Windows 11 BSOD Fixes
Complete Troubleshooting Guide for Blue Screen Errors
Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors can be frustrating, but most are fixable with the right approach. This comprehensive guide covers the most common Windows 11 stop codes, their causes, and proven solutions to get your system running smoothly again.
Table of Contents
Understanding BSOD Errors
A Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) occurs when Windows encounters a critical error it cannot recover from. Understanding what triggers these errors is the first step toward fixing them.
What is a BSOD?
BSOD is Windows' way of protecting your system from potential damage. When a critical error occurs at the kernel level, Windows stops all operations and displays a blue screen with error information.
Key Information on a BSOD Screen:
- Stop Code: A unique identifier for the specific error (e.g., CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED)
- QR Code: Scan for Microsoft's troubleshooting page
- What failed: Often shows the problematic driver or file
- Percentage complete: Shows dump file creation progress
Common Causes of BSOD:
- Faulty or incompatible drivers
- Hardware failures (RAM, hard drive, overheating)
- Corrupted system files
- Malware infections
- Incompatible software
- Windows Update issues
- Overclocking instability
Common Stop Codes & Solutions
Here are the most frequently encountered Windows 11 stop codes and how to resolve them:
CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED
A critical Windows process stopped unexpectedly.
Solutions:
- 1.Boot into Safe Mode and run SFC /scannow
- 2.Check for recent software installations
- 3.Update all drivers to latest versions
- 4.Perform a clean boot to identify conflicting software
- 5.Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION
A system service encountered an exception.
Solutions:
- 1.Update graphics drivers (most common cause)
- 2.Check antivirus software compatibility
- 3.Run Windows Memory Diagnostic
- 4.Disable recently installed drivers
- 5.Check for Windows updates
IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
A driver accessed memory at an improper address.
Solutions:
- 1.Update or roll back recently updated drivers
- 2.Run Driver Verifier to identify problematic drivers
- 3.Check RAM with Windows Memory Diagnostic
- 4.Disable overclocking if enabled
- 5.Boot into Safe Mode and uninstall recent drivers
PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA
Memory management error, often hardware-related.
Solutions:
- 1.Run Windows Memory Diagnostic tool
- 2.Check hard drive with CHKDSK /r
- 3.Update storage and chipset drivers
- 4.Disable automatic paging file management
- 5.Test RAM with MemTest86
KERNEL_SECURITY_CHECK_FAILURE
Kernel detected a security violation.
Solutions:
- 1.Update all system drivers
- 2.Run full malware scan
- 3.Check for corrupted system files with SFC
- 4.Verify RAM integrity
- 5.Perform clean boot
DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION
A Deferred Procedure Call took too long.
Solutions:
- 1.Update SSD/SATA controller drivers
- 2.Update graphics card drivers
- 3.Disable Fast Startup
- 4.Check for firmware updates
- 5.Run hardware diagnostics
Fixing Driver Issues
Driver problems are the leading cause of BSOD errors. Here's how to identify and fix them:
Identifying Problematic Drivers
- 1Open Event Viewer (Win + X → Event Viewer)
- 2Navigate to Windows Logs → System
- 3Look for Error events around the time of the crash
- 4Note any driver names mentioned in the error details
Updating Drivers Safely
- 1Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager)
- 2Expand categories and right-click problematic devices
- 3Select 'Update driver' → 'Search automatically'
- 4For better results, download drivers from manufacturer websites
Rolling Back Problematic Drivers
- 1Open Device Manager
- 2Right-click the device → Properties
- 3Go to Driver tab → Click 'Roll Back Driver'
- 4Select a reason and confirm
Using Driver Verifier
Warning: Driver Verifier can cause BSODs while testing. Only use if you're comfortable with recovery.
