Making Sense of Windows Blue Screens

A blue screen appears when Windows hits a problem it cannot safely continue past. It restarts to protect your data. One-off events happen, but repeated ones deserve attention.

Capture the clue

Take a photo of the screen. The stop code in capital letters, and any file name beneath it, narrows the search a great deal.

Typical causes

• A faulty or outdated driver.
• A recent update or newly installed program.
• Memory or storage problems.
• Overheating.
• Malware.

Work through the fixes

1. Think about what changed. If it began after installing something, remove it.
2. Update drivers from your computer maker or the chip maker.
3. Run Windows Update for patches.
4. Repair system files. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow.
5. Check the drive. Run chkdsk or the drive maker's health tool.
6. Test memory with Windows Memory Diagnostic.
7. Clean dust and check temperatures.
8. Scan for malware.

If Windows will not load

Turn the computer off during start-up three times in a row. Windows then opens its recovery menu, where you can try Startup Repair, System Restore or Safe Mode.

Safe Mode helps

Safe Mode loads only essentials. If the problem disappears there, a driver or program is to blame, which makes it easier to remove.

The last resorts

Back up your files and reset Windows. If errors continue on a fresh installation, suspect failing hardware such as memory, the drive or the motherboard, and have it tested.

This guide is general information, not professional advice. Menus, features and prices change between versions and regions. See our disclaimer.