information in this document might vary slightly.

If your computer suddenly fails to boot properly, you might need to try the following solutions in order until the issue is resolved: disable auto restart, perform a power reset, use Microsoft System Restore, test for hardware faults, or update your computer in addition to other troubleshooting steps.

Disabling the automatic restart option to view error messages

Errors might occur but not display if Automatic restart is enabled. Disable this option to allow the computer to display error messages instead of restarting. You might be able to use the infromation in the error message to resolve the issue.

In Windows, search for and open View advanced system settings .

In the Startup and Recovery section, click Settings .

Remove the check mark next to Automatically restart , and then click OK .

Location of the Automatically restart check box

Restart the computer.

The computer no longer restarts automatically when a problem occurs. Instead, a blue screen displays with useful information. You can search for a resolution using the information in the error.

Resetting the power on your computer

If your computer fails to boot properly, you might need to perform a power reset, which might involve removing the battery, pressing a key or combination of keys, or other steps.

Power reset a laptop with removable battery

Perform a power reset on your notebook with a removable battery.

Performing a Hard or Forced Reset on Your HP Notebook (Removable Battery)

Turn off the computer, and then unplug the power cord.

Disconnect any peripheral devices, and then remove the computer from any port replicator or docking station.

Remove the battery from the computer.

With the battery and power cord unplugged, press and hold the Power button for approximately 15 seconds.

After you drain the capacitors, re-insert the battery, and then plug in the power cord. Leave peripheral devices disconnected.

Turn on the computer.

Power reset a notebook with a non-removable battery

Perform a power reset (or hard reset) of your notebook to clear information from the computer memory without erasing personal data.

Performing a Hard or Forced Reset on Your HP Notebook (Fixed Battery)

Turn off the computer.

Disconnect the AC adapter.

Remove any discs from the disc drive.

Remove memory cards from the card reader slot.

Disconnect all nonessential peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, external hard drives, and USB flash drives.

With the AC adapter unplugged, press and hold the power button for approximately 15 seconds.

Reconnect the AC adapter, and then turn on the computer.

Power reset button configurations for power resetting a laptop with a non-removable battery

When power resetting a laptop with a non-removable battery, you might need to use one of the following power reset button combinations.

Power reset your desktop computer

Perform a power reset (or hard reset) of your desktop computer to clear information from the computer memory without erasing personal data.

Do not disconnect your mouse, keyboard, or monitor.

After you drain the capacitors, reconnect the AC adapter. Leave peripheral devices disconnected.

Correct blue screen errors using Windows System Restore

Some blue screen errors can be corrected by restoring your computer to a previous state when it functioned normally.

For business computers , if you do not have the option to restore the computer, contact your company's IT department or your local IT service.

Restore your computer when Windows starts normally

If the computer stops working correctly, but Windows starts as expected, you can restore it to a previous point in time when it was working.

Create a restore point

Windows automatically creates restore points at regularly scheduled intervals and before many software installations. If you would like to create a restore point manually, use the steps below.

How to Create a Restore Point in Windows

In Windows, search for restore , and then open Create a restore point from the results list.

On the System Protection tab, click Create .

Clicking Create to create a restore point

Type a name for the restore point, and then click Create .

Click Close .

Close button on the 'restore point created successfully' screen

Restore your computer to a previous point in time.

How To Restore an HP Computer from Windows

Save any open files, and then close all open programs.

In Windows, search for and open Create a restore point .

On the System Protection tab, click System Restore .

Selecting System Restore in the System Properties window

In the System Restore window, click Next .

Select the restore point you want to use, and then click Next .

Selecting a restore point

Review your selection, and then click Finish .

Read the warning about not interrupting System Restore, and then click Yes .

Allow System Restore to complete without interruption to avoid corrupting the hard drive or causing additional damage to the computer.

Confirming System Restore cannot be interrupted

Restore your computer when Windows cannot start normally

Use Microsoft System Restore from the Windows loading screen when Windows does not start normally.

How To Restore Windows When Windows Cannot Start Normally

Turn off the computer and wait at least 5 seconds.

Turn on the computer and repeatedly press the F11 key, about once every second, until you see the Windows loading screen.

If a language selection screen opens, select the language you want to use to continue.

On the Choose your keyboard layout screen, select the keyboard layout that matches your keyboard type.

On the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot .

Click Advanced Options , and then click System Restore .

Depending on your settings, you might need to select an account and enter your login information.

Click Next .

Clicking Next in the System Restore window

Select a Restore Point , and then click Next .

Click Finish to restore your computer to a previous point.

Clicking Finish on the confirm restore point screen

Click Yes in the caution that displays.

Do not interrupt System Restore when it starts.

Clicking Yes in the caution window

When System Restore is complete, the computer restarts.

Correct blue screen error messages by testing for hardware failures

Blue screen error messages can be caused by hardware failures. Use these steps to determine if your computer hardware is functioning within the correct parameters.

For instructions on how to test for hardware failures to ensure that your hardware is functioning correctly, see HP PCs - Testing for hardware failures in Windows 10 .

Update your computer with HP Support Assistant or Windows Update

You can resolve many blue screen errors or messages by updating your computer using either HP Support Assistant or Microsoft Windows Update.

Update the PC with HP Support Assistant

Use HP Support Assistant to find and install updates, including BIOS updates, for your computer with Windows.

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

If the app is not installed on your computer, download the latest version from the HP Support Assistant website.

On the My Dashboard tab, find your computer, and then click Updates .

Wait while HP Support Assistant analyzes the system.

After the analysis completes, select the listed updates, download and install the updates, and then follow any on-screen instructions.

If prompted, restart the computer, and then close the tool.

Run Windows Update

Update your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer using Windows Update.

How To Update Windows 10

In Windows, search for and open Check for updates .

If there are any available updates, they begin automatically.

To download and install optional updates, use the following instructions for your operating system:

In Windows 11, select Advanced options > Optional updates , select the updates that you want to install, and then click Download & install .

In Windows 10, select View all optional updates , select the updates that you want to install, and then click Download and install .

After the updates install, restart your computer when prompted.

Perform a Windows system reset

If the issue persists, recover the computer back to its original configuration.

Microsoft provides a reset feature that repairs your computer by reinstalling the operating system. Before using this option, make sure you back up all your important files.

Go to HP PCs - Reset the computer for more information.

Contact HP Customer Support

Contact HP Customer Support for further assistance if the issue persists.

Go to HP Customer Support - Contact .

Enter your product serial number to view warranty status and to change your location, if necessary.

Select a support option. Support options vary by country/region.

Additional support options

Try one of our automated tools or diagnostics

Enter a topic to search our knowledge library

How to Fix a SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION BSOD in Windows

This confusing error is often caused by drivers.

SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION BSOD

If you get a Blue Screen of Death in Windows 10 or 11 with the stop code SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION, there could be many causes, though a bad driver is always a likely culprit. The usual bug check code that goes with a SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION is 0x3B. Interestingly, the numeric code has numerous (7!) associations in the Microsoft Error Lookup Tool , so this one is best researched using the text-based stop code by itself, or in combination with the numeric code. 

Microsoft ’s bug check page for this error provides this explanation for its cause: “This stop code indicates that executing code had an exception, and the thread that was below it, is a system thread.” 

File System Fix For SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION

Microsoft also notes on the bug check page for SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION  that “If a driver that is responsible for the error can be identified, its name is printed on the blue screen…” Indeed, I’ve personally experienced this error with the Windows 10 NTFS file system driver (Ntfs.sys) identified as the culprit. This identification is a mixed blessing, because it does tell you some kind of file system error occurred. That said, one cannot and should not replace OS-level drivers for Windows as one might do for a device driver of some kind.

Such repairs are best left to the DISM and SFC commands. Thus, my first response to the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION  stop code after a reboot would be to run these commands in an administrative Command Prompt or PowerShell session:

Dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

SFC /scannow

The first command will find and replace any corrupted or missing files in the Windows Component Store (usually C:\Windows\WinSxS). The second command will examine all Windows system files (SFC stands for System File Checker, in fact) and replace any damaged or missing files it identifies. The afore-cited DISM command usually takes 3-5 minutes to complete, and the SFC command can take longer (especially if it makes any repairs). If SFC finds and fixes errors, repeat that same command until you get a clean bill of health in its final follow-up:

Using the Driver Verifier Tool to Fix SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION

Windows 10 and Windows 11 both include a built-in driver verification tool named verifier.exe. It resides in the C:\Windows\System32 folder (where Windows keeps many of its admin and repair tools). Drivers are indeed often involved in the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION error because they belong to the class of Windows code elements allowed to access protected system code (along with OS components themselves, of course). Pretty much any device driver can provoke this error, so it’s not uncommon to see it pop up when you install new hardware, or plug in some kind of removable storage device (usually through a USB or Thunderbolt port).

If the previous system repairs (DISM and SFC) don’t dispel the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION BSOD, the Windows Driver Verifier may be able to help you identify the culprit that’s causing this BSOD to occur. This tool comes with a warning: be sure to create a current image backup for your PC before using it, because the verifier checks all device drivers and intentionally causes a BSOD when it finds a driver that cannot be verified or is corrupt or damaged. 

The information you seek should show up in the crash dump that gets written when a BSOD occurs. That crash dump will either occupy a file named memory.dmp or minidump.dmp. The former resides in the Windows root, usually C:\Windows. The latter resides in C:\Windows\Minidump. I wholeheartedly recommend using Nir Sofer’s BlueScreenView tool for viewing and inspecting crash dumps. It will happily target either of those crash dump files, and tell you what’s what. 

Turning Driver Verifier On

1. Enter “verifier.exe” at an administrative Command Prompt or PowerShell This will open the Driver Verifier Manager program.

2. Click Next and leave the default setting, “Create standard settings” in place.

3.   Select “Automatically select all drivers installed on this computer.” If you’d rather focus on a list of drivers by name, click “Select driver names from a list” instead. Either way, click Next to continue.

Unless you want to let your computer take hours testing possibly hundreds of drivers, I have some tips for narrowing this list down and picking suspect drivers from the list.

Tip A: Use DriverStore Explorer to Get Driver Names and Info

A free GitHub project called DriverStore Explorer offers a handy focused software tool for inspecting and managing Windows drivers. I used it on my test system to confirm it had over 200 drivers present, and to clean up enough of the old ones to bring that count down to a “mere” 195. This shows that selecting all drivers can involve a huge number of checks and take a great deal of time. Thus, I tend to concentrate on drivers by name using DriverStore Explorer and focus on drivers by category (e.g. Network adapters, Human Interface Devices, Display adapters, and so forth).

