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How To Fix Blue Screen of Death Windows 10

How To Fix Blue Screen of Death Windows 10

Are you suffering from the blue screen of death Windows 10 and looking for an effective solution to remove the problem? You’re in the right place. 

The blue screen of death is one of the common issues for Windows 10. It occurs when your Windows system is affected by a critical error and compels your computer to restart unexpectedly. To learn what happens if you see an unreadable blue screen on your PC and how to fix these errors, keep reading our article.

What is a Blue Screen?

Let’s discuss the blue screen issue first, in case you’re not familiar with the concept. The issue in Windows 10, which is usually described as a “Blue Screen of Death Windows 10”, is actually an error that stops the system or a serious system failure. This happens when the operating system fails to work due to a problem that stops it from running correctly. If this happens, Windows displays a blue screen that displays information about the problem before it restarts.

Blue screens can result from many reasons that we’ll explore further in the following. Hardware issues, bad drivers, and operating system issues are the most common BSOD causes.

Since the latest versions of Windows, including Windows 10, are more stable than previous versions, you’ll notice fewer blue screens. It’s also important to note that a single blue display isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. Windows may occasionally show a BSOD, but then function perfectly just fine after a restart.

If you continue to see the blue screen, it’s best to investigate these blue screen solutions.

Why Does the Blue Screen of Death Happen?

The blue screen of death occurs due to several reasons when Windows is not running safely. Multiple software issues, like incompatible driver updates, hardware problems, overheating, and more can affect your CPU.

The blue screen of death causes hardware communication problems or corrupt files, but most BSODs are not concerned until they crash the system repeatedly. You can easily avoid the BSOD issue with the following processes.

How to Fix Blue Screen of Death in Windows 10?

Method 1: Boot to Safe Mode

Windows users have long relied on Safe Mode to diagnose various computer problems, including issues related to blue screen errors. Safe Mode is a useful method for repairing blue screen problems in Windows 10 and earlier versions.

In Safe Mode, Windows only loads the essential Windows drivers and services. If you don’t encounter any BSODs during this mode, a third-party driver is likely responsible for your computer’s issues.

How do I start Windows in safe mode?

In the past you could enter safe mode on Windows XP as well as Windows 7 using the msconfig utility, or pressing the F8 button when the computer started. Windows 10 provides an easier, faster method of accessing Safe Mode.

  1. Choose Settings > Update and Recovery, then Recovery in the dropdown menu.
  2. Click Restart Now from the Advanced Startup menu. You will see the Advanced Startup options panel.
  3. Click Troubleshoot by selecting the menu drop-down.
  4. Select Startup Settings at the bottom of the screen. To switch back the user to Safe Mode, click Restart.

Boot to Safe Mode for solving blue screen error

Method 2: Check for Windows and Driver Updates

Although faulty updates can create problems, Microsoft and third-party firms often release updates to fix problems like these. To check if any planned updates fix the issue, check Settings > Update and Security Windows Update.

check windows and Driver updates settings to solve the blue screen error

It’s important to make sure your drivers are checked since they could trigger the Windows 10 screen to appear blue. To open the menu for power users, just press the Win + X key (or press the right button on Windows). Select Device Manager to start the software.

Within this area, look out for yellow triangles in any entries that indicate there is a problem with the driver. Any devices that have this problem should be checked twice in case you have to reinstall the driver or remove the device.

You can look at the status of updates using the right click on an entry and choosing Update driver; however, this isn’t always accurate.

Instead, visit the official website of the manufacturer and download the latest drivers there. For help, refer to our guide to the process of updating Windows drivers.

Method 3: Run a System Restore

You can utilize Windows’ System Restore tool for restoring your system to a previous state. It’s an effective tool for troubleshooting because it’s user-friendly and allows you to determine the root of your issue by software.

Restore system files and settings

Start the Recovery Control Panel entry that appears after entering “recovery” into the search box. To launch the utility, you need to select Open System Restore. After you’ve clicked Next, you’ll get an array of restoration points that you can return to. If you’d like to see the software that has changed, you can select one of them and press Scan for the affected software.

