How to Fix Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows

How to Fix Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows

The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)—officially called a Stop Error—is a critical system crash that forces Windows to shut down. Characterized by a blue screen with white text, it displays error codes like:

• “SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED”
• “DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL”
• “PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA”
• “CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED”

BSODs typically occur during startup, driver installations, gaming, or heavy workloads and indicate hardware failures, driver conflicts, or system file corruption.

Step-by-Step Fixes:

Immediate Actions:

1. Note the STOP code (e.g., “0x0000007B”) and faulting module

2. Disconnect peripherals (USB devices, external drives)

3. Boot into Safe Mode (restart 3x during boot → Troubleshoot → Advanced → Startup Settings)

Method 1: Update/Roll Back Drivers

1. Identify faulty drivers:

• Check “C:\Windows\Minidump”

2. Update drivers

3. Roll back problematic drivers:

• Device Manager → right-click device → Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver

Method 2: Undo Recent Changes

1. Uninstall updates:

• Settings → Update & Security → View update history → Uninstall updates

2. System Restore:

• Search “rstrui.exe” → choose restore point before BSOD started

3. Clean boot:

• “msconfig” → Services → Hide Microsoft services → Disable all
• Task Manager → Startup → disable all

If BSODs Continue:

Persistent blue screens often indicate complex issues:

• Deep registry corruption
• Hidden driver conflicts
• Firmware-level malware
• Undetected hardware degradation

Outbyte PC Repair can automate resolution by:

1. Fixing errors

2. Updating drivers

3. Removing malware and residual software conflicts

4. Optimizing system stability settings

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Main Causes:

1. Faulty drivers: Outdated/incompatible GPU, chipset, or peripheral drivers

2. Hardware issues:

• Failing RAM or HDD/SSD
• Overheating CPU/GPU
• Loose components (RAM, cables)

3. System file corruption: Damaged Windows core files

4. Software conflicts:

• Incompatible antivirus
• Buggy Windows updates
• Overclocking utilities

5. Malware: Rootkits modifying system files

Conclusion:

BSODs require methodical troubleshooting—start with hardware checks and driver updates before progressing to system repairs. For recurring crashes with unclear causes, Outbyte PC Repair can provide an automated solution.

Prevention Tips:

• Update drivers monthly
• Clean dust from vents every 3–6 months
• Avoid registry cleaners from untrusted sources
• Use surge protectors for hardware safety
• Create system restore points before major changes