Tip B: Restrict Driver Checks to Suspect Categories or Items, When Possible

Let’s say I just switched from the Lenovo OEM video driver to the Intel DCH video driver on my test PC, after which the SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION error started up. DriverStore Explorer tells me the name of that driver is iigd_dch.inf, so that’s the one I want to check for a close match in Driver Verifier Manager’s driver list. Usually igd is shorthand for “Intel graphics driver,” so I choose the item named igdkm64.sys.

4. Click Finish to proceed through your checks. Next you’ll see a warning from Driver Verifier Manager that you must restart your PC to start running its driver checks.

5. Click OK,  restart your PC , and you’re on your way! When the system reboots, it may take a little longer to get through the boot-up sequence, as Driver Verifier Manager does its thing. Be patient. As Driver Verifier Manager finds unsigned or suspect drivers it will cause BSODs.

6. Record any bluescreen messages that pop up (it’s handy to snap them with a smartphone), so you can investigate later.

Any BSODs will need subsequent investigation, and should prompt certain actions. In most cases, replacing or upgrading drivers identified in crash dumps after using Driver Verifier will set your system back to rights.

If you find yourself stuck in a boot loop (repeated BSODs that Driver Verifier is causing), you’ll need to boot into Safe Mode (insert link). Then you can access Driver Verifier (type verifier into the Command Prompt or PowerShell). Once you’re into the Driver Verifier Manager UI, choose “Delete existing settings,” then click Finish. After your next restart, your self-induced BSODs will stop.

Beyond the Driver Verifier, It’s Last-Ditch Repairs

If you still can’t get out of the BSOD loop, you may need to take more drastic measures. Restore the OS image you created as a precautionary backup, and you will be back where you started. On the other hand, you could try a 30-minute repair reinstall of WIndows or, if that’s not enough, choose to reset Windows entirely which is the same as a clean install. The last two are obviously maneuvers of last resort.

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Ed Tittel

Ed Tittel is a long-time IT writer, researcher and consultant, and occasional contributor to Tom’s Hardware. A Windows Insider MVP since 2018, he likes to cover OS-related driver, troubleshooting, and security topics.

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  • compprob237 Aside from what is covered in the article you can get this while overclocking. This one typically indicates that you need to increase the CPU VCore. Reply
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How to Fix the Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) in Windows

The blue screen of death is never good, but it can be fixed. The Windows BSDoD is typically caused by aging hardware or software incompatibilities, and you can often resolve it with the help of Windows diagnostics tools. Keep reading to find out how to fix the blue screen — then install optimization software to keep your computer running better, for longer.

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What is the Windows BSoD?

The blue screen of death is what you see on your computer screen when the Windows operating system crashes because of a fatal system error that causes it to malfunction and shut down. Usually, the Windows blue screen is the result of hardware failure, the corruption of system files, or the termination of a critical process.

The BSoD has become notorious and is commonly believed to indicate an unfixable error with a device. But while it’s always frustrating to see the blue screen, the “fatal” system error that caused Windows to crash can usually be fixed.

In Windows 10, the blue screen comes with a Windows 10 stop code, which refers to the exact error that caused the blue screen. To find out what caused the blue screen of death — and learn how to fix it and stop it from happening again — your first step should be looking up what the Windows stop code means.

In the example below, the stop code is DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL — we’ll take a closer look at this and other common Windows stop codes further down.

An example of a Blue screen of death in Windows 10

As disconcerting as BSoD may be, a totally blank screen is far more troubling. Without an error code to help you, it's difficult to know where to start to fix a black screen in Windows .

What causes the blue screen of death?

The blue screen of death is usually caused by improperly installed, damaged, or aging hardware, or by buggy or incompatible software. Driver updates for your graphics card or other hardware components can also cause a blue screen of death if they fail to integrate properly with the rest of your system.

Blue screen errors may also result from overheating, especially if you’re experiencing other issues, like a loud computer fan or a Task Manager showing 100% disk usage . Overheating itself could also signal a more fundamental problem with your computer, such as an infection by spyware or another form of malware .

You’ll see the cause of your BSoD on the screen itself. The cause will show up either as text, which you can google, or a QR code that you can scan with your phone. And even if your PC’s running fine today, it’s best to keep potential BSoD causes at bay by regularly cleaning up and speeding up your computer .

Common Windows stop codes

The blue screen error in Windows 10 comes with a string of text called a Windows stop code that catalogs the issue. The stop code can help you fix the problem and stop it from happening again.

Here’s a list of some of the stop codes you’re most likely to find on the blue screen in Windows 10 or 11:

CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED This code indicates that one of the important system files for Windows, like svchost.exe , isn’t functioning correctly. That might’ve happened because you closed it in the Task Manager. Before ending an unknown task, google the name of the process first.

SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED This can often happen when an update for a component isn’t interacting properly with the rest of Windows. You may need to roll back a driver update that was just recently installed.

IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL A system file or device driver is demanding more memory than you have available. Getting good driver update software or scanning to repair corrupted system files may help here.

VIDEO_TDR_TIMEOUT_DETECTED This means your GPU has reached its breaking point and cannot handle the volume of data it's being given. Either you were overloading it or there’s an issue with your graphics drivers.

PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA Your computer is asking for a part of your memory that doesn’t exist, either because part of the RAM has stopped working or there’s an error in the system process in question.

SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION This blue screen will show the exact file that caused the error, but if it’s a system file and not a device driver, you may not be able to fix it without reinstalling Windows.

DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION This Windows error message means that an essential file, whether related to your device or the operating system, has probably been corrupted.

NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM This error code means there’s almost certainly a problem with your hard drive. You may be able to fix and also prevent this from leading to a BSoD by running a chkdsk scan on your disk.

DATA_BUS_ERROR This means that a piece of hardware isn’t communicating properly with your computer. This could be because it wasn’t installed properly or because the component itself may be broken or faulty.

How to fix the blue screen of death on Windows

Now that you know the likely cause of the problem thanks to the Windows stop code, you can try to fix the blue screen of death by going through the following steps:

1. Shut down your computer

Use the Power button to turn off your computer.

2. Disconnect all devices

Since USB devices might be the culprit, remove all peripherals from your computer (besides the keyboard and mouse).

3. Restart your computer in Safe Mode

If your computer boots normally after a restart, you can enter Safe Mode from within Windows itself. Here’s how:

Press the Windows key , then type msconfig and hit enter.

The Windows start menu is opened, and "msconfig" is shown.

Select the Boot tab.

The System configuration window. The "Boot" tab is circled.

Under Boot options , check Safe boot and choose the “Minimal” setting.

The boot tab in system configuration. "Safe Boot" is checked, and "minimal" is chosen.

If the BSoD reappears, making it impossible for you to proceed, you’ll need to power down again and restart Windows in Safe Mode. Immediately as your PC boots up, press and hold the F8 key and then follow the on-screen instructions to switch to Safe Mode.

4. Uninstall recently installed programs

Now that Windows is in Safe Mode and only running essential processes, the problematic program, device driver, or system file has probably been deactivated, making it easier to uninstall. Start by removing the most recently installed programs, since these are the most likely culprits.

Here’s how to uninstall programs in Windows:

Press the Windows key . Type “add or remove programs” and hit enter.

The Windows start menu is opened, and "add or remove programs" is shown.

Find the application you want to remove and select Uninstall .

Add or remove programs" in Windows. A program has been clicked and the "Uninstall" button is shown.

If you find any strange or unfamiliar programs within your list of apps and features, you might want to uninstall them too. But make sure to Google the name first to find out what it is so that you don’t unintentionally uninstall any essential Microsoft software.

5. Rollback or disable drivers

Using the latest drivers improves the speed and security of your device. But sometimes bugs or glitches in updates can cause problems. If the blue screen error code referred to a specific driver causing the issue, simply disabling it or rolling back a recent update should fix the problem.

It can be cumbersome to check every driver and roll each of them back separately, but you may need to if nothing else works. Here’s how to disable drivers:

Press the Windows Key and type “ Device manager .” Then hit Enter .

The Windows start menu is open and is showing "Device manager."

Right-click on the relevant hardware component and choose Properties from the pop-up menu.

A view of device manager. The AMD display card is selected under "Display adapters." The AMD GPU has been right clicked, and the mouse is hovering over "Properties."

Click the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver .

The properties for the display adapter are displayed. The "Driver" tab is open and the "Roll Back Driver" button is shown.

6. Scan your computer for malware

It’s possible that malware is responsible for the corrupt files or critical process disruption that has caused your system to crash. In that case, you’ll need to repair and secure your computer with a dedicated malware and virus removal tool that will let you scan and get rid of the malware immediately.

Install AVG AntiVirus FREE to identify and remove malicious threats to your system. AVG’s advanced threat-detection technology will quickly wipe away threats and help keep your computer from crashing.

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7. Run an SFC Scan

To ensure all your system files are properly configured for Windows to operate normally, you should run a System File Checker (SFC) scan. Here’s how to run an SFC scan:

Press the Windows key and type “cmd.” Right-click Command Prompt and select “Run as Administrator.” Click yes to confirm if prompted.

The Windows start menu is open, command prompt has been right-clicked, and "Run as administrator" has been circled.

Type “sfc /scannow” into Command Prompt and hit enter to start the scan.

 "sfc /scannow" typed into the command prompt.

8. Scan your hard drive

Running a CHKDSK scan will let you examine every bit of your hard drive, flag any errors, and correct them or index them to prevent those errors from causing performance issues or crashes such as the dreaded BSoD.

Here’s how to run a CHKDSK scan.

Press the Windows key and type “cmd.” Then, right-click Command Prompt and select “Run as Administrator.” Click yes to confirm if prompted.

The Windows start menu is open, command prompt has been right-clicked, and "Run as administrator" has been circled.

Type “chkdsk” into Command Prompt and hit enter to run the scan.

"chkdsk" typed into a command prompt.

9. Check your computer's RAM

If a problem with your RAM is causing blue screen errors or other performance issues, check the status of your RAM using the Windows Memory Diagnostic. Memory hardware is particularly susceptible to degradation over time, and while this diagnostic tool can’t repair it, it can prevent your computer from trying to reference the damaged memory.

Here’s how to use Windows Memory Diagnostic to check the state of your RAM:

Press the Windows key, type “Windows Memory Diagnostic,” and select it when the option pops up.

The Windows start menu is open, command prompt has been right-clicked, and "Run as administrator" has been circled.

Click Restart now and check for problems (recommended) .

Windows Memory Diagnostic is displayed and the button "Restart now and check for problems" is circled.

