Windows: Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) — What to Do

A Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) means Windows has encountered a critical error it couldn't recover from. Here's how to handle it. What to note when it happens: - The error code shown on the blue screen (e.g. SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED, CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED) - What you were doing when it occurred - Whether it happened once or repeatedly Common causes: - Faulty or outdated device drivers - Failing hardware (especially RAM or hard drive) - Corrupted Windows system files - Overheating - Bad Windows update Step 1: Restart and see if it recurs One-time BSODs sometimes happen due to a software glitch and don't repeat. Restart normally and monitor. Step 2: Check for recent changes Did you install new software, a driver, or a Windows update just before it started? Roll that back if possible: - Settings > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall updates Step 3: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic Search for "Windows Memory Diagnostic" in the Start menu and run it. It will test your RAM for errors on the next restart. Step 4: Run System File Checker Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run: sfc /scannow This scans and repairs corrupted Windows system files. Step 5: Check your hard drive health Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run: chkdsk C: /f /r This will schedule a disk check on restart. Step 6: Check for overheating If the computer is hot to the touch or the fan is running loudly before crashes, overheating may be the cause. Make sure vents aren't blocked. If BSODs are happening regularly, contact us right away. Repeated blue screens can indicate failing hardware that needs to be addressed before data is lost.