Universally applicable troubleshooting steps for any Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error on Windows.
1. Note the Stop Code
When the BSOD appears, it usually lists a stop code like:
- “IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL”
- “PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA”
- “SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION”
This helps identify the root cause later.
2. Restart in Safe Mode
If Windows won’t boot normally:
- Turn PC off/on three times to trigger Automatic Repair.
- Go to:
Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart → Press 4 for Safe Mode
Safe Mode loads minimal drivers, allowing you to troubleshoot.
3. Check for Windows Updates
Outdated system files and drivers often cause BSODs.
- Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates
Install all important and optional updates.
4. Update or Roll Back Drivers
Drivers—especially GPU, chipset, and network—are common culprits.
✔ To Update:
Device Manager → Right-click device → Update driver
✔ To Roll Back:
If the BSOD started after a driver update:
Device Manager → Device → Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver
5. Run a Memory Check (RAM Issues)
RAM problems are a top BSOD cause.
Run built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic:
- Press Win + R
- Type:
mdsched.exe - Choose Restart now
Check results in:
Event Viewer → Windows Logs → System
6. Test Your Storage Drive
Corruption on SSD/HDD can cause crashes.
Check disk health:
chkdsk C: /f /r
7. Scan for Corrupted System Files
Run these in an elevated command prompt:
System File Checker:
sfc /scannow
Restore health with DISM:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
8. Remove Recently Installed Software or Updates
If BSOD started after installing:
- A new app
- A Windows update
- A driver package
Try uninstalling it:
Settings → Apps → Installed apps
Or:
Settings → Windows Update → Update history → Uninstall updates
9. Check for Overheating
Overheating can cause sudden kernel crashes.
Check:
- CPU temperatures (with tools like HWInfo or built-in OEM utilities)
- Dust buildup
- Fan performance
10. Scan for Malware
Malicious drivers or system hooks can trigger BSODs.
Use:
- Windows Security (Full Scan)
- Microsoft Defender Offline Scan
11. Restore BIOS/UEFI Defaults
If BIOS settings were changed (overclocking, XMP, etc.), reset them:
BIOS → Load Optimized Defaults
12. Undo Overclocking
Return CPU, GPU, and RAM to factory settings.
Overclocks frequently cause instability.
13. Check Power Supply & Hardware
Intermittent BSODs may indicate hardware faults.
Inspect:
- Loose cables
- Faulty RAM sticks (test one at a time)
- GPU not seated properly
- Aging power supply
14. Use System Restore
If the system was stable before:
Control Panel → Recovery → Open System Restore
Pick a restore point before the issue started.
15. Review Minidump Files (Advanced)
Windows saves crash dumps in:C:\Windows\Minidump
Tools like WinDbg Preview or BlueScreenView can analyze them.
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