You’ll see the diagnostic results as soon as you boot up again. You can also go back and review them at any time in Windows Event Viewer . If you think you need more RAM, check out our guide to upgrading your RAM .

10. Restart your PC to see if the BSoD reappears

Now it’s time to exit Safe Mode and resume the activity that prompted the blue screen. If the BSoD doesn’t reappear, you’ve probably successfully isolated and resolved the problem. Now you can start carefully reinstalling external devices, programs, and drivers that you previously removed.

As well as fixing the crash, your computer should now run more smoothly, having now run all the diagnostics and maintenance tasks listed above. Make sure you keep your computer running smoothly by keeping your operating system, programs, drivers, and other software updated.

11. Last resort: reinstall Windows

If you’ve tried all the steps above and you can’t fix the blue screen, try reinstalling Windows onto a formatted hard drive. This is a big step, but it will resolve the cause of any blue screen of death, unless your hardware is defective.

Beware that unless you have a backup, reinstalling Windows will result in the loss of all your files and user data . If you didn’t back up recently, there are third-party software tools that will help you copy your drive to an external HDD or SSD .

To reinstall Windows, you’ll need to have your Windows 10 product key — thankfully, Microsoft has made that easier with the latest Windows releases.

Stop your computer from crashing

The best way to prevent blue screen errors and other performance issues is with the help of an automated optimization tool that works quietly in the background to keep your system humming.

AVG TuneUp will help you free up storage space by removing junk and bloatware, and it will perform regular maintenance tasks to keep your system clean. Plus, AVG TuneUp will let you easily hibernate background processes to ensure your system isn’t overcooked, and it will even help you update your software and drivers automatically. Start your free AVG trial today.

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How To Fix Blue Screen Of Death Error In Windows 10? | Get Rid Of The “STOP Error” In Windows

Windows blue screen error

Seeing a Windows 10 blue screen is not surprising to users anymore. The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), also known as Stop Error, is undoubtedly one of the most famous screw-ups among the Windows community. Besides blue, this error also comes in other colors such as red, green, yellow, etc.

Our earlier posts had described what the blue screen of death is, and the times when it embarrassed Bill Gates . You might have also read about playing BSOD pranks and some public places where this error made an appearance .

What Is A Blue Screen Of Death?

The BSOD is an infamous error screen that shows up when Windows runs into a serious hitch, causing the system to crash. The blue screen shows a stop code, such as “ MEMORY_MANAGEMENT ,” that can be referenced to understand the root cause of the problem.

By default, Windows automatically performs a restart when a BSOD occurs, and sometimes, it is effective as well. As obvious, it is no big deal to run into a blue screen every once in a long while. However, if you’re facing frequent such errors or are unable to get past the blue screen, it most likely suggests a vital hardware/software failure.

Now, what if you encounter a BSOD on your computer? How to get rid of the stop error? No worries, there are a few ways to fix the blue screen error that haunts users periodically.

Things To Do First – Repair Blue Screen

Before proceeding with the advanced methods, there are a few basic things you need to strike off from the list. Making sure you perform the following tasks helps you narrow down your search for the root cause.

Disable Automatic Restart

In most cases, Windows 10 is configured by default to restart automatically when the Stop error occurs. In that situation, you don’t get enough time to note down the error code related to the BSOD. So, to initiate your process of fixing the Windows 10 blue screen error, you need to hold the Stop error screen for some time. Here is how to do that:

  • Right-click This PC .
  • Go to Properties .
  • On the left-hand side, click Advanced System Settings .

disable automatic restart BSOD 1

  • Click Ok to save and continue.

Check For Viruses

One of the causes of BSOD showing upon your Windows 10 PC is data corruption. Other than regular scenarios, the data on your computer might get corrupt due to some malware.

So, if you experience a blue screen in Windows 10 more than what you can call usual, you should use some antivirus software to do a full scan of your system. Windows Defender, the default antivirus in Windows 10 can also be a good option to scan your system and repair the blue screen.

Next, Comes Windows Update

You should make sure that your PC is regularly updated with the latest security patches and other updates. This is one of the essential things in order to fix blue screen errors or even prevent them from appearing in the first place. Users running Windows 10 don’t need to do much as updates install automatically and there is only a little you can do to stop them .

Update The Hardware Drivers And Firmware

Faulty drivers on your PC can cause the blue screen of death to appear on your computer screen. So, updating or repairing them would also help you get rid of the BSOD devil.

Universal Windows drivers take care of most of the hardware nowadays. But still, it isn’t all-inclusive. For the drivers that Windows can’t update automatically, you need to do it manually by downloading them from the manufacturer’s website.

Also, you should keep the firmware of your computer, i.e., BIOS or UEFI to its latest version. Don’t forget to check whether the hardware components on your system are facing increased heat levels. You can use some software like Piriform’s Speccy .

Higher temperatures might be due to dust clogging up the fan. To prevent this, you should clean your machine regularly. Also, you should remove external non-essential hardware such as USB storage drives, printers, gamepads, etc. to see if they’re causing BSOD. Read our guide to  preventing a computer from overheating .

How To Fix Blue Screen of Death In Windows 10

If the basic fixes didn’t help your cause, it is probably because the underlying problem is more complex than usual. The culprit behind the blue screen error could be a specific defective hardware component or a misconfigured software driver. Try the following fixes to find out which one it is exactly.

Boot To Safe Mode

For years, Windows users have used Safe Mode to find the cause of various problems that exist on their computers. And the blue screen of death is no exception. You can fix blue screen errors in Windows 10 or older versions using the Safe Mode.

When you boot to Safe Mode in Windows, only the essential Windows services, and drivers load. If you don’t see any BSOD, then you can accuse some third-party driver of putting the BSOD on your computer.

How To Use Safe Mode In Windows?

Earlier, in the case of Windows XP and 7, you could use the msconfig utility to boot into safe mode or press the F8 key when you start the machine. Windows 10 has added another more comfortable option to access the Safe Mode.

  • Go to Settings > Update & Recovery > Recovery .
  • Under Advanced Startup , click Restart Now . Wait for the Advanced Startup options screen to appear.
  • Click Troubleshoot .
  • On the next screen, click Startup Settings . Click Restart to boot to Safe Mode.

Use System Restore

By including System Restore in Windows, Microsoft has given you a way to undo serious mistakes. It can help if the blue screen of death is occurred because of some software or driver you recently installed.

Windows 10 System Restore

You can find various settings related to Windows 10 System Restore in Control Panel > Recovery. To roll back Windows to an earlier point in time, click Open System Restore and follow the steps. To add a restore point, click Configure System Restore > Create. Chances are high that the blue screen will get fixed if it’s due to some recent change on your computer.

Use SetupDiag To Fix BSOD During Windows Update

If you are facing a blue screen error while trying to update your Windows, then the SetupDiag program could help. This Windows utility is available for download on Microsoft’s website. It analyzes the Windows Setup log to find out what is causing problems and preventing the Windows Update.

Once you have downloaded “SetupDiag,” you can run the program and follow the on-screen instructions to detect the cause of the BSOD. After the process is complete, you can check the results, saved in the same folder, by opening the “SetupDiagResults.log” file using Notepad.

Windows 10 Blue Screen Troubleshooter To Repair Blue Screen

If you are running the Creators Update or later, Microsoft has got you covered in case a Windows 10 BSOD occurs. You can fix the blue screen of the death using the built-in troubleshooter. Go to Settings > Update and security > Troubleshoot .

Troubleshooting Windows 10 Blue Screen of Death

Under the heading Find and fix other problems, you can see the Windows 10 Blue Screen troubleshooter.

Delete The Faulty Windows Update

It’s not uncommon for Windows Update to break during installation. And such incidents can cause the blue screen to appear. The easiest way to fix Windows 10 blue screen would be by uninstalling the faulty update. Similar would be the case of some apps which might have corrupt important files on your Windows PC.

You can remove Windows Update by visiting Settings > Update & Recovery > Windows Update > Update history > Unistall updates .

Reinstall Windows To Fix Blue Screen Of Death

Fix Blue Screen on Windows 10 using Reset PC option

Clearly, the last resort to kick the blue screen of death off your system is to perform a clean install of the Windows . For users running Windows 10 or 8.1, there is a built-in option for clean installation which doesn’t require you have dedicated installation media. For Windows 7, you’ll have to reinstall the operating system using a bootable USB or optical disk.

If it’s not some hardware-related issue, then you should be able to fix Windows 10 BSOD errors using the methods and tips mentioned above. Otherwise, you’ll have to approach some store for the replacement hardware to get things done.

How is your experience with BSODs so far? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

When a blue screen error occurs, your Windows PC would restart by default and record the event in the log. The next boot might not face the same issue, so, in a way, your system sometimes fixes the error by doing a simple restart.

Getting a BSOD once in a long time is not a concern. But, if you are getting this error often, then your computer might have a serious issue. Make sure to note down the “Stop Code” mentioned in the BSOD to find out possible causes for it.

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Aditya likes to cover topics related to Microsoft, Windows 10, Apple Watch, and interesting gadgets. But when he is not working, you can find him binge-watching random videos on YouTube (after he has wasted an hour on Netflix trying to find a good show).

Reach out at [email protected]

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What is the Blue Screen of Death in Windows 10 and How to Fix it?

What is the Blue Screen of Death in Windows 10 and How to Fix it?

What is the blue screen of death, what causes the blue screen of death, how do i fix the blue screen of death on windows 10.

  • Start your PC using the Last Known Good Configuration
  • Utilize System Restore
  • Go back to the previous device driver before your latest update

Are there any precautionary measures I can take to prevent BSOD?

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[Notebook/Desktop/AIO/MiniPC] Troubleshooting - Blue Screen Errors in Windows (BSOD)

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  • [Windows 11/10] Troubleshooting - Resolving System Error Messages or Unresponsiveness (Freeze/Black Screen/White Screen during usage)
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A Blue Screen Error will occur if a problem causes your system abnormal or restart unexpectedly due to software or hardware problems. It’s also called BSOD (Blue Screen of Death, as following picture).

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

There are some reasons that may cause Blue Screen Errors:

  • From Windows packages, such as caused by Windows Update.
  • The compatibility problem between new extended hardware and the computer, or the hardware devices have error. 
  • The compatibility problem between installed software and system.
  • System virus.      Please try the following video and troubleshooting steps to solve your problems.

