This article teaches you how to fix the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on a Windows computer. A BSOD is usually the result of a software, hardware, or setup error, meaning that this condition can be corrected. However, in some cases, the BSOD appears due to a faulty operating system or hardware in the computer, which means that you need to reinstall the computer's operating system or take it to a repair shop for repair.
Step
Part 1 of 10: Making General Repairs
Step 1. Consider actions that were recently performed on the computer
Have you recently installed software, connected hardware, or changed settings? If so, this change could be the reason for the BSOD; the fix depends on the changes applied to the computer.
Step 2. Check if the computer is heating up unnaturally
If you have been using your computer at its highest performance setting for several hours, especially if the computer is not well ventilated or you live in a warm environment, a BSOD could occur. If so, shut down the computer as soon as possible and let it sit for a few hours.
Step 3. Open the BSOD troubleshooter
If this is your first time encountering a BSOD on your computer, try running the Blue Screen troubleshooter on your PC to diagnose the problem:
-
open Start
Windowsstart -
Click Settings (Settings)
Windowssettings - Click Updates & Security (Update and Security).
- Click label Troubleshoot.
- Click Blue Screen (blue screen).
- Click Run the troubleshooter (run the troubleshooter).
- Read the solutions offered and follow the instructions on the monitor screen.
Step 4. Remove unnecessary hardware
Devices such as USB flash drives, Ethernet or HDMI cables, game controllers, printer cables, SD cards, and so on can be removed from the computer without affecting the computer's performance. What's more, a faulty hardware device can trigger a BSOD to appear and will not stop until the associated device is removed.
You can usually keep your keyboard and mouse connected to your computer, especially if it came with the computer when you bought it
Step 5. Wait for the computer to restart
Once the BSOD appears, Windows will diagnose the problem, try to fix it, and restart the system. If the computer restarts as usual and doesn't return to the blue screen, you can make some changes directly from the desktop.
If the BSOD reappears when the computer tries to restart, check for the error code (error). If the code is 0x000000EF, skip right here. If not, try re-speeding in Safe Mode
Step 6. Run the virus scanner
Although rare, sometimes viruses can trick a computer into thinking it's malfunctioning, which then triggers a BSOD.
- If the virus scan results show the presence of malicious software, remove it immediately.
- If the antivirus program provides software settings suggestions, (eg on battery life) during a scan, try applying them. Incorrect settings can be the cause of the BSOD.
Part 2 of 10: Fixing "Critical Process Died" Error
Step 1. Understand the meaning of this error
"Critical Process Died" errors refer to when a computer's hardware components (such as hard drives) or vital software attributes do not run properly or stop suddenly.
This error may be trivial, but if it occurs several times in a row, or you can't restart your computer without encountering a BSOD, it's a sign of something more serious
Step 2. Verify that the error code you read is correct
The "Critical Process Died" error code is 0x000000EF. If you see any other code, skip to the next section.
Step 3. Determine if this is the first time you have encountered the related error
If you've experienced this error once, but it didn't take long for your computer to start working normally, it's possible that your computer had a minor problem loading the driver (driver). However, if you encounter this error 1-2 or more times in a short period of time, try to find a way to fix it.
If you can't use your computer without encountering this error, it's a good idea to take your computer to a reputable repair shop. Chances are, your computer's hard drive or processor is damaged and there's nothing you can do about it yourself
Step 4. Open Start
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen. The Start menu will appear.
Step 5. Open Command Prompt in administrator mode
Type command prompt to search for Command Prompt, then right click
Command Prompt and click Run as administrator (run as administrator) in the drop down menu.
Step 6. Click Yes when prompted
The Command Prompt window will then open.
Step 7. Enter the System File Checker command
Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Windows will start scanning for problems.
Step 8. Wait for the scan to finish
Windows will try to fix any problems it encounters. When the scan is complete, you can continue.
Step 9. Restart the computer
Click Start
click Power
(power), and click Restart (restart) in the pop up menu.
Step 10. Try running the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) service
If you still encounter the "Critical Process Died" error but the computer is accessible, try the following steps:
- Reopen 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.
- Press Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
- Wait until all processes are complete, then restart the computer.
Step 11. Take the computer to a reputable repair shop
If these steps haven't fixed the error or the computer can't be accessed without a BSOD being blocked, you need to take it to a professional repair place. Since the "Critical Process Died" error usually refers to hardware, it's possible that the hard drive, processor, or RAM is damaged and needs repair.
Part 3 of 10: Fixing Registry Errors
Step 1. Understand the meaning of this error
Registry errors mean that there is a problem reading or writing files in the computer registry, and some applications may stop working.
Step 2. Wait for the automatic repair to finish restoring the computer
If a registry error occurs during the update process, the computer may fail to speed up normally. Let automatic repair restore the corrupted registry and try again.
Step 3. Reinstall the program that can't be opened
This error is severe enough to make the computer unresponsive when trying to open a program whose registry key is missing. To do this, open the application list in Settings (settings), and click "Repair" after clicking "Modify" (adjustments).
Step 4. Repair Windows
In severe cases, Windows may not start. Use the installation media to repair Windows. Connect the Windows installation media, select the language, then click "Repair your computer".
Step 5. Reinstall Windows
This method should only be used if all other methods have failed. Use the Windows installer or internet connection to factory reset the computer. This will delete all data, including files, product keys, applications, and browsing history on the computer.
Part 4 of 10: Restarting Windows in Safe Mode
Step 1. Wait until "Choose an option" appears on the screen
If the computer restarts, is unable to resolve the issue, and then restarts, you will be taken to this screen.
-
If you want to restart your computer from the desktop, go to Start
Windowsstart click Power
Windowspower and hold Shift while clicking Restart.
