Windows blue screen (BSOD) or Your device ran into a problem: what to do

A blue screen, also called a BSOD or stop code error, means Windows hit a serious problem and restarted to protect itself. One blue screen that does not come back is often fine after a restart. If it keeps happening, work through these steps in order. Write down the stop code at the bottom of the screen if you can see it, such as MEMORY_MANAGEMENT or DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL, so you have it later.

Steps

1. Let Windows restart on its own the first time. Most blue screens clear after one restart. If the computer boots to the desktop and stays there, you may be done. Save your work and keep going only if it happens again.
2. Write down the stop code and any file name shown on the blue screen. A phone photo of the screen works. You do not need every letter, but the stop code helps when you search later or talk with a helper.
3. Unplug anything you plugged in recently: USB drives, docks, printers, external hard drives, new keyboards or mice. Then restart. New hardware is a common cause of stop code errors. Leave the basics (monitor, keyboard, mouse) connected.
4. Once you are back at the desktop, open Start, then Settings, then Windows Update, and select Check for updates. Install what it finds, including optional driver updates if Windows offers them, then restart when asked.
5. Check free space. Open File Explorer, select This PC, and look at the C drive. Aim for about 10 to 15 percent free. Empty the Recycle Bin and delete large old downloads if the drive is nearly full, then restart.
6. If Windows will not start normally, force it into recovery. Hold the power button for about 10 seconds to turn the PC off. Turn it on, and as soon as you see the Windows logo or spinning dots, hold the power button again to turn it off. Do this two or three times. Windows should open Automatic Repair, then a Choose an option screen.
7. On Choose an option, select Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, then Startup Repair. Let it run and restart. Startup Repair looks for missing or damaged system files and boot problems.
8. If Startup Repair does not fix it, go back to Advanced options and select Startup Settings, then Restart. After the list appears, press 4 or F4 for Safe Mode (or 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking if you need the internet). In Safe Mode, uninstall a program or driver you installed just before the blue screens started.
9. From Safe Mode or a normal desktop, try System Restore if the problem began after a recent change. Press Windows key + R, type rstrui.exe, and press Enter. Or from Advanced options choose System Restore. Pick a restore point from before the trouble. Your personal files stay; newer apps, drivers and updates installed after that point are removed.
10. Right click the Start button, open Device Manager, and look for any device with a yellow exclamation mark. Right click it and choose Update driver. If a driver update does not help, and you added that device recently, try Uninstall device, then restart so Windows can reinstall a basic driver.
11. Never call a phone number from a popup, search ad or email that says your computer has a critical blue screen error and you must pay for a fix. Microsoft does not put support phone numbers on blue screens, and real help will not ask for gift cards or remote access you did not request.

Common questions

What does a blue screen or stop code mean?

It means Windows stopped itself because of a serious software or hardware problem, then tried to restart. One time is common. Repeated blue screens with the same stop code need the steps above.

Will I lose my files after a blue screen?

Usually not. A restart or System Restore keeps your documents and photos. Avoid Reset this PC with Remove everything until you have tried Startup Repair, Safe Mode and System Restore.

How do I get to Startup Repair if Windows will not open?

Turn the PC off and on with the power button two or three times as soon as the Windows logo appears. That opens Automatic Repair and Choose an option, where Troubleshoot, Advanced options, Startup Repair lives.

My computer freezes with Not responding instead of a blue screen. What then?

Wait two minutes. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, select the stuck app, and choose End task. If the whole screen is frozen, hold the power button for about 10 seconds to turn it off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Then check Windows Update and free space like the steps above.

Can Ellis help me with this?

Yes. Ellis can talk you through each step by phone while you sit at your computer, and will never ask for your passwords or bank details. Ellis is an AI assistant, and it will tell you so.

Ellis is an AI tech support assistant from 5 Star Consultants, a division of Adore LLC. Privacy Terms