To provide you more detailed instruction, you can also click ASUS Youtube video link below to know more about How to fix Blue Screen Errors in Windows (BSOD).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXfhvFnUUMA

Please go to the corresponding instruction based on the current Windows operating system on your computer:

Windows 11 operating system

Table of Contents :

Change Intel VMD Controller settings in the BIOS

  • Update and confirm BIOS / Windows packages / drivers with the latest version in your laptop

Run System Diagnosis via MyASUS

Check external peripherals or any hardware devices installed / changed

  • Check recently installed / updated software or applications

Restore the system from restore point

Reset your PC

If during the startup process, you encounter a blue screen error with the stop code 'INACCESSIBLE BOOT DEVICE' , try changing the current Intel VMD Controller settings to another option. (For example, if VMD is currently enabled in the BIOS, try changing it to disabled to see if it resolves the issue.)

Note : If you encounter a different stop code than 'INACCESSIBLE BOOT DEVICE', please proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

Note : The BIOS configuration screen may vary depending on the model.

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

Back to Table of Contents

Update and confirm BIOS / Windows packages / drivers with the latest version in your PC

Updating software usually helps the system stability and optimization, so we recommend you check and often update to the latest version in your PC. Here you can learn more about:

How to update the BIOS version in Windows system

How to use EZ Flash to update the BIOS version

(For desktop products, please refer to  ASUS Motherboard EZ Flash 3 Introduction .)

For executing Windows update and drivers update, here you can learn more about:

How to execute Windows Update

How to update drivers via customer support in MyASUS

If the problem persists after you have updated BIOS/Windows packages/drivers to the date, please continue to the next chapter for troubleshooting.

User can inspect whether the hardware device is good by the Hardware Diagnostic via MyASUS, and run further checking on Blue Screen Error. If any error occurs after diagnosing, we recommend that you visit ASUS repair center to replace the hardware device.

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

  • If any error occurs, please visit ASUS repair center to replace the hardware device. Here you can learn more about  How to use Customer Support to contact ASUS  for the further repair request.     If no issue found after “Blue screen error” check, it means your hardware devices are good. Please continue the next troubleshooting step.

Sometimes, the external devices connected to your computer can be the cause of Blue Screen Errors, so please try to remove them, such as external hard drives, printers, memory cards, external ODD (if your computer is with internal ODD, please remove CD/DVDs), dongles, etc.  After that, restart your computer. If you don’t experience the issue after restarting your computer, the external device may be the cause of the problem. We recommend that you do not use this device and contact your device manufacturer for support.

If you do not use any external devices or the problem still persists after removing them, please confirm  whether you had ever installed / replaced any hardware devices , such as disk drives (HDD or SSD) or Memory modules. The compatibility problem could be the cause and exist between new hardware devices and ASUS products / system, so please try to remove the hardware device. If you don’t experience the issue after removing the hardware device, we recommend that you do not use this device and contact your device manufacturer for support.

If the problem persists after above steps, please continue the next troubleshooting step.

Check recently installed / updated software or applications 

Some problems may occur after Windows Update or a specific application installed in your computer, including the compatibility issue between applications and system, or Windows core programs may be crashed.

You can  view update history  to check recently installed updated items.

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

  • You can confirm the installed date and whether you experience Blue Screen Errors after that, and then refer to the following steps to know how to uninstall or go back to the previous version.

Go back to the previous version of Feature Updates      If you experience Blue Screen Errors after installing feature updates in Windows, we recommend that you go back to the previous version and wait for the modification from Microsoft in order to prevent any initial unstable problem. Here you can learn more about  How to go back to the previous version of Windows .     If you cannot go back to the previous version of Windows, we recommend that you restore the system from restore point, here you can learn more about  How to use restore point to restore the system .

Uninstall Quality Windows Updates      If you experience Blue Screen Errors after installing quality updates in Windows, we recommend that you uninstall the update and wait for the modification from Microsoft, please refer to the following steps to know how to uninstall it.

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

Go back to the previous drivers version      If you experience Blue Screen Errors after updating drivers in Windows, we recommend that you go back to the previous version and wait for the fixed one. Please refer to the following steps to know how to go back to the previous driver version.

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

Uninstall a specific application

Blue Screen Errors may occur if there is a compatibility issue between an initial installed application and Windows system, so we recommend that you uninstall this application first. Here you can learn more about  How to search or uninstall recently installed applications .

If the problem is gone after uninstalling this application, we recommend that you check the supported Operating System or specification in this application’s official website, or contact the application manufacturer for support.

If the problem happens recently, and if you have ever created a restore point or there is an automatic system restore existed, try to restore the computer to a point before the problem began to resolve the problem. Here you can learn more about  How to use restore point to restore the system .

If the problem persists, please continue to the next chapter for troubleshooting.

If the problem persists after all troubleshooting steps are completed. Please backup your personal files, then reset the PC to back to its original configuration. Here you can learn more about: How to reset the system .

If you still cannot resolve your problem, download MyASUS and try the System Diagnosis for troubleshooting. Click below! 

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

Windows 10 operating system

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

  • If any error occurs, please visit ASUS repair center to replace the hardware device. Here you can learn more about How to use Customer Support to contact ASUS for the further repair request.     If no issue found after “Blue screen error” check, it means your hardware devices are good. Please continue the next troubleshooting step.

If you do not use any external devices or the problem still persists after removing them, please confirm whether you had ever installed / replaced any hardware devices , such as disk drives (HDD or SSD) or Memory modules. The compatibility problem could be the cause and exist between new hardware devices and ASUS products / system, so please try to remove the hardware device. If you don’t experience the issue after removing the hardware device, we recommend that you do not use this device and contact your device manufacturer for support.

You can view update history to check recently installed updated items.

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

Go back to the previous version of Feature Updates      If you experience Blue Screen Errors after installing feature updates in Windows, we recommend that you go back to the previous version and wait for the modification from Microsoft in order to prevent any initial unstable problem. Here you can learn more about How to go back to the previous version of Windows .     If you cannot go back to the previous version of Windows, we recommend that you restore the system from restore point, here you can learn more about How to use restore point to restore the system .      

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

Blue Screen Errors may occur if there is a compatibility issue between an initial installed application and Windows system, so we recommend that you uninstall this application first. Here you can learn more about How to search or uninstall recently installed applications .

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  • This information may not suitable for all the products from the same category/series. Some of the screen shots and operations could be different from the software versions.
  • ASUS provides the above information for reference only. If you have any questions about the content, please contact the above product vendor directly. Please note that ASUS is not responsible for the content or service provided by the above product vendor.
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how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

Resolving Blue Screen errors in Windows

Blue Screen errors (also sometimes called black screen errors or STOP code errors) can occur if a serious problem causes Windows to shut down or restart unexpectedly. You might see a message that says, "Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer" or a similar message.

Screenshot of Blue Screen error

These errors can be caused by both hardware and software issues. If you added new hardware to your PC before the Blue Screen error, shut down your PC, remove the hardware, and try restarting. If you're having trouble restarting, you can start your PC in safe mode. For more info, see  Start your PC in safe mode in Windows .

You can also try getting the latest updates with Windows Update, help from other sources, or restoring Windows to an earlier point in time.

If none of those steps help to resolve your Blue Screen error, please try the Blue Screen Troubleshooter in the Get Help app:

In Windows, open Get Help .

In the Get Help app, type Troubleshoot BSOD error .

Follow the guided walkthrough in the Get Help app.

Note:  If you're not on a Windows device, you can run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter on your browser by going to Contact Microsoft Support  and typing Troubleshoot BSOD error .  Then follow the guided walkthrough under "Recommended Help".

You can find more information about your specific STOP error code at  Bug Check Code Reference.

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5 Ways to Fix the HYPERVISOR_ERROR Blue Screen on Windows 10 & 11

Get this BSOD error fixed with these tips for both Windows 10 and 11.

The Windows blue screen HYPERVISOR_ERROR stop code has plagued many Windows users. If you’ve also run into this error, you’ve come to the right place.

Read on as we detail what a Blue Screen of Death error is and possible fixes to the HYPERVISOR_ERROR on Windows 10 and 11.

What Is a Blue Screen of Death on Windows?

The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is an error that makes every Windows user worry about the state of their Windows PC. It’s usually characterized by your PC suddenly crashing to a blue screen with a smiley emoticon and an error code.

Blue Screen of Death

If you’ve recently encountered this error, it indicates that your Windows PC has run into a fatal error and must terminate all programs and services to prevent further damage. Both hardware and software issues can cause Windows to run into a blue screen. It’s possible your PC may have a problem with a malfunctioning RAM or hard drive or may even be overheating.

More commonly, users tend to experience blue screen errors during routine Windows updates or after changes in the system configurations.

Your best bet at uncovering the cause of your PC’s blue screen issue is the error stop code. Standard blue screen error codes include CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED and DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION , and HYPERVISOR_ERROR .

What Is the HYPERVISOR_ERROR Blue Screen Error on Windows 10 and 11?

boy working with a virtualbox virtual machine on a pc

The HYPERVISOR_ERROR stop code indicates an issue with the Hypervisor virtualization software within Windows 10 and 11. The Windows Hypervisor Platform (Hyper-V) allows users to run and manage virtual machines on their Windows PC.

With the help of the Windows Hyper-V feature, you’re able to run Linux distributions via VirtualBox or VMware and even run Android or iOS on Windows.

If you’re facing the Hypervisor BSOD error stop code, there could be an issue with your system’s software configurations. The Hyper-V blue screen is typically caused by faulty Hyper-V settings, problems with your PC’s memory, corrupted data sectors, and even outdated drivers.

Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of potential fixes to the Hypervisor Blue Screen error. Since there can be multiple causes for the error, we recommend trying out different fixes to help resolve the issue.

How to Fix the Hypervisor Blue Screen Error on Windows 10 and 11

There are several possible fixes to the Hyper-V blue screen error on Windows. You won’t need to install any third-party diagnostic service or troubleshooting program to resolve the blue screen error.

1. Make Sure Hyper-V Is Enabled

It’s possible that Windows Hyper-V may not be correctly configured on your PC, causing it to crash. Restarting the Hyper-V feature can sometimes be the easiest fix to the blue screen error.

Here’s how you can restart Hyper-V on Windows 10 and 11:

  • Press Win + R to open the Run dialogue box.

enable hyper-v on windows

  • From the Windows Features popup window, scroll to find Hyper-V . If it’s already enabled, uncheck it. If the option is unchecked, select it and press OK .
  • When prompted, allow Windows to restart and let the changes take effect.

2. Use Windows Memory Diagnostics

The Windows Memory Diagnostic program automatically scans your PC’s primary memory (RAM) and detects potential issues. Once detected, the operating system will automatically attempt to resolve the problems.