- If you just want to restore a previous version of Windows session, skip to the "Restoring an Previous Version of Windows" section.
Step 2. Click Troubleshoot
This button has a screwdriver and wrench icon on the page.
Step 3. Click on Advanced options
This button is located on the "Troubleshoot" page.
Step 4. Click Startup Settings
This button has a gear icon in the right corner of the page.
Step 5. Click Restart
You will find this button at the bottom right side of the page.
Step 6. Guess
Step 4. to select Safe Mode
Do so on the blue "Startup Settings" page. This will cause the computer to reboot into Safe Mode, which only loads the programs and hardware needed to run Windows.
Part 5 of 10: Cleaning Setup Files
Step 1. Go to Start
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Type disk cleanup in Start
The computer will then search for the Disk Cleanup utility.
Step 3. Click Disk Cleanup
This button has a removable drive icon above the Start window.
Step 4. Click Clean up system files
You'll find it in the lower-left side of the window.
Step 5. Check each box in the window
This step helps to delete all files stored on the computer system, and can resolve BSOD issues.
Step 6. Click OK
This button is located at the bottom of the window. When you do, Disk Cleanup will start deleting files.
This deletion process can take several minutes, especially if you've never deleted your computer's temporary files
Part 6 of 10: Updating Windows
Step 1. Go to Start
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Open Settings
Click the gear-shaped icon in the lower-left corner of the Start window.
Step 3. Click
Updates & security.
It's in the lower-left side of the Settings window.
Step 4. Click the Windows Update label
It's in the upper-left corner of the window.
Step 5. Click Check for updates
It's at the top of the page.
Step 6. Wait for the update to finish installing
When the installation is complete, Windows will restart the system.
Windows may restart several times, and you may need to re-enable Safe Mode before continuing
Part 7 of 10: Removing Recently Installed Apps
Step 1. Go to Start
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Open Settings
Click the gear icon in the lower-left corner of the Start window.
Step 3. Click Apps
It's on the Settings page.
Step 4. Click the Apps & features label
This label is located in the upper-left side of the window.
Step 5. Find recently installed apps
All recently installed applications need to be removed because a faulty or damaged application can easily trigger a BSOD to appear.
Step 6. Click the application
A button will appear below the app.
Step 7. Click Uninstall
It's in the lower-right corner of the application window.
Step 8. Click Uninstall when prompted
It's located under applications. This will remove the app from your computer, although you'll still need to follow some on-screen steps to complete uninstalling the app.
You will repeat this process for each app installed here
Part 8 of 10: Updating Drivers (Drivers)
Step 1. Go to Start
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Type device manager into the Start bar
Windows will start looking for the Device Manager program.
Step 3. Click
Device Manager.
It's at the top of the Start window.
Step 4. Double click the hardware category
This will open the hardware category and display all currently used devices (such as flash drives, printers, etc.) and hardware functions.
Step 5. Select the device
Click recently installed hardware in the menu under the hardware category.
For example, if you recently installed a wireless keyboard for your laptop, search for this keyboard name after double clicking it Keyboards in the hardware category.
Step 6. Click the "Update" button
It's like a black box with a green arrow pointing up and at the top of the window.
Step 7. Click Search automatically for updated driver software
This button is located at the top of the pop-up window. The computer will then search for the driver and install it, if needed.
Step 8. Click Close when prompted
It's at the bottom of the window.
Step 9. Disconnect the device
If no update is available for the device, try removing it from Device Manager to check if the BSOD is resolved. To remove a device, click to select it, then click the icon X red at the top of the window.
Part 9 of 10: Restoring Previous Versions of Windows
Step 1. Restart the computer to the "Startup Options" screen
Click Start
click Power
and hold Shift while clicking Restart.
If you are already at this screen because the computer tried to restart several times but failed, skip this step
Step 2. Click Troubleshoot
This button has a screwdriver and wrench icon.
Step 3. Click on Advanced options
You'll find it on the "Troubleshoot" page.
Step 4. Click System Restore
It's on the left side of the "Advanced Options" page.
Step 5. Wait for the computer to finish restarting
You may need to wait a few minutes.
You may also need to log in before continuing
Step 6. Click Next
It's at the bottom of the System Restore pop-up window.
Step 7. Select a restore point
Click a restore point that was set before today (eg before the occurrence of the BSOD incident) to select it.
- System restore points are usually created when you update or install significant software or hardware.
- If you've never backed up your computer and can't find a restore point, try resetting Windows.
Step 8. Click Next
Step 9. Click Finish
This button is located at the bottom of the window. The computer will then restore itself from the selected backup.
Step 10. Wait for the computer to finish recovering
If you have, you can use the computer again as usual.
If the BSOD still appears, try restoring it using an earlier backup
Part 10 of 10: Reset Windows
Step 1. Go to Start
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Open Settings
Click the button with the gear icon in the lower-left corner of the Start window.
Step 3. Click
Updates & security.
This button is on the Settings page.
Step 4. Click Recovery
This label is in the column to the left of the options.
Step 5. Click Get started
It's located under the "Reset this PC" heading at the top of the window.
Step 6. Select the reset option
Click one of the following options:
- Keep my files - You will not delete files and folders when resetting the PC.
- remove everything - You will completely wipe your hard drive. Make sure that backups of important documents and files are stored elsewhere (for example, on an external hard drive or flash drive) if you choose this option.
Step 7. Click Next
This button is in the warning about not being able to return to Windows 7.
If you choose remove everything in the last window, you can first click Just remove my files (only delete my files) or Remove files and clean the drive (delete files and clean drive) before this step.
Step 8. Click Reset
It's at the bottom of the window. The computer will reset itself. This process can take anywhere from a few minutes to hours.
Step 9. Click Continue if prompted
You will be taken to the desktop, which should now work normally.
