✅ How to Resolve Blue Screen Error in Windows 11 (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)
how to resolve blue screen error windows 11

🔵 What Is a Blue Screen Error in Windows 11?
A Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) is a critical system error that forces Windows 11 to stop working to prevent damage. When this happens, Windows displays a blue screen with an error message or stop code, then restarts automatically.
Common BSOD Messages:
- IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
- CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED
- SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED
- MEMORY_MANAGEMENT
- DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE
- PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
- KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE
🔍 Why Blue Screen Errors Occur in Windows 11
BSOD errors usually occur due to:
🔧 Software Issues
- Corrupted system files
- Faulty Windows updates
- Incompatible or outdated drivers
- Malware or virus infection
- Third-party software conflicts
🖥️ Hardware Issues
- Faulty RAM
- Failing SSD/HDD
- Overheating CPU or GPU
- Power supply problems
- Loose internal components
🚨 Immediate Actions After a Blue Screen
- Note the stop code shown on the blue screen
- Allow Windows to restart
- If BSOD repeats, boot into Safe Mode
- Disconnect external devices (USB, printer, HDD)
🔑 Method 1: Restart in Safe Mode (Recommended First Step)
Safe Mode loads Windows with minimal drivers.
Steps:
- Force shutdown PC 3 times during boot
- Windows enters Automatic Repair
- Go to:
Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings - Press F4 for Safe Mode
✔️ If the system works fine in Safe Mode, the issue is likely driver or software related
🔑 Method 2: Update or Roll Back Drivers
Outdated or incompatible drivers are the #1 cause of BSOD.
Update Drivers:
- Right-click Start → Device Manager
- Expand categories
- Right-click device → Update driver
- Choose Search automatically
Roll Back Driver:
- Device Manager → Right-click device
- Properties → Driver tab
- Click Roll Back Driver
💡 Focus on:
- Display adapters
- Network adapters
- Storage controllers
🔑 Method 3: Run Windows Memory Diagnostic
Faulty RAM can cause frequent BSOD.
Steps:
- Press Win + R
- Type
mdsched.exe - Choose Restart now and check for problems
✔️ If errors are found, replace RAM
🔑 Method 4: Check and Repair System Files (SFC & DISM)
Run SFC Scan:
- Open Command Prompt (Admin)
- Type:
sfc /scannow
Run DISM Tool:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
✔️ Fixes corrupted Windows system files
🔑 Method 5: Check Hard Disk or SSD Errors
Disk errors can trigger BSOD.
Steps:
chkdsk C: /f /r
- Press Y
- Restart PC
✔️ Bad sectors and file system errors will be repaired
🔑 Method 6: Uninstall Recently Installed Software
If BSOD started after installing software:
- Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps
- Uninstall:
- Antivirus
- VPN
- Driver tools
- Overclocking software
💡 Reboot and check stability
🔑 Method 7: Uninstall Windows Updates
Sometimes Windows updates cause instability.
Steps:
- Settings → Windows Update
- Update history → Uninstall updates
- Remove latest update
- Restart PC
🔑 Method 8: Scan for Malware and Viruses
Malware can corrupt drivers and system files.
Use Windows Security:
- Settings → Privacy & Security
- Windows Security → Virus & Threat Protection
- Run Full Scan
✔️ Remove detected threats and reboot
🔑 Method 9: Disable Fast Startup
Fast Startup can cause driver conflicts.
Steps:
- Control Panel → Power Options
- Choose what the power buttons do
- Click Change settings currently unavailable
- Uncheck Turn on fast startup
- Save changes
🔑 Method 10: Update BIOS / UEFI (Advanced Users)
Outdated BIOS can cause hardware compatibility issues.
⚠️ Warning: Incorrect BIOS update can brick your motherboard.
Steps:
- Identify motherboard model
- Download BIOS from manufacturer website
- Follow official update instructions
✔️ Recommended only if BSOD persists
🔑 Method 11: Check Temperature and Overheating
Overheating can crash Windows.
Check:
- CPU temperature
- GPU temperature
- Fan operation
- Dust buildup
💡 Clean dust and improve ventilation
🔑 Method 12: Restore Windows Using System Restore
If BSOD started recently:
- Boot into Advanced options
- Choose System Restore
- Select restore point before BSOD
✔️ Keeps personal files intact
🔑 Method 13: Reset Windows 11 (Last Option)
If nothing works:
Keep Files:
- Settings → System → Recovery
- Reset this PC
- Choose Keep my files
Remove Everything:
- Use only if system is severely corrupted
🧠 Common BSOD Stop Codes & Meaning
| Stop Code | Cause |
|---|---|
| IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL | Driver issue |
| MEMORY_MANAGEMENT | Faulty RAM |
| CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED | System file corruption |
| PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA | RAM or driver issue |
| DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE | Power/driver conflict |
✅ Best Practices to Prevent BSOD in Windows 11
- Keep Windows updated
- Install only trusted drivers
- Avoid cracked software
- Use quality antivirus
- Monitor system temperature
- Do not overclock hardware
- Backup data regularly
🧾 Conclusion
Blue Screen errors in Windows 11 can be scary but fixable.
In most cases, BSOD issues are caused by drivers, system file corruption, or hardware problems. By following the step-by-step solutions in this guide, you can diagnose, fix, and prevent BSOD errors effectively.
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