If the Hyper-V blue screen is caused by a faulty RAM or SSD/HDD, the Windows Memory Diagnostic utility is your best bet to fix it.

To use the Windows Memory Diagnostics tool on Windows 10 and 11:

  • Launch the Start menu, search for Windows Memory Diagnostic , and select the Best match .
  • Once you’ve saved up any open files, select Restart now and check for problems (recommended) .
  • Your Windows PC will then restart and scan the memory modules for any issues. Once the scan is completed, Windows will boot automatically.

3. Restart the Hyper-V Service

The Windows OS relies on background and foreground services to keep your hardware and software in sync and working normally. Issues with the configurations of a Windows service can cause BSOD crashes.

We recommend restarting the Hyper-V Virtualization service to resolve the blue screen error:

restart hyper-v service win11

  • Scroll to find the Hyper-V Virtual Machine Management or Hyper-V Remote Desktop Virtualization service.
  • Right-click the service and select Stop .
  • After a few minutes, right-click the service and select Start .
  • Restart your PC for the changes to take place.

4. Update Your Drivers and Windows

Outdated drivers are the leading cause of blue screen issues. We strongly recommend updating your device drivers to the latest possible versions. It’s common to face the Hyper-V blue screen error if your display drivers, memory controllers, or system devices have an outdated faulty driver.

You can update the device drivers through Device Manager or review our dedicated guide on what drivers are, and why you should update them .

Check for Windows Update

More importantly, you must ensure you have the latest Windows updates installed on your system. Recurring Windows updates can be frustrating, but they help keep your system stable and performing optimally. You can navigate to Settings > Windows Update to install any available updates.

5. Deployment Image Servicing Scan

If your PC has corrupt system files, they can cause the Hyper-V feature to malfunction, causing a blue screen error. If the Windows OS image is corrupted, you should repair it immediately.

While it may sound complicated, all you need to do is run the Deployment Image Servicing Scan through your Windows Terminal or Command Prompt.

Follow the below steps to carry out a Deployment Image Servicing Scan on Windows 10 and 11:

dism scan

  • Enter the following command in your terminal window and press Enter. DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
  • Restart your PC once the scan completes.

Fix the Windows Hyper-V Blue Screen Error

The Windows Hyper-V feature can malfunction and trigger a haunted blue screen of death. You can attempt the potential fixes above to resolve the HYPERVISOR_ERROR stop code. You can also fix potential issues with your hard drive to fix Hypervisor issues on Windows.

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How To Troubleshoot and Fix Windows 10 Blue Screen Errors?

Computers & laptops are the new items that can be considered essential items. Earlier, only food, dress & house is being considered the sole need of any person. But this list is now increasing day by day. In the modern world, people can live without food. Humans can survive without proper dress. But they can’t even spend a few hours of time without using smart devices. And laptops & computers are one of the major smart devices. In the new normal world, after the COVID-19 pandemic, this demand is increasing day by day. As you all know if any device is being used for the long term, then there might be some issues with it. Laptops & computers are not different from it. Depending upon the operating systems, there might be some different problems. Linux & macOS have some different issues for long-term use. In the Windows operating system, that is referred to as the Blue Screen Error. When this type of issue arises, a blue screen appears on the device with an error message. This is a very common issue with devices that have been used for decades without doing proper maintenance. Users of those machines will need to perform some steps to fix the issue.

Troubleshooting and Fixing Windows 10 Blue Screen Errors:

Blue screen error during upgrade to windows 10:.

Sometimes after getting upgraded to Windows 10, the Blue Screen Death Error is a common issue. Since the system might not be compatible with Windows 10, for that reason the device might prompt this error. In those cases, there is no more way. Users need to go back to the older versions. But sometimes, the issue is not from that. Sometimes, software that comes with Windows 10 degradation might not be able to be configured with the device. In those cases, removing the software from the device would be a wise choice.

Step 1: First, users should open the Settings of the device. There are lots of options present on the settings page. Among those options, users need to click on the Apps option. This option will help you to do more tasks related to it.

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

Step 2: Now, the Apps option will by default land on the Apps & Features page. There will all the applications will be present. Users will need to click on any of the applications. After clicking on that, an Uninstallation option will appear. Users need to uninstall unnecessary applications.

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

Disclaimer: Users can uninstall applications from there. However, it is advised not to uninstall the applications that are installed by Windows or Microsoft services. As those applications are for the smooth operation of the machine. Uninstalling those applications might bring up more complicated problems for the devices. So, users should be cautious while uninstalling the applications.

Blue Screen Error Without Desktop Access On Windows 10:

Sometimes the device gets stuck on the Blue Screen Error page. The device is unable to run due to an error. If users forcefully shut down the device, then they will also find the same page. In those cases, this method needs to be followed. It is advised to use this method when the device is tucked on the error page. In normal cases, this method is not to be used.

Step 1: First, users need to switch on the device. As soon as they find the Windows start logo, they need to forcefully shut it down. So the device will be shut down. This whole process needs to be executed two or three times. After that, they will find a message while starting, Preparing Automatic Repair. So now users don’t need to do anything.

Note: If users are using any laptop to forcefully switch it off, then there will be a start button, they need to press it. If users are using computers, then they need to switch off the CPU button.

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

Step 2: Now, after that, users will land on a window. Users will need to click on the Advanced Option. It will bring more options to the users.

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

Step 3: In the next window, there will be some more options. However, users will need to click on the Troubleshooting option & move forward.

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

Step 4: Inside the Troubleshooting option, there will be a few more options. But in between them, users need to click on Advanced Options.

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

Step 5: Inside the Advanced Option, there are a lot of options. Among them, users need to click on the Command Prompt option. This will bring up the command prompt there.

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

Step 6: Then in the command prompt, users need to execute the below-mentioned command. This will help to temporarily remove the error. This will scan the device & fix the issue.

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

Step 7: After execution of the above-mentioned command, users need to run another command. This command will help to check the disk of the devices. This will scan the disks on the device. After running the command, users need to close the command prompt.

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

Step 8: After closing the command prompt, users will land in the same window as in Step 3. Now, users need to click on the Turn Off The PC option. After that, users will need to restart the device again normally. Now, the problems are being solved.

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

Blue Screen Error With Desktop Access On Windows 10:

Executing the above method is not enough to solve the issue. The above method can be used to resolve the issue temporarily. But after a few days, the issue might get started again. Also, performing the above method frequently can cause damage to the device. Or sometimes, after being used for a long time, the above method will not more work on the issue. So, it will be a wise act to solve the issue permanently. For that purpose, users need to clear the configuration logs & junk files.

Step 1: At first, users need to press the Windows+R button simultaneously. Then users need to write “%TEMP%” in the run wizard. After that, users need to press the Ok button. This will help to open the temporary files section promptly. 

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

Step 2: In the open file manager, users need to remove all the files. Users just need to delete all the files present there using the traditional process. This will remove the temporary files.

Step 3: After removing temporary files, users will also need to remove the recently stored junk files also. For that purpose, users need to again press the Windows+R simultaneously. Then users need to write “recent” and press “OK”.

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

Step 4: A new file explorer window will open. Users just need to delete all the recently stored files from there. There is no need to worry about the deletion of those files. They are like junk files to the devices. So, users can easily remove those flies using the traditional method.

Step 5: Now, after performing the above steps, users need to clear the configuration logs. For that purpose, users need to again press the Windows+R button. Then users need to write the command “prefetch”. Then they need to click Ok.

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

Step 6: A file explorer window will open. Now, users need to remove all the configuration logs present there. As like, the deletion of the files, users need to select all the files & delete them from the devices. These are the configuration logs, that arise with time. Deletion of these elements will help to remove the Blue Screen Error problem.

Note: It is advisable to perform all the steps. Not performing any single step might be a cause of the issue in the future. All the steps, listed above, are advised to be executed. If users need it, they can perform an automatic repair option without that error. This will help to maintain the device. This will help to reduce the chance of getting Blue Screen Error issues in the future.

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How to fix Blue Screen of Death errors on Windows 11

Does a blue screen error keep popping up on Windows 11? Here are some troubleshooting steps to fix this problem.

Windows 11 fix Blue Screen of Death

  • Fix blue screen errors during an upgrade
  • Fix blue screen error during startup
  • Fix blue screen errors desktop

On Windows 11 , Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) refers to the error on the screen when the system cannot handle a specific operation that causes the device to crash without warning. 

Usually, you will see a "blue screen" (also referred to as "stop error," "system crash," or "bug check") during an upgrade, starting up the system, or "out of the blue" when you're actively working with applications. Furthermore, you will only see a blue background with a sad kaomoji with insufficient information to determine the reason for the problem.

However, the issue can usually be narrowed to a buggy update, device driver, compatibility issues with a specific app, or a piece of hardware that needs replacing.

This guide will walk you through different steps to troubleshoot and resolve most problems causing blue screen errors on Windows 11.

How to resolve blue screen errors during an upgrade on Windows 11

A Blue Screen of Death is not uncommon while upgrading to Windows 11. Usually, the error may occur because of a compatibility problem with an application or security software. However, it can also happen because of corruption in the current setup or damaged files in the installation media.

If the installation wizard rolled back to the previous setup, uninstalling non-essential apps, disconnecting non-essential devices, re-downloading the setup files, or performing a clean installation can fix the problem.

Uninstall problematic apps

To uninstall an application causing a blue screen on Windows 11, use these steps:

  • Open  Settings .
  • Click on  Apps .
  • Click the "Apps & features" page on the right side.
  • Under the "App list" section, click the menu (three-dotted) button and choose the  Uninstall  option for the incompatible app.
  • Click the Uninstall button again.
  • Continue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).

Once you complete the steps, you may need to repeat the steps to uninstall other non-essential apps. After removing all the conflicting applications, you may try to continue with the installation process.

Disconnect non-essential devices

When a hardware problem is detected, you are likely to see a blue screen of death. As a result of this potential issue, it's a good idea to disconnect the non-essential peripherals from your computer. 

For example, you may want to disconnect external hard drives, printers, secondary monitors, phones, and other USB or Bluetooth devices.

After the installation, you can reconnect the peripherals. 

It might be a compatibility issue if you continue to see the problem. 

Typically, updating the device driver to the latest version can resolve the issue. However, if the computer already has the most recent driver, the problem may be with the new version of Windows 11, or the hardware coincidently got damaged and needs to be replaced.

Microsoft lists all the known issues for the different versions of Windows on the  health dashboard page . 

Redownload setup files

If you try to use the upgrade option from the Windows Update settings and you see a blue screen, it may be that one or more files are damaged. In this case, you can clear out the files and try to re-download the setup files one more time.

