How to Fix the Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) on Windows 10/11 — Step‑by‑Step Repair Guide (Stop Code Errors)

Author - personWalter Gemperle Jr.
August 17, 2025
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How to Fix the Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) on Windows 10/11 — Step‑by‑Step Repair Guide (Stop Code Errors)

Meta title: How to Fix Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) on Windows 10/11 — Step‑by‑Step Guide
Meta description: Learn how to fix BSoD on Windows 10/11. Step‑by‑step instructions for Safe Mode, driver rollback, SFC/DISM, CHKDSK, uninstalling bad updates, and resolving common stop codes like IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL and CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED.

TL;DR

If Windows shows a Blue/Black Screen of Death with a Stop code, do this:

  1. Boot to Safe Mode, 2) Undo recent changes (apps/drivers/updates), 3) Run SFC, DISM, and CHKDSK, 4) Update or roll back drivers (especially GPU/storage), 5) Uninstall the last Windows update, 6) Test RAM and disk, 7) As a last resort, perform an in‑place repair or Reset this PC.

What is a BSoD (and Why It Happens)

A BSoD is Windows stopping itself to prevent damage when it hits a critical error. Common causes:

  • Faulty or outdated drivers (GPU, storage, network, USB)

  • Corrupted system files or damaged Windows image

  • Bad updates or recently installed apps

  • Hardware issues (RAM, SSD/HDD problems, overheating, overclocks)

  • Malware or low disk space

Before You Start

  • Note the Stop code on the blue/black screen (e.g., IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL, SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION, CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED, PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA, INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE). This often hints at the cause.

  • If you can’t read it in time, check Reliability Monitor (perfmon /rel) or Event Viewer later, or open C:\Windows\Minidump with a crash viewer.

  • Back up important files if you can log in.

Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode (or Windows Recovery)

If Windows still boots:

  1. Hold Shift and click Restart > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

  2. Press 4 for Safe Mode or 5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

Older Versions: Press the F8 key repeatedly as the computer starts, before the Windows logo appears.

If Windows does not boot:

  • After two or three failed boots, Windows should enter Recovery Environment (WinRE) automatically. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart > press 4/5.

Safe Mode loads minimal drivers, making it easier to remove bad updates/drivers and run repair tools.

Step 2: Undo Recent Changes

In Safe Mode (or normal boot if stable):

  • Uninstall new apps installed right before the crashes: Settings > Apps > Installed apps.

  • Disconnect new peripherals (USB hubs, printers, etc.).

  • Roll back or uninstall recently added drivers (see Step 4).

  • System Restore (if enabled): Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore and choose a restore point from before the issue.

Step 3: Repair System Files (SFC) and the Windows Image (DISM)

Open Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin) and run:

sfc /scannow

  • Wait for completion. If SFC reports it fixed files or couldn’t fix some, continue with DISM:

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

  • When DISM finishes, run SFC again:

sfc /scannow

Why: Corrupted system files and a damaged Windows image are top causes of BSoDs.

Step 4: Check Disk Health (CHKDSK)

Still in an elevated command window, run a read‑only scan first:

chkdsk C: /scan

If errors are found, schedule a repair scan:

chkdsk C: /f

You’ll be prompted to schedule on next reboot; press Y, then Restart.

Why: File system errors or bad sectors can trigger stop codes.

Step 5: Update or Roll Back Drivers (GPU/Storage First)

  1. Right‑click Start > Device Manager.

  2. Focus on Display adapters, Storage controllers, Network adapters, USB controllers.

  3. Update: Right‑click device > Update driver.

  4. Roll Back (if crash started after an update): Right‑click device > Properties > Driver tab > Roll Back Driver.

  5. If no rollback option, Uninstall device (check Delete the driver software), then Restart; Windows will reinstall a generic driver.

Tip: For GPUs, download a clean driver from the vendor (NVIDIA/AMD/Intel). For storage controllers (e.g., Intel RST), use the PC/motherboard vendor’s site.