System Restore does not affect your files; however, it will remove all drivers and software you’ve downloaded since the previous restore date. It will also restore any software or drivers you’ve deleted in the past.

Once you’ve confirmed the restoration of your system, you are able to start the process. It will take just about a minute before you’re back in its original condition. If you don’t notice blue screens after this procedure, then your problem was most likely the result of software.

Method 4: Unplug Incompatible Peripherals

If an incompatible device has been connected to your computer, the black screen could be displayed. If you experience a BSOD after connecting external hard drives, disconnect them from the computer to fix the issue:

  • Step 1. Connect to the external hard drive or USB device.
  • Step 2. Start the computer running Windows 10 PC.

The reprise process may take longer than anticipated; all you need to do is wait patiently.

Method 5: Update Windows 10 and drivers

Updating to the latest version of Windows 10 or upgrading your drivers, if you can access the desktop, may help resolve the Blue Screen of Death issue. Ensure that your system is up to date, as Windows 10 regularly downloads and installs updates. However, you might need to check for updates manually at times.

update windows operating system

Follow these steps to install the most current updates for Windows 10

  1. Click on the Settings menu.
  2. Choose Update and security from the menu drop-down.
  3. Choose Windows Update in the drop-down menu.
  4. Choose Check for Updates from the menu dropdown.

If you have an update available but it isn’t downloading, you can try downloading and installing the quality update that’s missing.

Update your driver

You’ll have to update your device to a more recent version if the issue is caused by an outdated driver.

These steps will help you install the latest version of the driver:

  1. Click on the Settings menu.
  2. Choose Update and Security in the dropdown menu.
  3. Choose Windows Update in the drop-down menu.
  4. Choose Check for Updates from the drop-down menu (if relevant).
  5. Choose View optional updates in the dropdown menu.
  6. Choose “Update” from the Drivers tab.
  7. Select the driver update option.
  8. Choose Download and install from the menu drop-down.

fix blue screen error in windows 10

The most recent driver will resolve the issue after you’ve completed the procedure. If there are no updates available, you may need to visit the manufacturer’s support page. There, you can follow their instructions to install and download the latest driver. If the support site does not have the latest version, you can try a test version of the driver. This version may have a fix that the company plans to include in a future release.

Method 6: Review Recent Computer Changes

If you have adjusted on your computer settings, you might experience issues with the blue screen. Unstable elements may be introduced into a stable system as a result of these modifications. This could help you to troubleshoot the issue if you know what’s happening.

If you have recently installed a printer that was new, for instance, try disconnecting the device from your computer to see whether the blue screen is still visible. Open Settings, Update and Security and choose the update history option in case you’ve recently installed an update for Windows Update.

If you want to determine if this fixes the issue, visit the next page on the options and choose to uninstall updates from the top. Take out any updates that are the latest.

The same can be said about software. If you notice that blue screens began appearing after installing the latest program, uninstall it to see if your issue disappears.

check and Review Recent Computer Changes

Method 7: Disconnect non-essential peripherals

After you connect a new piece of hardware to Windows 10, you might see a Blue Screen of Death. This can happen with devices like a graphics card or USB device. If this happens, it’s usually because the hardware is not compatible, damaged, broken, or your computer is installing the wrong driver.

If you are experiencing issues of compatibility, you might be required to contact the manufacturer for assistance or locate another compatible option.

If your system continues to use the wrong driver, follow these steps to remove the driver manually and then install the correct driver following the instructions of the manufacturer.

Conclusion

Blue Screen of Death Windows 10 issues can be difficult to handle, particularly since they hinder you from completely identifying the cause. But, reading the tips above, you’re aware of the cause of a blue screen issue and what you can do to solve it. In the future, it’s best to watch for warning signs that your computer is about to fail, so that you can avoid issues in the first place.

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About Shorif (Msckey)

Shorif is a passionate writer and tech enthusiast who contributes regularly to the Msckey blog. With a background in computer science and a keen interest in emerging technologies, Shorif brings a unique perspective to complex tech topics, making them accessible to readers of all levels. When not writing, you can find Shorif tinkering with gadgets, exploring nature trails, or diving into the latest sci-fi novel

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