- 1Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- 2Type 'verifier' and press Enter
- 3Select 'Create standard settings'
- 4Choose 'Automatically select all drivers'
- 5Restart your computer
- 6After testing, run 'verifier /reset' to disable
Memory & RAM Problems
Faulty RAM is a common cause of random BSODs. Here's how to diagnose and address memory issues:
Windows Memory Diagnostic
- 1.Press Win + R, type 'mdsched.exe', press Enter
- 2.Click 'Restart now and check for problems'
- 3.Wait for the test to complete (can take 10-30 minutes)
- 4.Check results in Event Viewer → Windows Logs → System
Advanced Testing with MemTest86
- 1.Download MemTest86 from passmark.com
- 2.Create a bootable USB drive
- 3.Boot from the USB drive
- 4.Run extended tests overnight for thorough checking
Physical RAM Troubleshooting
- 1.Power off and unplug your computer
- 2.Open the case and locate RAM modules
- 3.Remove and reseat each RAM stick
- 4.Clean contacts with isopropyl alcohol if needed
- 5.Test one stick at a time to identify faulty modules
Virtual Memory Settings
- 1.Open System Properties → Advanced → Performance Settings
- 2.Go to Advanced tab → Virtual Memory → Change
- 3.Uncheck 'Automatically manage paging file size'
- 4.Set custom size: Initial = RAM × 1.5, Maximum = RAM × 3
- 5.Click Set, then OK, and restart
Disk & Storage Errors
Storage problems can cause various BSOD errors. Here's how to diagnose and repair disk issues:
Running CHKDSK
- 1.Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- 2.Type 'chkdsk C: /f /r' and press Enter
- 3.If prompted, type 'Y' to schedule on next restart
- 4.Restart your computer and let CHKDSK complete
CHKDSK Options:
- /f - Fixes errors on the disk
- /r - Locates bad sectors and recovers readable information
- /x - Forces the volume to dismount first
- /b - Re-evaluates bad clusters (NTFS only)
Checking Drive Health
- 1.Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- 2.Run 'wmic diskdrive get status' for quick check
- 3.Use manufacturer's diagnostic tools for detailed analysis
- 4.Consider using CrystalDiskInfo for S.M.A.R.T. data
SSD-Specific Fixes
- 1.Update SSD firmware from manufacturer's website
- 2.Enable AHCI mode in BIOS if not already enabled
- 3.Ensure TRIM is enabled: 'fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify'
- 4.Update storage controller drivers
System File Repair
Corrupted system files can cause persistent BSODs. Use these tools to repair Windows:
System File Checker (SFC)
- 1Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- 2Type 'sfc /scannow' and press Enter
- 3Wait for the scan to complete (may take 15-30 minutes)
- 4Review results and restart if repairs were made
DISM (Deployment Image Servicing)
- 1Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- 2Run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
- 3If issues found, run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
- 4To repair, run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- 5After DISM completes, run SFC /scannow again
Resetting Windows Components
- 1Open Settings → System → Recovery
- 2Click 'Reset PC' under Recovery options
- 3Choose 'Keep my files' to preserve personal data
- 4Select 'Local reinstall' or 'Cloud download'
- 5Follow prompts to complete reset
Advanced Troubleshooting
For persistent BSODs that resist standard fixes, try these advanced techniques:
Boot into Safe Mode
- 1.Hold Shift while clicking Restart
- 2.Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings
- 3.Click Restart, then press 4 or F4 for Safe Mode
- 4.Or press 5/F5 for Safe Mode with Networking
Analyzing Dump Files
- 1.Install Windows Debugging Tools (WinDbg)
- 2.Navigate to C:\Windows\Minidump
- 3.Open .dmp files with WinDbg
- 4.Run '!analyze -v' for detailed analysis
- 5.Look for the driver or module that caused the crash
Perform a Clean Boot
- 1.Press Win + R, type 'msconfig', press Enter
- 2.Go to Services tab, check 'Hide all Microsoft services'
- 3.Click 'Disable all'
- 4.Go to Startup tab, click 'Open Task Manager'
- 5.Disable all startup items
- 6.Restart and test for BSOD
- 7.Re-enable items one by one to find the culprit
BIOS/UEFI Updates
- 1.Identify your motherboard model
- 2.Visit manufacturer's support website
- 3.Download latest BIOS update
- 4.Follow manufacturer's instructions carefully
- 5.Do not interrupt the update process
Prevention Tips
Prevent future BSODs with these best practices:
Keep Windows Updated
Enable automatic updates to receive security patches and bug fixes.
Update Drivers Regularly
Check for driver updates monthly, especially for graphics and storage.
Monitor System Temperatures
Use tools like HWMonitor to prevent overheating-related crashes.
Use Quality Hardware
Invest in reliable RAM, SSD, and power supply components.
Avoid Aggressive Overclocking
If overclocking, stress test thoroughly before daily use.
Install Reputable Software
Avoid pirated software and unknown sources that may contain malware.
Create System Restore Points
Before major changes, create restore points for easy rollback.
Regular Maintenance
Run disk cleanup, defragment HDDs, and check for malware regularly.
Get a Genuine Windows 11 License
Running an activated Windows 11 ensures you receive all security updates and have access to full troubleshooting features.