How to fix a Bluescreen

When you experience a Bluescreen of Death (BSOD) the problem can be an outdated driver or missing update. Or, it can also be an issue with a recently installed application, Windows update or device driver.

Blue screen of death with desktop access

You can make sure your installation of Windows and drivers are up to date by following these steps.

How to check for updates

1. Open Start and then Settings
2. Click on Update & security.
3. Click on Windows Update.
4. Click the Check for updates now button.                                                                     

In the case that you're getting a stop error because of an outdated device driver, you can do the following: 

How to update drivers                                                                                                         

1. Right-Click Start button to open the Power User menu.
2. Click on Device Manager.  
3. Expand the device causing the problem.
   Right-click the device and select Update Driver Software.

Blue screen of death with no desktop access 

Quick Tip: If you can't boot to your desktop, and you recently connected new hardware, such as an external hard drive, secondary monitor, or printer, try to disconnect any unnecessary hardware to see if that fixes the problem.

When this happens, you can use System Restore or Safe mode to troubleshoot and resolve the problem.

How to use System Restore 

If you can't access the desktop, let your computer fail to start at least three times to trigger the automatic repair environment, and then do the following:

1. On the "Choose an option" screen select Troubleshoot.
2. Click on Advanced options.
3. Click on System Restore.
4. After your computer reboots, select your account and sign-in.
5. Click Next.
6. Usually, system restore points are automatically created when you install a new update, driver or app. You can also create a system restore point manually. Select the restore point created before the blue screen appeared
7. Click Next.
8. Click Finish to apply the restore point.

Once you complete these steps, the system restore will remove updates and drivers configured after the restore point was created, which can help to fix the stop error.