How to fix the blue screen of death error in Windows 11?

Encountering the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows 11 can be quite distressing, but there are several steps you can take to diagnose and fix this issue. Below is a detailed guide on how to troubleshoot and resolve BSOD errors:

Step 1: Basic Troubleshooting

Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, simply restarting your computer can resolve temporary glitches causing the BSOD.

Check for Overheating

Ensure that your PC isn’t overheating. Check if the fans are working properly and if the air vents are not blocked.

Step 2: Update Drivers and Windows

Update Drivers

Outdated or corrupt drivers are common causes of BSOD errors.

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click on Check for updates and install any available updates.
3. Alternatively, go to Device Manager, find the device with issues, right-click it, and select Update driver.

Update Windows

Ensuring your operating system is up-to-date can solve many problems.

1. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates and install all available updates.

Step 3: Use the Built-in Blue Screen Troubleshooter

Windows includes tools designed to help diagnose and fix BSODs.

1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
2. Scroll down and find Blue Screen under Find and fix other problems.
3. Click Run the troubleshooter and follow the prompts.

Step 4: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

These tools can repair corrupted system files that might cause BSODs.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

• Press Win + X and choose Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).

1. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete.
2. After SFC completes, run the following command to repair the system image:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Step 5: Check Hardware Issues

Memory Diagnostic Tool

Memory issues can lead to BSODs.

1. Search for Windows Memory Diagnostic in the Start menu.
2. Choose Restart now and check for problems.

Check Hard Disk Health

Use tools like CHKDSK to check disk health.

1. In Command Prompt (Admin), type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter.
2. You may need to restart your computer for the check to proceed.

Step 6: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot helps identify software conflicts by starting Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs.

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
3. Switch to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
4. Disable all startup items, close Task Manager, then click OK on the System Configuration window.
5. Restart your computer and see if the problem persists.

Step 7: Roll Back Recent Changes

If the BSOD started after installing new software or hardware, consider rolling back those changes.

• For software: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find the application, and click Uninstall.
• For drivers: In Device Manager, right-click the problematic device, choose Properties > Driver, and select Roll Back Driver if available.

Step 8: Repair Install Windows

If none of the above methods work, performing a repair installation can fix serious issues without deleting your personal files.

1. Download the Windows 11 installation media from Microsoft’s official site.
2. Use it to perform an in-place upgrade, choosing Upgrade during the setup process.

By systematically applying these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve most BSOD issues in Windows 11. If problems persist despite these efforts, professional assistance or contacting Microsoft Support might be necessary.