Step 6: Remove Problem Windows Updates

  • Settings > Windows Update > Update history to identify recent updates.

  • If the issue started after an update: Uninstall updates from Recovery (WinRE) or from Update history > Uninstall updates.

In WinRE: Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates (choose Latest quality update first; try Feature update if needed).

Step 7: Test Memory (RAM) and Temperature

  • Press Win+R, type mdsched.exe, run Windows Memory Diagnostic and Restart now.

  • If errors appear, reseat/replace RAM or test sticks one at a time.

  • Ensure your PC isn’t overheating: clean dust, verify fans, revert any overclocks to defaults in BIOS/UEFI.

Step 8: Free Up Disk Space

  • Keep 10–20% free space on your system drive.

  • Use Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense to clear temporary files, or run:

cleanmgr

Low space can break updates and cause instability.

Step 9: Advanced Tools (Optional)

  • Reliability Monitor: perfmon /rel — timeline of crashes and warnings.

  • Minidump analysis: C:\Windows\Minidump — view with tools like WinDbg (Microsoft Store) or third‑party viewers to identify the failing driver/module.

  • BIOS/UEFI update: Only from your OEM’s site and with power stability; can fix CPU/memory compatibility issues.

Step 10: Last Resorts

A) In‑Place Repair (Keeps Files & Apps)

  1. Create Windows 10/11 installation media on a USB (from Microsoft).

  2. Boot into Windows, plug the USB, run Setup.exe.

  3. Choose Keep personal files and apps.
    This refreshes Windows system files without wiping your data.

B) Reset This PC

  • Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC.

  • Choose Keep my files (reinstalls Windows, removes apps) or Remove everything (factory reset).

  • Back up data first.

Quick Fix Command Bundle (Copy/Paste)

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
chkdsk C: /scan
chkdsk C: /f

Common Stop Codes and What to Try

  • IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL — Usually a driver or RAM issue. Update/roll back drivers; run Memory Diagnostic.

  • SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION — Often drivers or system file corruption. Run SFC/DISM; update GPU/display drivers.

  • CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED — Damaged system files or faulty disk. Run SFC/DISM/CHKDSK.

  • PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA — RAM, driver, or pagefile problem. Test RAM; check storage drivers.

  • INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE — Storage/boot driver issues, controller mode changes. Roll back storage drivers; check BIOS SATA/AHCI/RAID mode.

FAQs

Is the “black screen” the same as BSoD?
On some Windows 11 builds the BSoD background is black, but a plain black screen with a cursor usually indicates a different issue (display/boot), not a BSoD.

Can malware cause BSoDs?
Yes. Run a reputable antivirus or Microsoft Defender Offline scan if you suspect infection.

Do I need to replace hardware?
Only after software steps fail and diagnostics (RAM/disk) show errors or instability.

SEO Notes (for publishers)

  • Primary keyword: fix blue screen of death, repair BSoD Windows 10/11

  • Secondary keywords: Windows stop code fix, IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL, CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED, SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION, PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA, INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE, Safe Mode, SFC, DISM, CHKDSK

  • Suggested URL slug: /fix-blue-screen-of-death-windows-10-11

FAQ Schema (JSON‑LD)

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "FAQPage",
  "mainEntity": [
    {
      "@type": "Question",
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      "acceptedAnswer": {
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        "text": "Boot to Safe Mode, undo recent changes, run SFC/DISM/CHKDSK, update or roll back drivers, uninstall problem updates, test RAM/disk, and if needed perform an in-place repair or Reset this PC."
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      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What causes BSoD stop codes like IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL?",
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Final Tips

  • Make one change at a time and reboot to test.

  • Keep restore points enabled.

  • Maintain regular backups so last‑resort fixes are painless.

  • Check the latest peripheral attachments, such as RAM and video cards. 


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Walter Gemperle Jr.

Walter Gemperle Jr.

Do A good turn Daily, Never Give Up, Build a New Tomorrow

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