Computers · Repair guide

How to fix a blue screen error on Windows

Error messageYour device ran into a problem and needs to restart

10 fixes, easiest first4 min readUpdated November 2026

Quick fix

Note the stop code, unplug any new hardware, then install all Windows updates and driver updates. If the crashes began after an update or new app, uninstall it; if Windows won't start, use the recovery screen to uninstall the latest update or start in safe mode.

What it means

A blue screen (also called a stop code error or BSOD) means Windows hit a problem it could not recover from, so it stopped and restarts to protect your data. On Windows 11 version 24H2 and later the same error appears on a black screen; the message and the stop code shown at the bottom, such as MEMORY_MANAGEMENT, work the same way. Common causes are a bad driver, a recent update, new hardware, damaged system files or failing memory or storage.

Common causes

  • A faulty or outdated driver, often graphics, storage or network
  • A recent Windows update or newly installed program
  • New hardware or a USB device that conflicts with Windows
  • Damaged Windows system files
  • Too little free space on the main drive
  • Faulty memory (RAM) or a failing drive
  • Overheating

How to fix it

Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.

01Write down the stop codeEasy

  1. When the error appears, note the stop code at the bottom of the screen, such as MEMORY_MANAGEMENT or PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA, and any file name shown.
  2. If the PC restarts too fast, select Search, type reliability, open View reliability history and look for a red error on that day.
  3. Select the error and choose View technical details to see more about the crash.
  4. Search the stop code on Microsoft Support, and note whether the same code keeps coming back.

Why it helps: The stop code tells you whether to look at memory, drivers, storage or something else.

02Remove any new hardwareEasy

  1. Shut down the PC.
  2. Unplug any device you added before the crashes started, such as a dock, external drive, webcam or USB adapter.
  3. Turn the PC on and use it normally.
  4. If the blue screens stop, reconnect the device later with its latest driver from the maker's site.

Why it helps: A new device or its driver is one of the most common causes of stop code errors.

03Install Windows updates and driver updatesEasy

  1. Open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates, then install everything and restart.
  2. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates and install any driver updates listed.
  3. On Windows 10: use Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  4. Get the latest graphics driver from your PC maker or the graphics card maker if crashes happen during games or video.

Why it helps: Microsoft and device makers regularly release fixes for drivers that cause crashes.

04Check Device Manager for problem devicesEasy

  1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
  2. Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark.
  3. Right-click the device and choose Update driver, then Search automatically for drivers.
  4. If that doesn't help, right-click it and choose Disable device or Uninstall device, then restart.

Why it helps: A device with a broken driver can crash Windows every time it is used.

05Free up disk spaceEasy

  1. Open Settings > System > Storage.
  2. Select Temporary files, choose what to delete and select Remove files.
  3. Uninstall apps you no longer use from Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
  4. Aim to keep about 10-15% of the main drive free.

Why it helps: Windows needs free space to work and to save crash information; a full drive can make errors worse.

06If it started after an update or new app, undo itMedium

  1. Back up important files first.
  2. New app or driver: uninstall it from Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select More options (...) and choose Uninstall.
  3. Windows update: go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, select the newest update and choose Uninstall.
  4. On Windows 10: use Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates.
  5. Some updates cannot be removed; reinstall security updates once a fix is released.

Why it helps: Crashes that start right after a change are usually caused by that change.

07If Windows won't start, use the recovery screenMedium

  1. Turn the PC on, then hold the power button to switch it off before Windows finishes loading. Do this two times.
  2. On the third start, the Automatic Repair screen should appear. Select Advanced options.
  3. To remove a bad update, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates and select the latest quality update.
  4. Uninstalling an update keeps your personal files, but some updates cannot be removed. If you have a recent backup, keep it handy before changing anything.
  5. To start in safe mode, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, then press 4 or F4 (or 5 or F5 for safe mode with networking).
  6. In safe mode, uninstall the newest app or driver, then restart normally. If you are asked for a BitLocker recovery key, find it in your Microsoft account on another device.

Why it helps: Safe mode and the recovery tools let you remove the cause when the crash happens before you reach the desktop.

08Repair system files and test memoryMedium

  1. Select Search, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
  2. Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth, press Enter and wait for it to finish.
  3. Type sfc /scannow, press Enter and wait until it reaches 100%, then restart.
  4. To test memory, save your work, search for Windows Memory Diagnostic, open it and choose Restart now and check for problems (recommended). After you sign in again, a notification shows the result; it can take a few minutes to appear.
  5. To check the drive, back up important files first, then run chkdsk C: /f in the same admin window and press Y to schedule it at the next restart. The check can take a long time; do not turn the PC off while it runs.

Why it helps: Damaged system files, bad memory and drive errors are common causes of repeat stop codes.

09Run your PC maker's built-in hardware testMedium

  1. If you have a Dell: restart and press F12 repeatedly at the Dell logo, then choose Diagnostics.
  2. If you have an HP: turn the PC off, turn it on and press Esc about once a second, then press F2. Choose System Tests > Fast Test.
  3. If you have a Lenovo ThinkPad: turn it on and press F10 right away to open UEFI Diagnostics. On any Lenovo that still starts Windows, you can instead open the Lenovo Vantage app and choose Hardware scan.
  4. Other brands: check your PC maker's support site for its built-in test.
  5. If a part fails, note the error code or failure ID for the maker's support.

Why it helps: These tests confirm whether memory, the drive or another part is failing and causing the crashes.

10Roll back with System RestoreAdvanced

  1. Warning: System Restore removes apps, drivers and updates installed after the restore point. Back up your files first if you can.
  2. From Windows: press Windows + R, type rstrui.exe and press Enter.
  3. If Windows won't start: on the recovery screen choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
  4. Pick a restore point from before the blue screens began, select Next, then Finish.
  5. If no restore points are listed, this fix is not available on your PC.

Why it helps: It returns system files, drivers and settings to a time before the crashes started, without touching personal files.

Check it's fixed

  • The PC runs for several days of normal use without a blue or black error screen.
  • Reliability Monitor shows no new critical errors.
  • The memory test and the maker's hardware test pass without errors.

When to get help

If the same stop code keeps returning after these fixes, or a hardware test reports a failure, contact the PC maker or a repair shop. Back up your files as soon as possible, since repeat crashes can point to a failing drive.

Questions

Why is my Windows 11 error screen black instead of blue?

Microsoft changed the design in Windows 11 version 24H2 and later, so stop code errors now appear on a black screen. It is the same kind of error and the same fixes apply.

Is a blue screen error serious?

A single blue screen is often a one-off caused by a driver or update. Repeated blue screens, especially with the same stop code, need fixing and can point to failing hardware.

Why did I get a blue screen after a Windows update?

The update may conflict with an older driver or app on your PC. Install any newer updates and drivers first, then uninstall the latest update if the crashes continue.

Will a blue screen delete my files?

Usually not, though anything unsaved at the time of the crash is lost. If crashes happen often, back up your files in case the drive is failing.

Related fixes

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