To clear and download the Windows 11 installation files again, use these steps:

  • Click on  System .
  • Click the  Storage  page on the right side.
  • Click the  Temporary files  setting.
  • Clear the default options.
  • Check the "Temporary Windows installation files" option.
  • Click the  Remove files  button.

After completing the steps, you can click the "Check for updates" button to re-download the installation files in the Windows Update settings.

If the problem remains, you may have to use the Installation Assistant to perform an in-place upgrade.

Check upgrade logs 

Microsoft's SetupDiag is a tool for administrators that can help troubleshoot and determine why an installation failed, which could be critical information to resolve the problem.

To determine why the upgrade failed to apply to the SetupDiag tool, use these steps:

  • Open the  SetupDiag  page .
  • Click the  Download SetupDiag  button to save the installer on your computer.
  • Right-click the "SetupDiag.exe" and select the  Run as administrator  option.
  • Right-click the  SetupDiagResults.log  file and select the  Open  option.

Once you complete the steps, the app will open the log file for review with the default text editor.

In the case that an error was recorded, and it's a known issue, then the log should include details on how to resolve the issue. If the file doesn't have any details, you may find a link or error code that you can research to fix the problem. 

Clean installation 

If you want to prevent problems, such as blue screens, the best way to upgrade to a new version of Windows 11 is to perform a clean installation since this process will erase everything and set up a fresh copy of the system, which can also help to resolve other issues and improve performance.

The process of doing a clean installation requires the device to start from a USB flash drive. If your computer can't start from USB, you will have to change the boot order in the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) firmware.

Usually, to access your device firmware, you must use one of the function keys (F1, F2, F3, F10, or F12), the Esc key, or the Delete key during startup. However, since the settings are different per manufacturer and per device model, you should check your computer manufacturer for more specific details.

While in the firmware, you will need to navigate to the "Boot" page and change the boot order to start from a USB flash drive. After completing these steps, you must create an installation media and use that media to continue with the clean installation.

To delete everything on the hard drive and do a clean install of Windows 11 to prevent the blue screen of death errors, use these steps:

  • Start PC with installation media.
  • On "Windows Setup," click the  Next  button.
  • Click the  Install Now  button.
  • Click the  "I don't have a product key"  option to continue (assuming your computer was already properly activated).
  • Select the edition of Windows 11 that the product key activates (if applicable).
  • Click the  Next  button.
  • Check the  "I accept the license terms"  option to continue.
  • Click on the  "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)"  option.
  • Select the partition with the current installation of Windows (usually "Drive 0"), and click the  Delete  button to remove it. 
  • Quick tip:  If you have multiple partitions on the primary hard drive (Drive 0), select and delete each one. The setup will recreate the required partitions automatically. You don't need to delete partitions from secondary drives.
  • Select the empty drive labeled  Drive 0 Unallocated Space .

Once you complete the steps, the setup will begin installing Windows 11, avoiding many blue screen errors. After the installation, you'll need to continue with the  out-of-box experience (OOBE)  to finish setting up the device. 

How to resolve blue screen errors during startup on Windows 11

If the device has problems starting up, you can use the Windows Recovery (WinRE) environment to troubleshoot and resolve the blue screen error with System Restore, Safe Mode, or Advanced Startup settings.

Fix errors with System Restore

Windows 11 still includes the legacy System Restore, which enables you to undo changes to resolve problems after installing a bad driver, system update, or application. (The only caveat is that this feature will only work if you have  previously enabled it manually .)

You can access the tool through the Advanced Startup settings if you want to use System Restore.

Access Advanced Startup from boot

To launch the Advanced startup settings to access System Restore, use these steps:

  • As soon as the Windows logo appears, press and hold the  power  button to interrupt the boot sequence.
  • Repeat  steps 1  and  2  two more times.

After the third interruption, Windows 11 should open the recovery environment and continue with the steps below to access System Restore.

Access Advanced Startup from USB

Alternatively, you can use installation media to open the advanced settings with these steps:

  • Start PC with USB media. 
  • Quick tip:  If the computer isn't starting from USB, you'll need to change your system's UEFI settings to ensure it can start from USB. You can usually access the UEFI by powering up your device and pressing one of the function, Delete, or Esc keys, but make sure to check your manufacturer's support website for more specific details.
  • Click the " Repair your computer"  option from the bottom-left corner.

Once you complete the steps, continue with the "Restore Point" instructions below.

Fix blue screen of death with Restore Point

To fix blue screen problems with a restore point on Windows 11, use these steps:

  • Click the  Advanced Startup  option. 
  • Quick note: The "Advanced Startup" option is only available when using the Windows automatic repair feature, not when using a USB media.
  • Click the  Troubleshoot  option.
  • Click on  Advanced options.
  • Click the  System Restore  option.
  • Click the Windows 11 option.
  • Confirm your account credentials (if applicable).
  • Click the  Continue  button.
  • Select the restore point to apply to the blue screen error.
  • (Optional) Click the "Scan for affected programs" button to determine the apps that may be affected using a restore point.
  • Click the  Close  button.
  • Click the  Finish  button.

After completing the steps, Restore Point will apply the checkpoint you selected, which will undo updates, drivers, apps, and system changes to the problem.

Fix errors with Safe Mode

On Windows 11, Safe Mode is a startup environment that loads only the essential services, drivers, and applications to access the desktop to troubleshoot problems.

If you don't have access to the desktop, you can boot your computer through the Windows Recovery environment.

To launch the Advanced Startup settings to access System Restore, use these steps:

After the third interruption, the system should enter the recovery environment and continue with the steps below to access the Safe Boot option.

Alternatively, you can use installation media to open the Windows Recovery environment with these steps:

  • Click the  Next  button.
  • Click the  Repair your computer  option from the bottom-left corner.

Once you complete the steps, continue with the instructions below to access the Safe Mode environment.

Fix bug check on Safe Mode 

To access Safe Mode to diagnose Blue Screen of Death errors on Windows 11, use these steps:

  • Click the  Advanced Startup  option
  • Click the  Troubleshoot  option.
  • Click on  Advanced options .
  • Click the  Startup Settings  option.
  • Click the  Restart  button.
  • After your computer reboots, press the  F4  (or  4 ) key to select the Enable Safe Mode option.

After you complete the steps, you can use the next set of instructions to uninstall updates and drivers that may be preventing your computer from operating correctly.

Fix errors with WinRE

Since the Safe Mode environment loads the essential elements, you can still use Device Manager to remove drivers and Event Viewer to troubleshoot errors. However, the Settings app won't work to uninstall updates, but you can still use Command Prompt to complete the task.

Uninstall conflicting update

To uninstall a system update with Command Prompt, use these steps:

  • Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command. 
  • Type cmd and click the OK button to launch Command Prompt as an administrator.
  • Type the following command to view the most recent installed updates and press  Enter :  wmic qfe list brief /format:table
  • Confirm the  HotFixID  and  InstalledOn  information to determine the update to remove.
  • Type the following command to uninstall the update from your computer and press  Enter :  wusa /uninstall /kb:KB-NUMBER  

In the command, replace  KB-NUMBER  for the KB number of the update to uninstall. This example removes the update KB5013889 from Windows 11:  wusa /uninstall /kb:5015732

  • Click the  Yes  button.

Once you complete the steps, you may need to restart the computer to apply the changes.

Uninstall conflicting driver

To uninstall an incompatible driver with Safe Mode, use these steps:

  • Right-click the  Start button and select the Device Manager option.
  • Search for  Device Manager  and select the top result to open the app.
  • Expand the branch with the device causing the problem.
  • Right-click the device and choose the  Uninstall device  option.
  • Click the  OK  button.

After you complete the steps, repeat the steps to remove other drivers as necessary, and then restart the computer to find out if the problem has been resolved.

Check Event Viewer 

The Event Viewer is another tool that you can use to find out more information about the Blue Screen of Death error to diagnose the issue.

To troubleshoot blue screens with the Event Viewer on Windows 11, use these steps:

  • Right-click the  Start button and select the Event Viewer option.
  • Expand the  Windows Logs  group.
  • Right-click the "System" category and choose the  Filter Current Log  option.
  • Click the  Filter  tab.
  • Use the  Logged  drop-down menu and select the time range when the error occurred — for example,  Last 12 hours .
  • Under the "Event level" section, check the  Critical and Error  options.
  • Click the  OK  button.
  • Double-click to open each log to learn more details about the problem. 
  • Quick note:  The blue screen errors may appear as "BugCheck" in the "Source" column.
  • Check event log details for clues about the error.

Once you complete the steps, the "General" tab will give you some technical details that you can use to diagnose and resolve the blue screen problem on Windows 11.

If the error doesn't provide enough information, you can copy the description, source, and event ID and use it to search online for a possible solution.

Fix blue screen error with Windows Recovery

If a recently installed update is causing the computer to blue screen, you can use the Advanced Startup settings in Windows Recovery to uninstall it.

To launch the Advanced Startup settings, use these steps:

After the third interruption, the system should enter the recovery environment and continue with the steps below.

Once you complete the steps, continue with the instructions below.

Uninstall quality or feature updates

To uninstall the most recent update causing the bug check error, use these steps:

  • Click the  Advanced Startup  option.
  • Click the  Uninstall Updates  option.
  • Click the "Uninstall latest quality update" to remove a recent update. Or click the "Uninstall latest feature update" option to roll back to a previous version.
  • Click the  Uninstall quality update button.
  • Click the  Done  button.
  • Click the  Continue  option.

After you complete the steps, the system will remove the update to fix the Blue Screen of Death error.

How to resolve blue screen errors during normal use on Windows 11

When the blue screen occurs after signing into your account, the problem is typically a driver, missing update, or application.

Install latest updates

If you still have access to the desktop, you may be able to fix the bug check by installing the latest updates for Windows 11, drivers, and apps.

System updates

To check for updates on Windows 11, use these steps:

  • Click on  Windows Update .
  • Click the  Check for updates  button.

Once you complete the steps, if the computer is missing an update, the system will download and install them automatically. 

Driver update

To check for driver updates on Windows 11, use these steps:

  • Click the  Advanced options  page on the right side.
  • Under the "Additional options" section, click the  Optional updates  setting.
  • Select the driver update to install.
  • Click the  Download & install  button.

Once you complete the steps, the most up-to-date driver should download and install automatically. 

If the system can detect any new updates, check the manufacturer's support website to download a more recent driver using their instructions. 

Since the problem could be a known issue, you may also want to check for a beta version of a driver, which may include a patch for bug check.

