Blue Screen Error (BSOD) — Fix Crashes on Windows 10/11

💥 Blue Screen Error (BSOD) — Fix Crashes on Windows 10/11

Blue screens look scary, but they’re diagnosable. Work through these steps in order to contain the crash, identify the cause, and apply a permanent fix.

🧭 1. Record the Stop Code & Context
• Note the Stop code (e.g., MEMORY_MANAGEMENT, IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL) and any driver name shown
• Capture when it happens: boot, after login, during gaming, on sleep/wake, etc.

🔌 2. Power & Peripherals Check
• Shut down fully, disconnect non-essential USB devices (docks, webcams, printers)
• Reseat RAM and cables if you’re comfortable; otherwise skip to software steps

🛡️ 3. Boot to Safe Mode (Stable Baseline)
• Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now → Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart → choose Safe Mode with Networking
• If stable in Safe Mode, suspect drivers, services, or startup apps

♻️ 4. Undo Recent Changes
• Windows Update > Update history — uninstall the last feature/driver update if BSODs started after it
• Device Manager — right-click the device > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver (GPU, network, storage first)
• Uninstall new software, especially overclock/“tuning” tools and third-party AV you just added

💽 5. Ensure Free Disk Space & Check the Drive
• Keep 15–20% free on the system drive
• Open Windows PowerShell (Admin) and run:
chkdsk C: /scan
• If errors persist, schedule:
chkdsk C: /f (will run on next reboot)

🧪 6. Test Memory (Common BSOD Trigger)
• Press Win+R → mdsched.exe → Restart now to run Windows Memory Diagnostic
• Any errors? Replace the faulty stick or test one DIMM at a time in different slots

🧰 7. Repair System Files
• Open PowerShell (Admin) and run:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• Reboot and retest

🎮 8. Clean & Reinstall Key Drivers
• GPU: Download the latest driver from NVIDIA/AMD/Intel (avoid old auto-updaters)
• Chipset/Storage/Network: Install from your PC or motherboard vendor support page
• Remove legacy utilities that inject drivers (RGB/OC tools) if crashes continue

🌡️ 9. Temperature & Power Checks
• Use a trusted monitor (e.g., built-in OEM software) to check CPU/GPU temps under load
• Clean dust, ensure fans spin freely, and verify the power cable/adapter is correct wattage

🧹 10. Startup & Services Control
• Task Manager > Startup apps — disable non-essential entries
• msconfig (System Configuration) — Selective startup to narrow down problematic services

🛟 11. System Restore or Known-Good Rollback
• Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore — pick a restore point from before the crashes
• For managed devices, use a known-good System Image/Backup if available

🧬 12. Firmware & BIOS/UEFI Updates
• Update BIOS/UEFI and SSD firmware from the manufacturer site (only on stable power)
• Reset overclocks (CPU/GPU/RAM XMP) to defaults while testing

📝 13. Collect Evidence if Crashes Persist
• Grab Minidumps: C:\Windows\Minidump\
• Note Event Viewer > Windows Logs > System critical errors
• This speeds up diagnosis for support

🔐 Security Note
• If BSODs started after installing unknown “driver tools” or cracked software, remove them and run a full malware scan with a reputable endpoint security product.

💡 Still Blue-Screening? We Can Help
Recurring BSODs often point to borderline RAM, storage, or a faulty driver stack. Call IT Mate can diagnose minidumps, update firmware/drivers, and stabilise systems — remote or onsite across Australia (PAYG or managed).