If a compatibility issue causes the blue screen with an app, installing the latest version may resolve the problem.

To update apps on Windows 11, use these steps:

  • Open  Microsoft Store .
  • Click on  Library .
  • Click the  Get updates  button.

Once you complete the steps, any available updates will download and install automatically.

If you are dealing with an app you acquired from outside the Microsoft Store, you will need to check for updates in the app's settings or the software vendor support website.

Uninstall problematic apps, drivers, and updates

Sometimes, software, as well as hardware companies, release updates with bugs that can cause the Blue Screen of Death, among other issues.

If you have access to the desktop, you can remove these system updates, drivers, or apps to mitigate the problem until a newer version rolls out with a permanent fix.

Remove updates

To uninstall updates on Windows 11, use these steps:

  • Click on  Update history .
  • Under the "Related settings" section, click the  Uninstall updates  option.
  • Select the update causing the blue screen and click the  Uninstall  button.

After completing the steps, the update will be removed from the computer, hopefully fixing the bug check problem.

Remove drivers

To uninstall a device driver on Windows 11, use these steps:

  • Open  Start .
  • Search for  Device Manager  and click the top result to open the app.
  • Right-click the device and select the  Uninstall device  option.

Once you complete the steps, the driver will be removed from the computer.

Rollback driver version

Alternatively, you can try rolling back to the previous version of the driver if a newer version is causing BSoD on Windows 11.

To rollback to a previous version of a driver, use these steps:

  • Search for  Device Manager  and click the top result to open the console.
  • Expand the category of the device with the problem.
  • Right-click the device and select the  Properties  option.
  • Click the  Driver  tab.
  • Click the  Roll Back Driver  button (if available). 
  • Quick tip:  If the option isn't available, the system doesn't have a backup of the previous driver.
  • Select one of the available options to answer the question.

After completing the steps, the driver will roll back to the previous version to resolve the blue screen problem.

Disable drivers

If you don't want to uninstall or roll back the driver, you can disable it to confirm whether the device is causing the issue.

To disable a device driver on Windows 11, use these steps:

  • Right-click the device and select the  Disable device  option.
  • Click the  Yes  button.

Once you complete the steps, the device will no longer be available on Windows 11 but will remain installed.

Remove apps

If you are dealing with a compatibility problem, you will probably experience a Blue Screen of Death randomly or upon launching the app. In this case, you can try updating the app to a newer version or uninstall the app in question to overcome the problem.

To uninstall an app on Windows 11, use these steps:

  • Click on Apps .
  • Click the  Apps & features  page on the right side.
  • Select the app, click the menu (three-dotted), and choose the  Uninstall  option.
  • Click the  Uninstall  option again.

After completing the steps, the app will no longer be available on the computer, mitigating the blue screen problem. Once an update becomes available to resolve the bug check permanently, you can then reinstall the app.

On Windows 11, a Blue Screen of Death error message may appear after connecting a new piece of hardware (for example, USB drive, graphics adapter, etc.). If this happens, you are probably in front of a compatibility issue, the hardware is broken, or the system is installing the wrong driver.

In the case of a compatibility issue, you can contact support for assistance, or you may need to replace the hardware with a compatible alternative.

If the system is trying to install the wrong driver, uninstall the current driver, and install the correct version using the manufacturer's support instructions.

Run DISM and SFC commands

If you see a blue screen as a result of an installation problem, you may be able to use the Deployment Servicing and Management (DISM) and System File Checker (SFC) tools to resolve the issue.

To resolve installation problems with DISM and SFC commands on Windows 11, use these steps:

  • Search for  Command Prompt , right-click the top result, and select the  Run as administrator  option.
  • Type the following command to repair the Windows 10 image and press  Enter : DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • Type the following command to repair the Windows 11 setup and press  Enter : SFC /scannow 
  • Quick tip:  If errors exist, run the command multiple times to ensure that everything has been repaired correctly.

Once you complete the steps, the DISM command will repair problems with the local system image, and the SFC command will use the files in the system image to repair damaged files in the current setup of Windows 11, hopefully fixing the Blue Screen of Death.

If you still have access to the desktop, the Event Viewer can help find out the reason the device is getting bug check errors.

To review event longs on Windows 11, use these steps:

  • Search for  Event Viewer  and click the top result to open the app.
  • Under the "Event level" section, check the  Critical  and  Error  options.

Troubleshooting and fixing Blue Screen of Death errors can be difficult and time-consuming. However, typically, it's an issue with a driver or application conflicting with Windows 11 (or vice versa).

Finally, in addition to blue screens, you may also come across a black screen, which is usually related to display connection issues, graphics driver problems, or something else happening in the system.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

  • Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
  • Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Get the Windows Central Newsletter

All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.

Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.

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how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

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How to solve blue screen error when windows 10 does not load?

Hello, I've had a problem with PC shutting down instead of sleeping after put to sleep, I've found a solution here by doing: "In command prompt, type the following commands and press Enter after each command: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth" and it worked (see attached screenshot). But then I tried to launch a game and got a blue death screen with Stop code: Oxc0oono7b . Not able to start windows, not able to go to a safe mode, not able to repair or reset windows, my usb with a windows copy from witch I've successfully installed windows 10 earlier also doesn't work. Please help me

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How to Fix the WHEA Uncorrectable Error on Windows 10/11

Quick links, what is the whea uncorrectable error, and what causes it.

  • Check Your System Hardware
  • Check Your Drivers
  • Check Your RAM Using MemTest86
  • Reset System Overclocking
  • Update Your BIOS/UEFI Settings
  • Reset Your BIOS/UEFI Settings
  • Reset Windows (Last Resort)
  • WHEA Uncorrectable Error (WUE) is a hardware error on Windows systems and can be caused by corrupt hardware, driver compatibility issues, or heat and voltage issues.
  • Run CHKDSK to fix file system issues before making any hardware changes, and check your system hardware and drivers to ensure that they are functioning properly.
  • You could also consider checking your RAM for any errors using MemTest86, while another option is to reset any overclocking.

Windows has a long and beautiful (read: painful) history with what's affectionately known as the Blue Screen of Death. These error screens contain important information regarding the sudden demise of your system. Some Windows crash errors are more cryptic than others and, therefore, more difficult to troubleshoot. The WHEA Uncorrectable Error is one of those.

The WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR (Windows stop code 0x0000124) is a hardware error. There are several common causes for a WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR (we'll abbreviate it as WUE), most of which directly relate to your system hardware:

  • Corrupt hardware (damaged hard drives/SSDs, GPU, CPU, PSU, corrupt RAM, etc.)
  • Driver compatibility issues
  • Heat and voltage issues (overclocking and voltage changes)
  • Corrupt Windows system files or registry files

Although it isn't always the source, power supply unit voltage issues commonly cause this Windows error. The WUE message and 0x0000124 stop code indicate the nature of the error, but looking at the error dump file will provide further information. Your error dump file (.DMP) is found at C:/Windows/Minidump and will have a timestamp.

Unfortunately, we cannot offer solutions for every issue, but the following fixes should alleviate WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR.

1. Run CHKDSK

First, before making any specific hardware alterations, try running Windows Check Disk from the Command Prompt. CHKDSK is a Windows system tool that verifies the file system and, with certain settings, fixes issues as it runs. To use it:

  • Type command prompt in your Start menu search bar, then right-click the best match and select Run as administrator . (Alternatively, press Windows Key + X , then select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.)
  • Next, type chkdsk /r and press Enter. The command will scan your system for errors and fix any issues.

2. Check Your System Hardware

The WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR closely relates to your system hardware. Therefore, before progressing with system resets and memory tests, physically double-check the components in your machine.

Check your PC's cooling systems are fully functioning, your RAM is secure in its slots, the CPU has mystifyingly not come loose, and so on. If you're unsure how to reseat your system hardware, check out the following video.

But remember to be gentle with your hardware. Don't go in and start yanking cables out and disturbing previously settled hardware. You might end up making the error worse.

Another option is to remove any newly installed hardware. Although you may have checked your PC parts are compatible before buying, fresh hardware may have upset the rest of your system. Remove anything you've recently put in your system (like extra RAM or a secondary storage drive) and see if the WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR persists.

3. Check Your Drivers

New drivers harming your system are much rarer than in the older days of computing, as Windows now handles most driver updates directly.

However, that doesn't mean a dodgy driver cannot upset your system. Thankfully, Windows lists any driver updates in the Windows Update section, so you can rapidly figure out where the issue stems from.

On Windows 10:

  • Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings panel, then select Update & Security > View update history . You can find any driver updates here.
  • Now, type device manager in the Start menu search bar and select the best match. Next, go down the list and check for an error symbol. If there is nothing, your driver status is likely not the source of the issue.

On Windows 11:

  • Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings panel, then head to Windows Update > Update history. You can find any driver updates here.

That said, you can use a third-party tool to update all your system drivers simultaneously. On our list of free tools to fix Windows problems , the first two options— IOBit's Driver Booster and Snappy Driver Installer —do exactly this.

4. Check Your RAM Using MemTest86

Windows has an integrated memory checker called Windows Memory Diagnostic. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a great reputation and regularly misses issues found using another excellent tool: MemTest86 .

MemTest86 is a free, standalone memory testing tool that works on both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows, despite its name. You boot MemTest86 from a USB flash drive (or bootable disc) and leave it to check your system RAM. Note that a MemTest86 RAM check takes a long time to complete; a single pass takes hours, depending on the amount of RAM you have installed.

To get the full MemTest86 experience, you should run at least two passes (two complete cycles). However, according to most reports, MemTest86 should expose a serious RAM issue after a short period.

  • Head to the MemTest86 download page and select Download MemTest86 Free. This downloads an archive file to your computer.
  • Windows 11 users can also use the integrated extraction tool by right-clicking the downloaded file, selecting Extract Here , then following the instructions.
  • Next, you need to write the MemTest86 ISO to a USB flash drive. You can do so using an ISO to USB tool . Burn MemTest86 using the tool of your choice, then shut down your system.
  • Next, reboot the system while pressing the Boot Selection menu button (usually F10, F11, DEL, or ESC), then select the bootable MemTest86 USB flash drive. The memory test will start automatically.

If it does return RAM errors, complete an internet search for the error code and type to discover your next course of action.

5. Reset System Overclocking

If you have overclocked your system in search of higher speeds, there is a chance you'll run into the WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR. The error often relates to incorrect or faulty voltages set during the overlock process, making your operating system unstable. The easiest way to cross this issue off the list is to reset your system BIOS and remove the effects of any overclocking.

You need to enter your system BIOS or UEFI menu . To do this, turn off your system. Next, turn your system back on, pressing your BIOS/UEFI menu access key as the system boots (common keys to enter the BIOS include F1, F2, F10, DEL, and ESC).

BIOS and UEFI settings vary by manufacturer, but menu titles are usually similar. You are looking for an Overclocking option. For the most part, overclocking options are found under the Advanced , Performance , Frequency , or Voltage menu.

Find the menu and reset your overclocking options. Resetting will return your system performance to its out-of-box state—but could also remove WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR in the process.

6. Update Your BIOS/UEFI Settings

Again, this process varies heavily depending on your system's motherboard manufacturer. Some BIOS/UEFI settings can automatically download and update using a desktop utility. Other manufacturers require you to download the BIOS update and flash the firmware yourself .

Unsure what motherboard you have? Download and run CPU-Z . Open the Mainboard tab and find your motherboard manufacturer and model. You can find your BIOS brand and version on this tab, too.

Armed with this knowledge, complete an internet search for "[your motherboard manufacturer + model] bios update." For instance, I would search for "MSI X570 gaming plus bios update" for my system (Micro-Star International is MSI). You should find instructions, tutorials, and, if you're lucky, even a video or two.

7. Reset Your BIOS/UEFI Settings

If clearing your BIOS/UEFI overlock settings doesn't fix your WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR, try resetting your entire BIOS. Somewhere among the BIOS menus, there is an option to complete a full BIOS settings reset or load the default BIOS setup. Find the option and select it.

Note that this will remove any BIOS updates you've installed, which means you'll need to install them again afterward.

8. Reset Windows (Last Resort)

If nothing else fixes your WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR, you can use the Windows Reset function to refresh your system.

Reset in Windows 10 and 11 replaces your system data with a completely fresh set of files. It will theoretically clear any lingering issues relating to WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR while keeping the majority of your important files intact.

  • On Windows 10, head to Settings > Update and Security > Recovery , then under Reset this PC , select Get started .
  • On Windows 11, head to Settings > System > Recovery , then next to Reset this PC , select Reset PC .

When you hit the button, your system restarts, so back up any important files beforehand. First, your system will restart, then you may select Keep my files or Remove everything . Selecting Keep my files will preserve your files and documents but remove your installed apps, whereas Remove everything is the more nuclear option, cleaning out your files and documents too.

Blue screen errors are frustrating; even more so if you genuinely don't understand which piece of hardware is causing the issue. The fixes above will fix your WHEA error, but remember, playing with your hardware could cause it to come back.

How to Fix the WHEA Uncorrectable Error on Windows 10/11

how to fix blue screen error in windows 10

Fix Xhunter1 Sys Blue Screen Errors In Windows 10 11

These are two widely cited BSOD error messages that reference the xhunter1.sys file:

PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL

Quite a few players have reported that xhunter1.sys blue screen errors can arise when trying to play (or install) PUBG Lite (now discontinued) and PUBG Mobile with Android emulators, such as Tencent Gaming Buddy. In today’s guide, we’re going to take a closer look and show you how to fix this problem.

How can I fix xhunter1.sys blue screen errors? #

1. fix bsod errors with windows repair software #.

The best Windows repair software can be invaluable tools for fixing blue screen errors. There are numerous third-party BSOD repair tools with which users can scan their PCs to detect issues. Then all users usually need to do is click fix buttons for those utilities to weave their magic! Using a specialized tool will provide efficient help to avoid serious screen errors on your Windows PC. Such a method is practically designed to repair malfunctioning system files and replace them. All in all, restoring your PC from this kind of BSoD error using professional tools is the most reliable method of all. ⇒ Get Restoro SPONSORED

2. Disable Automatically manage paging file size #

Once you make this change, check if xhunter1.sys Blue Screen still appears.

3. Disable antivirus software #

If you’ve installed a third-party antivirus utility, you’ll need to disable that. To do so, right-click the antivirus tool’s system tray icon and select a disable/shut down context menu option. Select to disable it for a few hours, and then try playing the game the BSOD issue arises for.

4. Use a different Android emulator #

Once the emulator is removed, try switching to a different emulator. You can use any emulator that you want, but for the best performance, we suggest using LD Player. ⇒ Get LD Player

5. Update Windows 10 #

Once your system is up to date, check if xhunter1.sys blue screen still appears.

6. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool #

7. scan system files #, 8. run a chkdsk scan #, 9. restore windows to a previous date #.

The above potential resolutions can feasibly fix many xhunter1.sys blue screen errors, but aren’t necessarily guaranteed for all users. In addition, try resetting Windows 10, as outlined within our factory reset guide, as a last resort. Also, check out Microsoft’s BSOD troubleshooter for further potential fixes.

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    To troubleshoot stop error messages, follow these general steps: Review the stop error code that you find in the event logs. Search online for the specific stop error codes to see whether there are any known issues, resolutions, or workarounds for the problem.

  8. How to Fix a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

    What Causes It? A Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), aka a STOP Error, appears when an issue is so serious that Windows must stop loading. It's usually hardware or driver related; most will show a STOP code to help you figure out the root cause.

  9. Run BSOD Error Troubleshooter in Windows 10

    Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click/tap on the Troubleshooting icon. 2. Click/tap on the View all link at the top left in Troubleshooting. (see screenshot below) 3. Right click or press and hold on the Blue Screen troubleshooter, and click/tap on Run as administrator. (see screenshot below) 4.

  10. HP PCs

    Restart the computer. The computer no longer restarts automatically when a problem occurs. Instead, a blue screen displays with useful information. You can search for a resolution using the information in the error. Resetting the power on your computer

  11. How to Fix a SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION BSOD in Windows

    Enter "verifier.exe" at an administrative Command Prompt or PowerShell This will open the Driver Verifier Manager program. 2. Click Next and leave the default setting, "Create standard ...

  12. How to Fix Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) Errors in Windows

    The blue screen error in Windows 10 comes with a string of text called a Windows stop code that catalogs the issue. The stop code can help you fix the problem and stop it from happening again. Here's a list of some of the stop codes you're most likely to find on the blue screen in Windows 10 or 11: CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED

  13. How to Troubleshoot Blue Screen or STOP Error Code on a Dell Computer

    Perform a hard reset Run a hardware diagnostic test Disconnect external devices

  14. How To Fix Blue Screen Of Death In Windows 10? Must-Try Methods

    If you are running the Creators Update or later, Microsoft has got you covered in case a Windows 10 BSOD occurs. You can fix the blue screen of the death using the built-in troubleshooter. Go to ...

  15. What is the Blue Screen of Death in Windows 10 and How to Fix it?

    1. Check for driver space because if there's not enough, it may cause a BSOD to rear its ugly blue head. Pro tip: We recommend Windows users aim to keep around 15% of their drive space free for optimal PC operation. 2. Check the device's temperature.

  16. [Notebook/Desktop/AIO/MiniPC] Troubleshooting

    To provide you more detailed instruction, you can also click ASUS Youtube video link below to know more about How to fix Blue Screen Errors in Windows (BSOD).

  17. Resolving Blue Screen errors in Windows

    If you added new hardware to your PC before the Blue Screen error, shut down your PC, remove the hardware, and try restarting. If you're having trouble restarting, you can start your PC in safe mode. For more info, see Start your PC in safe mode in Windows.

  18. How to Fix Windows Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)?

    Here's how to run a System File Checker scan using Command Prompt: First, press the Windows key and type "cmd.". Right-click Command Prompt and select "Run as Administrator.". Select "Yes" or "OK" on any prompts that appear. Then, type sfc /scannow into the Command Prompt dialogue box, hit Enter, and wait for the scan to ...

  19. 5 Ways to Fix the HYPERVISOR_ERROR Blue Screen on Windows 10 & 11

    1. Make Sure Hyper-V Is Enabled It's possible that Windows Hyper-V may not be correctly configured on your PC, causing it to crash. Restarting the Hyper-V feature can sometimes be the easiest fix to the blue screen error. Here's how you can restart Hyper-V on Windows 10 and 11: Press Win + R to open the Run dialogue box.

  20. How To Troubleshoot and Fix Windows 10 Blue Screen Errors?

    Step 2: In the open file manager, users need to remove all the files. Users just need to delete all the files present there using the traditional process. This will remove the temporary files. Step 3: After removing temporary files, users will also need to remove the recently stored junk files also. For that purpose, users need to again press the Windows+R simultaneously.

  21. How to fix Blue Screen of Death errors on Windows 11

    Under the "App list" section, click the menu (three-dotted) button and choose the Uninstall option for the incompatible app. Click the Uninstall button again. (Image credit: Future) Continue with...

  22. Automatic repair blue screen cant repair my pc.

    DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth Important: When you run this command, DISM uses Windows Update to provide the files that are required to fix corruptions. To close the Administrator: Command prompt window, type Exit, and then press Enter. Restart your computer. Doesn't work try this.

  23. How to Fix Critical Process Died Blue Screen Error on Windows 10 &11

    How to Fix Critical Process Died Blue Screen Error on Windows 10 &11PassFab FixUWin https://tinyurl.com/3f9ae6yz can help you fix Blue Screen Errors on Windo...

  24. How to solve blue screen error when windows 10 does not load?

    But then I tried to launch a game and got a blue death screen with Stop code: Oxc0oono7b . Not able to start windows, not able to go to a safe mode, not able to repair or reset windows, my usb with a windows copy from witch I've successfully installed windows 10 earlier also doesn't work. Please help me

  25. How to Fix the WHEA Uncorrectable Error on Windows 10/11

    On Windows 10, head to Settings > Update and Security > Recovery, then under Reset this PC, select Get started. On Windows 11, head to Settings > System > Recovery , then next to Reset this PC ...

  26. Windows 11 Insider Preview 10.0.26052.1100 (ge_release) Install error

    I Try upgrade from Build 23620.ni_prerelease.240118-1056 to Windows 11 Insider Preview 10..26052.1100 (ge_release) two times and each time i got stucked in UEFI loading page. 设备名称 HOME-PC 处理器 AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 6-Core Processor 3.70 GHz 机带 RAM 32.0 GB 设备 ID EF9814CB-5083-4BD3-B263-B2C7994DE08A 产品 ID 00330-80000-00000-AA458

  27. Fix Xhunter1 Sys Blue Screen Errors In Windows 10 11

    1. Fix BSOD errors with Windows repair software# The best Windows repair software can be invaluable tools for fixing blue screen errors. There are numerous third-party BSOD repair tools with which users can scan their PCs to detect issues. Then all users usually need to do is click fix buttons for those utilities to weave their magic! Using a ...